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Park in the Laisonnay d'en bas car park, at the end of the road open to public traffic.
(S/E) Head to the Refuge du Laisonnay and the dyke, which was reinforced two or three years ago following heavy rainfall that severely damaged the area.
(1) From the refuge, continue straight ahead, crossing the Doron de Champagny via the footbridge that appears after reaching the top of the dyke.
Do not be put off by the "dead end" sign. Continue along the path that leads to Plan du Pré. Once you have passed Plan du Pré, the path becomes steeper and narrower.
(2) This point marks the start of the old path (not visible) that led to the summit of La Sauvire (2,696 m) just above you. It is a simple reminder of a time that younger people cannot remember.
Cross the Darbesset stream, the first significant stream to cross on this hike. As always, look for the easiest, least risky crossing point.
Continue along the trail and then off-trail, crossing several streams or branches of streams without trying to gain altitude. Stay below 2300m in a south-easterly direction that curves eastwards, in an open area. Your landmark is the path that can be seen from a distance and which begins after passing the Tougne stream. Don't forget to look up to enjoy the views above you (glaciers, peaks and needles) and on the other side of the valley (including the summit of Bellecôte and, below, between the valley floor and the summit of Bellecôte, the Refuge de Plaisance).
(3) Continue along the path that follows a contour line. Pass a memorial stone in memory of someone who died in an accident in the mountains. Begin the descent through vegetation that becomes denser, barely allowing you to see the path at times.
(4) You crossed the Doron de Champagny at the start of the hike to reach the left bank. Now, cross the footbridge to return to the right bank. At Le Grand Chalet, join the road that leads to the Refuge de la Glière.
(5) Continue along the road until you reach the next signpost.
(6) At the sign, take the path on the left below the road towards Laisonnay.
(7) When you return to the road, keep left for a few metres.
Leave the road and take a path that cuts across several bends. Alternatively, you can continue along the road. Either way, continue along the road, with the option of cutting across two more bends.
At the refuge, leave the road and turn left for a stop at the Refuge du Laisonnay.
(1) Take the route you took at the start of the hike to return to the Laisonnay d'en bas car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Very difficult 
Moderate 
