Stage 2: Le Pontet - Refuge de La Perrière GR®738

The climb from Le Pontet to the Col du Champet is mainly forested. The ridge above Chalet d'Arbaretan offers magnificent views of Mont Blanc. The ascent to Col de la Perche and then to the summit of Chapotet offers a bird's-eye view of the Grande Montagne de Presle and Verneil mountain pastures. These are home to local herds of heifers and suckler cows, from June to October. For a long time, these pastures were successful and popular, but the decline in livestock farming from the 1940s onwards and the abandonment of many alpine pastures led to a decline in dairy pastoral activity. Today, there are very few dairy pastures in Belledonne. As a result, the pastoral chalets on the Savoyard side are seldom used, as farmers go up to see their herds for the day before returning to their farms. The descent to the Gargoton springs and the ascent to the Col de la Perrière via the Combe de l'Arbet neuf is very wild and unspoilt.

Recommended equipment :
Hiking shoes
Depending on the weather: hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses and/or rain gear, walking sticks, meat bag, flashlight, toiletries, warm fleece, hat in cool weather (windbreaker, Gore-Tex, etc.).
Rucksack with water bag or 2-liter water bottle
Snacks