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Start from the large alpine chalet at Le Sciard, which is located outside a hairpin bend to the left (when going uphill) on the narrow and steep forest road of La Buchille. This road starts in the hamlet of Les Bossons, shortly before the village of Bellevaux when coming from Thonon-les-Bains via the D26. Park at the side of the road or on the edge of the track that starts here, taking care not to obstruct traffic.
Signposts are located at the main intersections (but not all) and at the top of the Pointe d'Ireuse.
No signposts
(S/E) A sign indicates Pointe d'Ireuse continuing along the forest road, but this is not the route suggested here. Head east and take the stony track closed to traffic towards Le Viret. Enter the forest quickly and climb steadily.
(1) At an open spot (signpost surrounded by tall grass), continue straight ahead on the track (ignore the path that climbs to the left, which will be the way back). Descend for about 400 metres horizontally.
Yellow markings (arrows and wide dashes)
(2) At the boundary between forest plots nos. 8 and 9 (wooden sign with nothing written on it), take the path opposite that starts at the foot of the tree marked no. 8 (let the track turn right).
(3) Shortly afterwards, turn left (arrow clearly visible on a tree). Then climb steeply under the spruce trees. Next, bear right (south-west) and make a long traverse on a slight incline. The slope finally levels out and the trail becomes rocky (passage with a handrail). Follow a few switchbacks, go through a mountain turnstile and reach the site of Nifflon d'en bas (chalets high up on the right).
(4) Then turn sharply left towards Nifflon d'en haut. Climb back up into the forest. Pass through an alpine gate (close it behind you). Cross a small clearing and continue climbing through the forest.
(5) At an intersection (not shown on the IGN map), pass a small shelter on your right and turn slightly left onto a grassy path (marker on the ground). Continue climbing gently, then follow a few switchbacks to reach the site of Nifflon d'en haut (chalets and small chapel below on the right).
(6) Then turn left towards Pointe d'Ireuse, whose summit is visible to the north-northeast. Descend slightly, then climb back up a well-marked path where the rock is exposed. Cross a grassy area and turn right to follow the edge of a small valley. Then turn left and climb a nameless small pass between two hillocks. From there, quickly reach the clearly visible summit opposite (cairn).
(7) Descend on the other side towards the Chalets de la Buchille. The slope is moderate at first but quickly becomes steep on the crest of a rounded ridge. After a short shaded section, continue descending, zigzagging between small rocks. You will arrive at a pass that is not marked on the map but is known locally as Golet de la Chaux.
Without signposts
(8) Turn left and descend a small valley on a faint path surrounded by grass. Enter the forest where the path is better marked but steeper. Follow a few switchbacks and watch out for the steep drops on the right (view of the Chalets de La Buchille). Reach a crossroads at a place called Crève-Coeur.
(9) Then follow the path to the left towards Le Sciard on a faint trail (not shown on the IGN map). After a few gentle bends, make a long descent to the south-west, initially on a slight slope on a narrow path surrounded by grass, then on a steeper slope and a wider path. Take a hairpin bend to the right along this path and you will come to the junction you passed on the way up.
(1) Then follow the stony track to the right and descend easily to Le Sciard (S/E).
Visorando member
Tourist office
Difficult 
Easy 
