Nant Fourchu stream car park – Chalets de l’Eau Froide

Park at the stream car park, or just before the ford leading up to it (a few spaces available).

(S) Follow the signs for the Col d’Orgeval. Head for the Chalets d’Orgeval.

(1) Continue uphill to reach the Col d’Orgeval.

(2) Head downhill, staying on the GRP® trail, until you reach the ONF shelter at Bonverdan.

(3) Carry on until you reach a path junction.

(4) Keep to the right, descend via a few hairpin bends to reach another path junction with a fountain where you can top up your water supplies.

(5) Turn left and follow the yellow and red markings to reach the Sarve Lodge.

(6) Here you have two options:
- turn left onto the path leading to the Pointe de Velan, then head down to the Chalets de l’Eau Froide (E),
- continue to the right along the GRP® – this is the route shown on the map – to reach the ONF Chalet des Barbus.

(7) Turn left and follow the GRP® to reach the Chalets de l’Eau Froide (E).

(1) Note: there are no public shelters or accommodation options at the Chalets d’Orgeval, which are privately owned.
(3) The ONF shelter at Bonverdan is open and has a table and 2–3 basic sleeping places (no water).
(7) The ONF Chalet des Barbus has a lovely fountain but is closed and fenced off as it is situated in the middle of a mountain pasture. There is another self-service drinking trough a little further on, towards the Chalets de l’Eau Froide.
(E) Chalets de l’Eau Froide: here you’ll find water, drinks and Tome cheese offered by the shepherd, and a building to take shelter in (as well as camping pitches; camping is permitted here).

Overnight accommodation at the end of the stage: for greater comfort, spend the night at the (6) Gîte de la Sarve or Gîte de la Servaz (booking required).
(E) For wild camping, the area around the Chalet des Barbus, the Chalets de l’Eau Froide and as far north as the Plan de France is outside the restricted zone and offers some good spots. Check with the shepherd regarding the herds and sheepdogs, but in any case, the Chalets de l’Eau Froide have a suitable campsite available.