Pointe d'Orsière loop via the Passage du Freu from Gutary

Start the route from the Route de l'Aiguille (Manigod) at a place called La Gutary, near a bridge.

(S/E) Follow a path leading to the Rivière du Fier below (towards Pointe d'Orsière).

(1) After crossing a bridge, continue left on the path towards La Joux and Aulp Marlens, following the riverbed.

(2) At an intersection, take the path on the right, which climbs steeply. Further on, you will rejoin the riverbed at the car park below the Aiguille on the other side.

(3) Keep right on the trail to begin a steep climb. You will reach an intersection.

(4) Continue straight ahead on the forest track towards Lac Charvin and Aulp Marlens.

(5) At a small chalet, follow a path on the left which rejoins the track further up (you can of course continue on the track on the right via the signposted route). You will reach a junction.

(6) Follow the path on the right towards Passage du Freu. Please note that this section is exposed and the path is fairly narrow in places. Cables and ropes have been installed to secure the route at the top of this section.

(7) Head right, then left towards the Chalets du Freu for a quick break. Retrace your steps a little, then continue left uphill to follow the route. Reach a high point close to the summit of Riondaz.

(8) Continue downhill, then uphill. Reach the Pointe d'Orsière and enjoy the beautiful views.

(9) Continue straight ahead for a descent. Approach the Chalet du Macheux.

(10) Keep left on the carriage road. Further down, pass the Chalet du Crêt Veyrat before reaching an intersection.

(11) Keep left towards the Pont de la Gutary via Les Charmettes.

(12) Continue straight ahead at the intersection.

(13) After a short while, when you reach a path, continue left. You will quickly reach the place called Les Charmettes.

(14) Continue along the path on the right and, not far ahead, go around the Chalet de la Tête on the right and follow a path that is moderately marked at the start. After a descent, approach a house near the place called La Louvatière.

(15) Continue along the path.

(16) At La Vignière, keep right and make a short detour to the Burgeat waterfall (you can also avoid this spot by continuing straight ahead).

(17) Retrace your steps back to the path.

(16) Continue right until you reach an intersection: cross the bridge, pass a few houses, and then follow the road to the right to quickly return to the car park (S/E).

The starting point can be viewed on Google Maps (aerial view): click here.

Good walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended.

Please take your rubbish with you; nature will thank you for it.

Alternative routes:

• from the starting point at Pont de la Gutary (S/E): follow the road to the Sous l'Aiguille car park, then continue along the forest track until you join the route at point (4). Follow this route if the route along the left bank of the Fier is closed due to forestry work.
• From Crêt Veyrat (point (11): continue straight ahead towards Belfort, then further down take the Chemin du Banc. Please note that the slopes are generally quite steep and the ground can be slippery.

Below is a detailed difficulty rating for each section (the route is not uniform):
- Green: fairly easy with no significant elevation or difficulty.
- Blue: steeper slopes and/or elevation changes on a well-marked route.
- Orange: route with some technical difficulties and/or poor route conditions (markings or visibility of the path).
- Red: difficult route due to significant elevation changes that may require some climbing, in an environment with some hazards.

From (S/E) to (2): Blue difficulty
Follow a path with no significant elevation changes.
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (2) to (3): difficulty: blue
There is a steep climb of about 100 metres. The rest of the route is relatively easy.
Signposting: yellow arrows.

From (3) to (4): difficulty: Blue
After a steep climb, the route then continues on a fairly gentle slope.
Signposting: yellow arrows

From (4) to (5): difficulty: blue
Follow a forest track over a few steep slopes.
Signposting: yellow arrows + signposts.

From (5) to (6): difficulty: Blue
A pleasant trail continues before rejoining the forest track.
Signposting: yellow arrows + signposts.

From (6) to (7): Orange difficulty
This is a relatively short section requiring a little attention: after an uphill section, the path continues on a gentle slope via a trail that is narrow at times and exposed to the potential risk of rock falls and steep slopes. The slope then rises again with a few switchbacks where cables and ropes secure the access.
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (7) to (10): difficulty: blue
The route is relatively easy, with a trail that winds up and down through alpine pastures.
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (10) to (14): Green difficulty
For a short while, you follow a track suitable for vehicles without encountering any difficulties.
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (14) to (15): difficulty: blue
First, follow a road until you reach the Chalet de la Tête. After going around the building on the right, continue on a path that is not very clear at first but then continues on steeper slopes.
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (15) to (16): Green difficulty
The route follows a fairly easy track.
Signposting: yellow arrows + signposts.

From (16) to (17): difficulty: blue
The trail is fairly easy for the first few metres. After the sign, go around a rock on the left and then immediately follow a path on the right that is a little less visible, leading to the waterfall.
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (16) to (S/E): Green difficulty
A carriageway is followed without difficulty.
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.