Document sans titre

Extremely long, almost unreasonably so, but can be done in two days . Feasible in one day by a very fit mountain walker, but the altitude difference (2000m) and the distance are considerable. It is a ridge route, with very few path sections. Stopping at Bonvillard reduces the elevation (1500m), but requires a climb back to Valbuche the following day or,giving up on the Valbuche - Cheval Noir ridge section. From Montdenis to Bonvillard count 8h, and at least 12h the whole way to St François.

Start

From Montdenis, at the end of the road (1500m), Take a good stony trail and walk up to the foot of steeper grassy slopes (ruins). Then go right at the intersection, and walk on a more level and comfortable path until you arrive near a stream(1736m). Choose your route:

1 - The better one : Take left and go up moderate grassy slopes to the Lancheton ridge. Follow the ridge north until you reach the grassy summit of Cime de Lancheton (2419m), proceed on the ridge, until it ends against the west face of Cime du Vallon, at the Roches Rouges (2551m).

2 - The more restful one : Continue on the good path, which crosses the stream and traverses up left to Plan du Cuir (1898m, chalets). Walk past the chalets and, staying on the large trail, reach the grassy expanse of the Grande Biesse (signposted "Crêt des Milles"). Continue at the bottom of a secluded valley and up to the Roches Rouges as soon as you can (many possibilities).

From the Roches Rouges (wooden cross), you can see all the route to the top of Le Grand Coin. Traverse without losing too much altitude under the steep Cime du Vallon west face and reach the flat pastures at the Plan du Tovet (chalet), under the Col du Chatelard, to your right (2331m).

AE10 : Under Plan du Tovet, a good path goes down to Champessuit, Montandré and St Jean de Maurienne via la Platière (very long).

Go up the grassy mounds south of the Col du Bonnet du Prêtre (2461m), then draw left before the col to start up the east ridge of Pointe de la Pallaz. The ridge is steep and narrow at times but short and easy. Reach the summit of Pointe de la Pallaz (2709m), then Le Grand Coin (2730m, orientation table, magnificent circular panorama). Walk on keeping near the ridge down to Coin Lognan. Then turn right and climb down (north) the arete to the Col de Valbuche.

AE11 : From Coin Lognan, you can go down using the classic ascent route from the Col du Chaussy (1533m). Some steep passages under Coin Lognan, the rest is easy. From the Col du Chaussy, a wide trail goes down to Bonvillard (north). Should you decide to do the third part in two days, it is the most pleasant descent and it will spare you climbing down and up the Col de Valbuche. From Bonvillard, walk up towards the Lac du Loup (15 mn). Just before the lake, take a path to the right and follow the yellow marks all the way up to the Col de Valbuche).