Pointe de Combe Bénite circular from the hamlet of Thiabord

Unlike the winter version of this circular (which starts from the village of Granier), the summer hiking version follows a road suitable for vehicles, making it possible to reach the hamlet of Thiabord. Leave your car at the entrance to the hamlet of Thiabord-d'en-bas.

(S/E) Walk to the hamlet of Thiabord-d'en-haut, about 100 m west of the car park, then head south-west to the hamlet of Pra Spa.

(1) Continue along the path that goes around the south side of Roche à Thomas and passes by Lac de Guio.

(2) The path then heads due north and easily reaches an intermediate summit marked "anté-cime de la Pointe de Combe Bénite" at an altitude of 2,513 metres.

(3) Still in sight, the path continues north towards the highest point of this circular, Pointe de Combe Bénite at an altitude of 2,575 metres. This is an opportunity to take in the entire panorama, sweeping across the north of the Vanoise massif (Bellecote) and Mont Blanc.

(4) The path then heads due west, then north-west, along the ridge (this is the most exposed part of the circular route), and joins the Col de Corne Noire at an altitude of 2,413 metres.

(5) The trail then leaves the ridge line, heading north, leaving Crêt du Retz on the left, then Crête de la Raisse on the right.

(6) (At this junction, you can optionally take a detour downhill towards the Refuge de la Coire. In this case, return by the same route to this junction (adding 200 m of elevation gain).) Head south again, passing to the other side of the Crête de la Raisse.

(7) At the fork (elevation 2164), ignore the path on the left that descends towards the road and turn right. Pass by Lac de Pouprezaz and climb slightly towards a small pass, which is clearly visible.

(8) From the small, unnamed pass, the trail descends, leaving the Crête du Gros Rioux on your right.

(9) Lac des Vacherins.

(10) At Ruisseau du Nant du Gargot, leave the path on the left that descends towards the hamlet of Verraret and follow the signs to the hamlet of Thiabord. This is the last small climb to reach the final ridge before the final descent to the hamlet of Thiabord and the car park (S/E).

No water points or shelters (unless you make a detour via the Coire Refuge).
The descent between Pointe de Combe Bénite and Col de Corne Noire is the most exposed and aerial part.
Most of the elevation gain is in the first part, up to Pointe de Combe Bénite. However, the second part of the circular route has a few false flats and alternating small ascents and descents.

This circular dominates the landscape with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains (Vanoise, Mont Blanc), as well as some of the peaks of the Beaufortin Massif.
It should be noted that the Pierra Menta, often dominant in the Beaufortin hikes, is often hidden and only shows itself in a few gaps below Pointe de Pierre Bénite. Similarly, Lac de Saint-Guérin is visible at one point, below Col de Corne Noire.