Flat ground and Charlanoz chalet in Les Houches

Park in one of the car parks at Parc Merlet. The car parks can be quite full in summer, but you should still be able to find a space if you are travelling by car (otherwise, free shuttles run between Les Houches train station and Parc Merlet, with two shuttles per hour in summer from 9.40am). The trail to the Aiguillette des Houches is well signposted from the car park.

(S/E) Climb steadily up a winding path through the forest, following the signs for Aiguillette des Houches. You will often walk alongside the fence of the Merlet animal park. Continue through the forest until you reach the Chalets de Chailloux.

(1) Continue until you reach a spring at a bend in the path.

(2) Take the opportunity to fill up with water as there will be none before the descent from the Aiguillette des Houches and continue the climb through the mountain pastures. A good bivouac site, without water, is located near the trail at an altitude of 2,100 metres. The last switchbacks before reaching the summit of the Aiguillette des Houches are quite steep, but fortunately the climb is not long.

(3) Arrival at the summit of the Aiguillette des Houches (2,285 m). Beautiful view of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges massif.
Head towards the Bellachat refuge by taking the path that descends slightly into the valley towards the east.
Note: it is also possible to reach the Bellachat refuge via the ridge path.

(4) Pass by some small lakes. The path is mostly flat until you reach the Bellachat refuge.

(5) Arrival near the refuge Please note that there is no water at the refuge (summer 2019) and very few places to camp.
Head towards Brévent via the Grand Balcon Sud trail, which is well signposted.
The climb to Brévent is quite steep but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif.

(6) Descend a wide track to Planpraz. Return to the Col du Brévent.

(7) Continue south-east and follow a few hairpin bends to reach Planpraz.

(8) Behind the building, take a well-marked path along the ridge towards La Flégère. You will reach a fairly exposed section.

(9) Cross this well-equipped area with cables, steps and railings. Reach the Col Cornu chairlift.

(10) Pass under this chairlift and continue along the balcony path to reach the Charlanoz chalet (E), where it is possible to bivouac without difficulty.

The bivouac can bebooked here.

Magnificent view of the Mont Blanc massif