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Introduction: see the practical information for the starting point.
(S/E) From the car park, take the yellow-marked path which follows the Torrent des Pertusets up the right bank towards Le Faï, to the north-west.
(1) At the sign for Le Faï, continue to follow the yellow markings along the stream, in the same direction, towards Le Fouzéou. The poorly marked path crosses the stream at around 1,400 metres and heads due east to reach Le Fouzéou.
(2) At the Le Fouzéou signpost, turn left onto the track suitable for vehicles heading towards the Vallon des Narrites (north-west). The track passes the Fontaine de l’Adroit (signposted), veering slightly to the left there, heading west-north-west. Take the right-hand fork at the first junction after the fountain, heading due north for a few hundred metres. The track then veers left, heading due west, climbing straight up the slope in the middle of the Vallon des Narrites.
At around 1,700 m, the track disappears but the obvious route (due west through the middle of the valley) is marked by a few cairns. Two tiny rocky outcrops are easily bypassed before reaching a vast plateau at around 2,000 m. From this plateau, a pass to the north-west is clearly visible; see this reference photo. Climb the ridge heading north and the base of the pass marked at 2,246 m on the IGN topographical map.
The stone steps leading over the pass are on the right-hand side of the pass and are far less difficult than they appear.
(3) At the 2,246 m pass, turn left due west to follow the shoulder and then the ridge leading to the summit. The slope becomes a little steeper, but the ridge is easy to walk on and poses no danger. You will reach the summit this way.
(4) From the summit, descend the south ridge and take the opportunity to explore the limestone formations of the Pras d’Oriol (see photo). When the ridge becomes difficult to walk on, descend straight down the south-east face of the Tête de l’Aupet. At around 2,380 m, head south again to quickly reach the gentler slopes of the Grépoux, and head for the pass between the Butte des Prêtres and the Tête d’Oriol. Cross this area – taking care if there is still snow – which is dotted with karstic caves.
(5) After the karstic caves, continue the descent south-south-east down the steep slopes below the Demoiselle (see photo) to reach the valley floor of the Vallon de Truchière.
Follow this valley due east. As you pass, look out on the right (south) for a beautiful arch forming at the foot of the Crête de l’Étoile, as well as the Baume Méanne at the narrows marking the exit from the Vallon de Truchière.
Shortly after this narrow pass, you’ll reach a damp, level area with a peat bog.
(6) At the peat bog, turn sharply left towards the east-north-east to descend a path with very few cairns that winds through the scrub. Make sure you spot the next cairn each time you pass one. The path joins a track suitable for vehicles.
(7) Follow this track, marked with yellow lines, downwards until you reach the Fouzéou signpost.
(2) At this point, turn right towards Le Faï to retrace your steps and return to the starting point (S/E).
Whether you use paper or your phone isn't that important (except that paper has a much higher carbon footprint since you have to use a computer to print it out anyway)
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