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Superb long walk during which, on reaching la Valette's north col, you will suddenly discover the world of high mountains and glaciers. Of course you can descend via the ascent route, but continuing towards the glacier and the Étendard hut will leave indelible memories. On the other hand, descending on this side will take you across the terminal part of the St Sorlin glacier to avoid crossing impassable glacier streams and precautions should be taken on that traverse. Ascent : 1250m, plus 150m for the loop. Time : 7 to 8h. A few signposts and yellow marks on the way up. Good paths after the glacier.
From Saint Sorlin, take the trail to Prés Plans and leave your car at a place called Les deux ponts. You can also start from St Sorlin (+4kms).
The route
From the car, take the trail leading to la Valette and the Laital lake (signpost). Very level at first, it begins climbing in the forest. The marks left by cows are often misleading; when in doubt, always go left (south) until you reach a signpost. Then only turn right. The path, not very visible at times, goes up a steep grassy mountainside in large hairpins, to finally come out on to the superior plateau at a place called granges des Aigues Rousses (2200m, signpost).
Go up the bottom of the upper valley following the yellow marks until you reach the start of a long leftward traverse (2500m, path, yellow marks, don't miss Lac Laital below). At the end of the traverse, you reach a point below the col to the north (right) of the summit. Spot and go up a ridge where the grass almost reaches the top; that is the only easy way up the terminal slopes to the north col. The last few steps are memorable : you suddenly discover the whole of the Étendard glacier and summits (see panorama below). The summit (2858m) is 100m higher on the ridge (signpost). From granges des Aigues Rousses, it is also possible to go right and use the ridge in its entirety.
Panorama (360°) from the north col under Cime de la Valette
Descent
You can of course go down the same way but traversing the Étendard upper valley is a splendid and easy way to penetrate the world of glaciers. From the summit, descend the scree slopes to the right. Do not try to head directly for the glacier. Once at the bottom of the slope, turn left and aim for the glacier's terminal tongue. Early in season, that first part will be on snow an an ice-axe will be necessary. Once on the glacier stay level and traverse the whole of its terminal part to reach the traces of Étendard's ordinary route. Do not attempt to cross below the glacier, as the streams that come out of it are often impassable.
Walk down the wide path that leads to the Étendard hut. Stay left of Lacs Blanc and Bramant, the chalet is visible at the last moment below the dam. From the hut, go up to Col nord des lacs and then down the wide ski trail towards La Balme. At the intermediary plateau, take right on a good dirt trail, pass under César Durand (old hut, closed) and reach the chalets in la Balme. At the signpost, turn right and go down the beautiful path to Plan de la Frédière, which circles the Rochenoire mountain and reaches the Prés Plans trail. The latter will take you back to your car in 20 minutes.