Circuit of the Pointe d’Areu

The starting point is the Plan Chevalier car park.

(S/E) Cross the access road to take the path towards Doran via Les Planes, as indicated on the sign. The climb is straightforward, with a few steep sections. You’ll arrive at a place called Les Planes.

(1) Turn sharply right, cross another small car park and continue straight on along the track reserved for 4x4 vehicles. After a series of hairpin bends, you’ll reach the Doran refuge and chalets.

(2) Carry on straight ahead towards the Arête des Saix, the Col de Doran and the Col de la Forclaz. Cross the Torrent de Dière, keeping slightly to the right. After a short climb, you’ll reach a junction where the direction to the Col de la Forclaz is signposted (3 hrs). Walk a few metres to reach a fork in the track.

(3) Turn left towards the Col de la Forclaz. The grassy ascent poses no problems (go straight on), but higher up, the^first difficulty is encountered on the scree slope. At this point, you should continue straight on, keeping as close to the centre of the valley as possible, where some tracks are visible, in order to minimise potential exposure to rockfalls as much as possible.

Gradually, the slope becomes very steep, with a few difficult and arduous sections through the scree.
Much higher up, near the pass, head to the right (black ‘K’ marker on a white background), then continue towards the pass; a cable should make it easier to reach the pass over the final few metres.

(4) Once you reach the Col de la Forclaz, continue to the right on a gentle ascent towards the ridge, keeping an eye out for another ‘K’ marker. Head straight ahead towards a small peak visible below.

(5) The Tête du Château is a lovely spot: feel free to take a short detour.
Continue along a path following the ridge northwards.

(6) At Champ Fleuri, carry on straight ahead, leaving the path: about 50 metres further on, head to the right to avoid a small cliff visible opposite and to the left, then continue for a short while along the ridge (a track is visible at the start of this section) until you reach a path (^GR® 96).

(7) Follow it to the right. Not far on, you’ll reach the Chalets de Chérente. Watch out for herds (and dogs).
Carry on along the moderately visible path (including the signposting) heading south.

(8) Turn left, following the red-and-white markings towards the bottom of the valley, heading towards a rather impressive cliff.

(9) A warning sign indicates that you are about to reach a tricky section: this is the Passage du Saix, which winds its way along the cliff face, aided by a cable.

Be extremely careful on this long stretch – there’s no room for a misstep. Take your time.

The route then becomes much easier as you descend towards the chalets at Mont Ferron.

(10) Turn right onto the path towards Doron, heading uphill. Not far on, the path turns into a track which crosses a wider path twice before eventually rejoining it, climbing to an altitude of around 1,500 metres: take care to stay on course at times.

(11) The path now continues with little change in elevation and reaches the Saix Noir, which involves crossing a ravine secured by a few cables. Continue to the junction with the path you took on the way there.

(3) Keep left to reach the Doran mountain hut.

(2) Ignore the path leading uphill and head straight on along the path towards Outredière and Plan Chevalier (via the Gypaète path). When you reach another path, turn left towards the stream.

(12) Cross the footbridge and head down to the meadows of Outredière, where you’ll join a good path.

(13) Continue down to the hamlet of Outredière.

(14) Follow the small road leading to the Plan Chevalier car park (S/E).

NB: it is also possible to return to the car park by following a path which starts just past Outredière, as indicated by a sign.

Good walking boots are recommended.

Take your rubbish away with you… and nature will thank you for it.

Be aware of late snow, which can linger well into the season.

The route is generally in good condition as far as the Doran huts (signs at regular intervals).

Beyond that, the route to the Col de la Forclaz is rather tricky: stick to the middle of the valley and head in a straight line. Watch out for potential rockfalls (take care).
Towards the top of the route, head to the right (but not too early) following the ‘K’ markings; these are then visible at regular intervals. A cable should then help you reach the pass more easily.

Shortly after the Col de la Forclaz, navigation should not pose any problems on a fairly easy route all the way to the Col de La Gueule à Vent.

Navigation may then become tricky after this pass on a route following azimuth directions.

The route is then fairly straightforward up to the pass (the^GR® markings are clearly visible after the Chalets de Chérente).

The Passage du Saix is quite tricky to cross (take care). Use the cables provided along the entire length. There is no room for error.

Access to the Chalets de Mont Ferrons is fairly straightforward along a rather pleasant path (follow the red and white markings).

A steep climb then awaits you, taking you back up to an altitude of around 1,500 metres.
Take care when crossing the Saix Noir, which is the final challenge (a cable is in place).

The return journey after Doran should not pose any problems (clearly visible signposts).

Doran mountain huts: click here for more information

Pointe d’Areu: read more here