Start on foot from the Couvent car park (868m), clearly signposted on the Bellevaux forest road from École (in Bauges).
(S/E) Take the tarmac road closed to traffic (south-west direction), Notre-Dame de Bellevaux Chapel well signposted, Mont d'Armenaz also signposted (4h55), follow the yellow-red markings throughout the climb.
At the end of the road, turn left (south-west) onto a good forest track, which climbs gently to the Notre-Dame de Bellevaux Chapel.
(1) Still in the shade, continue along the well-marked track, which after a few hairpin bends joins a larger track (there is a water source here, although it is not very useful given the proximity to the start). Open section (south-west). At the end of the meadow (1310m), the track becomes a path and the slope becomes much steeper.
(2) At the next fork, turn left, Mont D'Armenaz is still very well signposted (to the right is the direction of Col de l'Arclusaz). Take a sharp left turn (1348m), the path winds and leaves the woods behind, fairly steep, heading west to the plateau and meadow (1640m) near the Chalet des Gardes (on your right).
On your left, you will see the two peaks, the pass between them, the path winding along the steep slope and the herds of heifers present at this time of year (summer).
(3) Take the path that climbs up to the pass, winding along the steep slope (north-north-west). You will be accompanied by numerous chamois, which are not far away despite the presence of the herds. This allows you to take a break.
(4) Once you reach the pass (2010m), turn right (south-east) onto the easy path along the ridge, at the intersection on the left, which will take you to Mont d'Armenaz (2158m).
(5) Descend via the same route to the pass.
(4) Continue straight ahead (north-west) towards Mont Pécloz. The path is easily visible, with a few yellow paint marks on the ground. The climb is steep and there are a few sections where you will need to use your hands, but it is not that difficult.
You will quickly reach the summit of Mont Pécloz (2,197 m) and its cross (radio relay and sign) with a superb 360° view of the Alps. Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy during my trip.
(6) To descend, follow the ridge (south-west) along the clearly visible path. This is where you reach the steep, exposed descent (ski spot) (north-west), with a few sections requiring the use of your hands for safety (this section can be difficult and even risky in wet weather). The path is not marked but is relatively visible, having been trodden by hikers.
Descend to Varapet, the entrance to the woods (1633m). The path then winds through the woods (north-west), with a moderate slope allowing you to jog all the way.
(7) At Replats d'en haut, you will come across a track; continue straight ahead along the trail.
You will reach the Sentier Découverte de Bellevaux track. Turn right. There are two hairpin bends on the track, then the path branches off to the left, indicated by a sign.
(8) You will then reach the tarmac road to the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Bellevaux, which you took on the way there. Turn right and you will soon reach the car park (S/E).


