The Cols de Boulc and Varaime and Bois Noir loop starting from Les Tatins

Departure from a small car park located at the eastern exit of the hamlet of Les Tatins (see practical information section for more details).

(S/E) From the small car park, go back 25 metres and take a gravel track on the right. It follows a small ridge, offering views of the hamlet of Les Tatins and the Crête de l'Estellier, or of the Varaime and Baume Rousse mountains. Join an unpaved forest track.

(1) Follow it to the left and climb gently and comfortably between woods and meadows to the Col de Boulc (beautiful viewpoint).

(2) Then turn right and, after about 50 metres, turn left and go through a gate. Continue climbing: the landscape changes as the exposure changes; fir and beech trees are present for a few hundred metres.

(3) After about 400 m, turn right and cross a sunny slope: you will find pine trees and more open landscapes. Pass the sign for "Forêt Domaniale du Jocou". Then pass under cliffs and large scree slopes that mark the landscape (without affecting the ease of the route) and arrive at Col Varaime.

(4) Turn left (south-east) and, after about 100 metres, you will reach a viewpoint over the mountain cirque of Souvestrière and Bonneval.

(5) Retrace your steps back to the pass.

(4) Take the path that descends opposite through the woods (GR®95, red and white markings). Pass through a clearing and approach a stream.

(6) Ford the stream at a regularly mowed meadow. Continue north-west to the first houses of the hamlet of Bois Noir (new houses of modern architecture, old houses renovated or converted).

(7) Continue on the paved road that leads to the hamlet. It is bordered on the right by a small reservoir where trout are farmed (now closed to walkers), then passes through a wetland area where reeds, willows and ash trees grow; downstream, admire the meadows, which are well maintained by farmers.

(8) Ignore a turn-off on the right and continue west to the car park (S/E).

To return to the starting point at the exit of Les Tatins, coming from Chatillon, head towards Glandage, Col de Grimone. Turn right towards Boulc as soon as you exit the first tunnel. Take the long tunnel designed to protect the road from rockfalls and landslides, and continue straight ahead. When you reach the first houses in the village, turn left onto the narrow road that climbs up towards the mountains. Pass the hamlet of Les Avondons and further on, cross the hamlet of Les Tatins. As you leave, park in the small car park on the right.

Take the time to explore the hamlet of Les Tatins, particularly its small temple, and further down, on your way back, the site of Les Avondons.