Pointe de Bellegarde from Samoëns

Depart from the Crêt car park, located along the Route des Allamands. From Samoëns, follow the signs for Les Allamands and go up the Clévieux valley. Cross the stream, pass the Pied du Crêt car park and negotiate a few hairpin bends. You will then find the Crêt car park on the right-hand side of the road.

(S/E) Head south towards Le Crêt and climb gently up to the chalets.

(1) Pass the chalets, climb up the mountainside and cross the beds of two streams. Cross a rocky passage equipped with chains, then pass under the Dalle du Tuet (climbing site).

(2) At the intersection, join the GRP® Tour des Dents Blanches and continue straight ahead (east). Follow a few switchbacks through the forest and climb up the Torrent des Landes valley.

(3) Then turn right to cross the torrent via a footbridge. Next, climb steeply through the forest, taking several hairpin bends. Leave the forest and reach the Refuge de Folly.

(4) Continue east towards the lake and the Col des Chambres and climb up through a wooded area. Continue through open terrain with alternating grassy areas and scree. Pass at the foot of a stele, cross a glacial barrier and reach a small pass with no name.

(5) Descend slightly and follow Lac des Chambres on your right.

(6) At the end of the lake, continue east-northeast and climb up the Combe des Chambres, where snowfields may remain in summer. Climb steadily and less steeply than before to the Col des Chambres.

(7) Then turn right and follow a faint path south-southeast towards the Grand Névé (which is no longer "grand" due to global warming). Then turn left (east-southeast) to reach the clearly visible summit through the lapiaz.

(8) Return via the same route in reverse. Be careful at the intersection (2): continue straight ahead and leave the GRP® trail on your left. This will take you back to the Crêt car park (S/E).

Hiking equipment and footwear are essential. Walking sticks are useful, especially in the event of persistent snowfields in the Combe des Chambres, between (6) and (7).

There is a water source at the Refuge de Folly (4), but it is best to bring plenty of your own.

Allow between 5 and 6 hours of walking time for the ascent to the summit, not including stops.

Alternative route:
It is of course possible to stop at Lac des Chambres, which is located in a superb setting and is a lovely destination in itself. The hiker Fouine informatique provides details of this climb, which is classified as difficult: elevation gain = 1,100 m; ascent time = 3.5 hours; descent time = 2.5 hours.

A detailed map is required (at least the one accompanying this description).

The author has completed this hike twice, the first time on 14 August 1974 and the second on 23 August 1979.

- Charming Lac des Chambres.
- Beautiful high mountain atmosphere away from the lake.
- Superb panorama from the summit.