Pointe Tierce from Bessans

The route starts in Bessans, in Haute Maurienne, from the car park situated at an altitude of 1,740 m, slightly upstream of the Pont du Ribon.

(D)A) From the car park, head south-west along the track that runs alongside the Vallon du Ribon.

(1) Pass close to the Oratoire Saint-Antoine andcontinue for about 450 m until you reach a fork in the track, signposted at an altitude of 1,956 m.

(2) Turn left to reach the Oratoire Sainte-Anne, which overlooks the track. A sign indicates‘Chapelle de Tierce – aerial path’ and gives an estimated walking time of 3 hours 30 minutes.The path climbs initially through the forest before crossing the mountain pastures. A long diagonal ascent gradually leads towards the ridgeas the landscape becomes more rocky.

(3) A section equipped with a handrail allows you to cross a small rocky outcrop before reaching the ridge at an elevation of 2,902.

(4) Continue to the left, due north, along the ridge to the summit of the Pointe de Tierce, marked by a chapel.The chapel is accessible and can be visited.

(5) Retrace your steps to the fork you passed earlier at the 2902 mark.

(4) Head down to the left towards the Avérole valley. Begin the very steep descent leading to the Torrent d’Avérole.

(6) Turn left to follow the stream. 

(7) Turn left to follow the path uphill. 

(8) Cut across a forest track and continue straight ahead. You’ll reach a junction at the edge of the forest.

(9) Turn left towards the biathlon stadium and walk past the shooting range. 

(10) Turn left onto the path which leads into the forest, then veers sharply to the right and leads straight to the car park (S/E).