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From Champoléon, park in the car park at the foot of the hamlet of Les Baumes, at the start of the Crupillouse and Val d’Estrèche walks, along the road, near the large rocks.
(S/E) Take the path following the Val d'Estrèche signposts and, a little further on, pass the Crupillouse path on your right. The path, which is very well maintained, remains on the left bank of the Val d'Estrèche stream.
(1) From 1,650 m, look out for chamois in the pastures of the Upper Val d'Estrèche, on the right bank of the stream (binoculars recommended). Continue the ascent.
(2) At around 1,800 m, the path runs along a ledge in some places within the gorges and requires your full attention.
(3) Look for the start of the path on the left bank, very close to the stream bed (not marked on the new IGN maps but shown on OSM). Follow it to a junction.
(4) Turn right to pass under the rock outcrops (to the left is the return route for the circular loop) and, after a few rocky sections, emerge onto the plateau.
(5) Leave the path, which continues due north to the Tête Virante, and head west, passing close to two recent shelters whilst crossing scree slopes and grassy areas.
(6) Continue in this direction, across the grassy slopes, to pass the small rocky outcrop via a ‘stair-like’ passage, thus avoiding a small damp gully to its right. Reach a large grassy plateau. Cross the large grassy plateau westwards to a small pass.
(7) Descend due south along a faintly marked path to the stream.
(8) From there, follow the west-bound path to the junction passed on the way up.
(4) Head back down the ascent path to the car park (start/finish).
Visorando Member
Very difficult 
Moderate 
