Les Balcons du Morel, starting from Valmorel

Park in the hamlet of Fontaine, at the foot of the blocks of flats, as close as possible to the start of the Lanchettes chairlift.

(S/E) Head towards the chairlift, then turn left onto the alpine track which climbs gently above the chalets of Fontaine.

(1) Turn left at Montolivet. Continue across the pastures to the Plateau du Biard (1,565 m), where you’ll find the hike’s most stunning panorama, with views of Mont Blanc. Join an alpine track.

(2) Turn right to pass the Celliers cable car station. Follow the track downhill. Pass Les Charmettes and continue to the left, staying on the alpine track.

(3) At the ski lift departure points, take the track on the left which winds through the trees to rejoin the alpine track about 500 metres further on.

(4) At this junction, head straight into the forest via a small path on your left. This path is also used by mountain bikers, so please be careful. Once you reach a timber storage area, carry on straight ahead, veering slightly to the left to follow the track. Continue along the path towards Doucy, where it joins a forest track.

(5) Follow this for about 200 metres before heading back into the forest along the path on the left. You’ll reach a junction at the edge of the forest.

(6) Leave the forest completely, cross the track and take the path on the left which goes round the Doucy swimming pool. Follow the tarmac path and, once back on the road, turn left to head back into the resort.

(7) Just before the Combelouvière chairlift departure station, turn right and walk past the Tourist Office. Then turn right onto the main road until you reach the hairpin bend. Head straight ahead, then turn left opposite Les Terrasses du Morel. Continue straight on, passing through the hamlet of Les Granges du Villaret before reaching a three-way junction at the edge of the forest.

(8) Take the path that continues to the right. 150 metres further on, stay on the left-hand branch and continue straight on without taking any turnings.

(9) At La Gorgette, take the road on the left for a few metres before continuing along the path on the left. Pass through the hamlet of Le Meiller, keeping straight on all the way to the exit.

(10) Cross the stream and continue along the path until you reach the road. Turn left onto this road to pass through the hamlet of Lancheverne, keeping to the right. Finally, continue straight ahead along the path to reach the Lanchettes chairlift (S/E).

Please note that some sections of the trail are also mountain bike tracks, particularly as you approach the Biard Plateau and in the Crête de Doucy forest.

(2) The Biard Plateau with views of Mont Blanc and the Lauzière Massif.
(7) Doucy resort, where you can stop for a bite to eat.
(10) Le Meiller and Lancheverne, typical villages in the valley.