The Lausfer lakes and the Italian border from Isola 2000

Start at the roundabout at the entrance to the resort.
(S/E) Walk down the road towards the stream, passing a rubbish bin area.

(1) Take a small path on the right that descends alongside the stream towards the cable car station.

(2) Go round the back of the cable car, cross the bridge, go over to the other side of the stream and head down towards the Valette chairlift station. Once at the chairlift, join the D92.

(3) Head down towards the village of Isola, following the road.

(4) At the signpost “Isola attention au vélo”, take the track on the right. Pass the path leading to the picnic area on your left, cross a small bridge and continue downhill. Pass an old barracks on your left.

(5) Take a small path on the right, pass the Oratoire Sainte-Anne and begin the climb towards the Col du Pas de Saint-Anne (yellow markings).

(6) At the pass (marker 78), turn left and take the track uphill towards the Col de Lausfer. Reach the pass.

(7) Retrace your steps back to the Col du Pas de Sainte-Anne.

(6) Go straight on and follow the track downhill to reach a small lake.

(8) At the signpost, take a small path on the right towards Cime de Moravachére and Col de la Lombarde (red and white markings).

(9) At the Col de la Cime de Moravachére, follow the red and white markings towards the Col de la Lombarde (you can see the buildings in the distance).

(10) Pass Tête Grosse du Cheval (2331m) and reach the pass (marker 100).

(11) Turn right, follow the road for 20m then leave it to take a small unmarked path on the right which cuts across the road’s hairpin bends and runs alongside the ski run. Cross the road three times then rejoin it.

(12) End of the small path: head down towards the resort along the road and continue to a large hairpin bend on the right.

(13) About 200m further on, turn left at the hairpin bend onto a small road to return to the roundabout at the start (S/E).

Good walking shoes are recommended.
The estimated time of 9 hours 40 minutes is for a fairly brisk walk; there is a steep climb of 566 metres with fairly steep switchbacks, so this time does not allow for long breaks to admire the scenery.

(5) Stop at the Oratoire Saint-Anne near the old barracks and take a round trip to see the three forts.

(6) At the Pas de Saint-Anne, 200m before the pass, there are more fortifications and a view of the valley sloping down towards Isola. Crossing the pass is the most challenging part of this hike; a chain handrail is a great help.
After crossing the pass, there are views of the valley and the Italian mountains, as well as a view of Saint-Anne Monastery.

(7) At the Col de Lausfer, views of the three lakes: the brave can descend to the lakes but be warned, you’ll have to climb back up. There’s also a view of an impressive number of barracks and casemates.

(8) A very beautiful little mountain lake.

Between points (8) and (11), walk along the ridges on the Italian side, with views over the valley.

(11) At the Col de la Lombarde, there is a possible detour to visit the fort: walk down the road for 100m, then take the path on the right for a round trip.