Hiking - Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek - classic route stage Dbis
Route D-bis is an alternate version of route D, which includes a detour to visit Bonneval-sur-Arc and l'Ecot.
This alternate route takes you through the authentic hamlet of l'Ecot and the village of Bonneval-sur-Arc, which is listed as one of the "plus beaux villages de France" (most beautiful villages of France) and is on the national heritage register.
From Refuge des Fours to Pont de la neige
Head towards the Ruisseau des Fours stream, near the Col de la Rocheure. At the intersection, turn due east into the Vallon des Fours. To the left, the path overlooking Lac du Grand Fond descends diagonally to the pass. The cairned path follows the ridge with L'Ouille de la Jave on the right and Lac de la Jave on the left. 100m before reaching Pont de la neige, fork south-east.
Vallon de la Lenta to Bonneval-sur-Arc
Follow the GR5 trail overlooking the gorges of the Ruisseau de la Lenta. When you reach the maison cantonnale (road maintenance house), cross the bridge and follow the path to the right of the paved road for 1.3km. Then, cross another bridge and walk for 1km along the road on the GR5 alternate route. Take the path on the left which zigzags above the EDF water intakes on the stream. At an altitude of 1870m, take the path on the right to reach the centre of Bonneval-sur-Arc village.
Bonneval-sur-Arc to La Duis
From the tourist office, follow the signs for l'Ecot. Leave the village following signs for “L’Ecot / Refuge du Carro”. Leave the road that leads to the alpine chalets of La Duis, located at the end of the valley.
La Duis to Refuge du Carro
From La Tuilière, follow the path that crosses 2 streams, the first of which uses a stone bridge built downstream from the Cascade des Montets waterfall. You will reach the junction with the “sentier balcon” (balcony path).
It is possible to split this stage in two and spend the night in Bonneval-sur-Arc.
This alternate route takes you through the authentic hamlet of l'Ecot and the village of Bonneval-sur-Arc, which is listed as one of the "plus beaux villages de France" (most beautiful villages of France) and is on the national heritage register.
From Refuge des Fours to Pont de la neige
Head towards the Ruisseau des Fours stream, near the Col de la Rocheure. At the intersection, turn due east into the Vallon des Fours. To the left, the path overlooking Lac du Grand Fond descends diagonally to the pass. The cairned path follows the ridge with L'Ouille de la Jave on the right and Lac de la Jave on the left. 100m before reaching Pont de la neige, fork south-east.
Vallon de la Lenta to Bonneval-sur-Arc
Follow the GR5 trail overlooking the gorges of the Ruisseau de la Lenta. When you reach the maison cantonnale (road maintenance house), cross the bridge and follow the path to the right of the paved road for 1.3km. Then, cross another bridge and walk for 1km along the road on the GR5 alternate route. Take the path on the left which zigzags above the EDF water intakes on the stream. At an altitude of 1870m, take the path on the right to reach the centre of Bonneval-sur-Arc village.
Bonneval-sur-Arc to La Duis
From the tourist office, follow the signs for l'Ecot. Leave the village following signs for “L’Ecot / Refuge du Carro”. Leave the road that leads to the alpine chalets of La Duis, located at the end of the valley.
La Duis to Refuge du Carro
From La Tuilière, follow the path that crosses 2 streams, the first of which uses a stone bridge built downstream from the Cascade des Montets waterfall. You will reach the junction with the “sentier balcon” (balcony path).
It is possible to split this stage in two and spend the night in Bonneval-sur-Arc.