Crossing the Col de Sarvatan-Col de Monjoie via the two pass trail

From La Chambre, in Maurienne, climb to Saint-François-Longchamp, at the summit of Longchamp 1650, then continue to the first hairpin bend of the Col de la Madeleine, at an altitude of 1894 m.

From the Tarentaise, pass the Col de la Madeleine and descend to the same hairpin bend.

(S/E) Pass under the Lauzière chairlift and take the path heading west. It climbs gently and joins the start of the Grande Caillasse at the junction at 1,937 metres.

(1) Turn right and climb northwards along a grassy ridge. After a distinctive rock, the path veers left to cross a small scree slope and take a steeper ridge that climbs towards the Col de Sarvatan. The last section runs along the rocks via a rockier passage before reaching the Col de Sarvatan.

(2) Start off level and head west to reach the Pierre Mouton slope. The trail then begins a long descent in well-defined but gentle switchbacks until it crosses the Tour de la Lauzière at an elevation of 2,070 metres.

(3) Turn left to climb southwards, following the regular switchbacks, until you reach the avalanche barriers, which you climb before crossing to the right to the Col de Monjoie.

(4) Cross the pass and descend eastwards along a beautiful path through mountain pastures, which crosses La Platière to join the Crête Maxet.

(5) Turn left and continue downhill along a stream to La Grande Pierraille.

(6) At the crossroads, leave the path to Longchamp on your right and turn left to cross La Grande Pierraille at the same level. Return to the initial fork.

(1) Continue straight ahead, more or less level, until you reach the hairpin bend on the Col de la Madeleine road (S/E).

This loop can also start from Longchamp, at Les Perelles, near the snow clearance centre.

The entire route is on a well-marked trail (yellow at times, red and yellow for the rest of the Tour de la Lauzière) but steeper on the climb to Sarvatan.

This loop can be done in either direction. The direction described includes a slightly more difficult section on the climb, where you may need to use your hands on the rock.

The Col de Monjoie is easily accessible on snowshoes in winter.

There are unobstructed views all the way to the Etendard, the Aiguilles d'Arves, the Meije and, closer by, the Cheval Noir and the Mont du Fût.

On the western slope, the view is more towards Belledonne and Les Bauges, then the Grand Arc.

Magnificent flora in spring.