Unlike its twin neighbor on the other side of col de Basmont, Mont Bellachat, Grand Arc is ascended via a well-trodden route, summer and winter. The slopes are less steep and austere, greener and sunnier. The path starts from Lieulever (1280m), at the end of the road that goes up the Montsapey valley. First in the forest (nature path, you will learn what "murgers" and "embrunes" are), the path follows a great arc before reaching Lac Noir, then reaches the ridge south of Petit Arc, and finally the summit of Grand Arc (2483m). The panorama, all along the ridge and especially from the top is exceptional, given the isolated position of the summit at the very head of the Maurienne Valley (see panorama below). The trail is blazed all the way (yellow). A fairly long route on a very good path (1200m, 3h30), with a few steeper passages after the col between Petit and Grand Arc.

Panorama (300 degrees) from the summit of Granc Arc

Start

The hamlet of Lieulever (several spellings !) or the parking under les Rouelles (easy trail, picnic area, 1280m), four kilometers after driving across Montsapey (end of the road, bar-restaurant-hotel deserving a visit).

Route

From Lieulever, take a blazed path to the left of the trail to Les Rouelles. It goes up in the forest (nature path), over a bridge and on in a great arc, first north-east, then north and north-west toward Lac Noir. The path soon leaves the cover of the trees and climbs a wide grassy ridge where you will discover the first fine views over the Maurienne valley and the Lauziere massif. After a col (1950m), the path traverses up a neighboring coomb before reaching Lac Noir (2014m). Superb site (photo).

The path follows the southern bank of the lake, then climbs towards the ridge between Char de la Turche and Petit Arc. The view progressively extends towards the Maurienne valley and the Belledonne and Ecrins summits. The path then flanks the south face of Petit Arc above Lac Pierru and the summit ridge is now visible (photo).

Once at the col between Petit and Grand Arc, take a steeper passage up the ridge with a few easy stone steps (caution). The summit of Grand Arc is reached after a brief walk just below the ridge on the south face. There you will find a cross, two orientation tables and a circular panorama of rare beauty.

Alternate routes and descents

In several places, the path can be left to gain either the south-east ridge of Grand Arc (steep grassy slopes, a few difficult rocky passages low down on the ridge), or the south face direct (no path either way). You can also take the Chenalet forest trail to its end (parking) and reach directly the ridge between Char de la Turche and Petit Arc (beautiful and short). The alternate start of the ordinary route from the parking under Les Rouelles does not have much to offer and is not really recommended.

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