The route starts from Champagny le Haut, Vanoise. Park in the large car park next to the cross-country ski hut.
(S/E) Walk through the hamlet towards the Écomusée; on your left, look for a small lane (signposted) which leads to the bottom of a steep meadow (fence). Head up the slope (north), following the various tracks as best you can, until you come to a forest track which you follow up to the left.
You will soon come to a fork on the right (signposted) which you take, leaving the track. You are now on the path. Follow it easily to the Lécheron mountain pasture.
(1) Continue to the Froide Fontaine hut.
(2) Look out to the east, in the valley, for a small path which you should follow to a small, unnamed lake.
(3) The trail disappears from the lake but the general route is easy to find. Head north-east towards the Golet de la Valaisonnay, which lies between the Pointe des Chardes and the summit of the Bechi Rouge. There are no tricky sections; the slopes are gentle and, if you keep an eye out, you’ll find old tracks. Otherwise, follow your bearing, making your way as best you can between the grassy slopes and the scree. Reach the Golet.
(4) Climb to the Pointe des Chardes (south-east), which is just a stone’s throw from the Golet. There isn’t really a path, but follow the ridge and you’ll be fine. It is not uncommon to disturb a whole herd of mouflons in this wild area. For my part, I must have counted about fifteen that day. If there are several of you, it is best to stay together, because of the rockfalls you might trigger.
(5) Here we are at the summit, where the view is remarkable: Dôme de Bellecote, Dôme de la Sache, la Grande Casse, Pointe du Vallonnet, the Grand Bec de Pralognan. Descend back to Le Golet via the same route.
(4) Head east, then north: there isn’t really a path, but there are numerous tracks which you follow as best you can to reach the bottom of the valley (2,650 m). Follow the valley floor eastwards, cross the Ruisseau de Plaisance and climb up the opposite side to reach a small marshy area.
(6) From here, rejoin the path (cairn) and follow the stream, first on the left bank, then at around 2,780 m, cross it to follow the right bank whilst staying on the path. The stream can be crossed at different points depending on the season (snow or stream erosion). Follow the path to the Plaisance refuge, where you can stop for a snack.
(7) From the refuge, follow the summer path, which is well-marked and leads down into the valley to a place called Le Laisonnay d’en Haut. When you reach a large car park, take the tarmac road on the right to head down towards Champagny le Haut. Pass through Le Laisonnay d’en Bas, then cross the stream.
(8) Please note: just after the bridge, make sure you leave the road and take the path on the right which leads directly to Champagny le Haut. If you miss it, it’s not a big deal, but you’ll have to walk for an hour along the tarmac road.
(9) At the hamlet of Friburge, the path crosses the stream, which you then follow along its right bank. Keep as close to the stream as possible and you’ll reach Champagny le Haut (S/E).

