Hike to the “Col de la Charbonnière”

Very nice hiking in the Beaufortain this Friday to the Col de la Charbonnière.
Les Bords du Lac La Portette are dotted with small tracts of cotton grass.
The Col de la Charbonnière has beautiful views to Pierra Menta and La Pointe de Gargan.

The hike to Lake Portette (2333m) and then to the Col de la Charbonnière (2494m) from the Chapel of St. Guerin. Return by the Gr5
Hike to the “Col de la Charbonnière”

Practical Information:

Map: IGN TOP25 3532 OT Beaufortain – Moutiers Departure altitude: 1600m
Elevation of highest point: 2494m (Col de la Charbonnière)
Elevation gain: 894m
Schedule: 3:00 climb, descent 1:40

Description of the route:

From the parking lot of the Chapel of St. Guerin, take the path towards the Chalet du Mont Rosset and follow the signs to the chalet. On the Beaufort’s Tower there are signposts marked ‘TB’.
At the cottage (2117m) take the direction of the Col du Mont Rosset. Shortly after (about 600m), leave the wide path and turn left on a well-marked path following a northwest direction. Follow easily to slightly above the Lake of Portette (2333m).
Cross slightly uphill to the northeast to join the trail that passes near Lake Gouille Verte. (The Green Lake Gouille is not indicated on the map) This leads to the Col de la Charbonnière (2494m ) where you can enjoy, among other things, a magnificent view of the Pierra Menta.

The descent is down the northeast slope. The path leads to a large permanent snowfield.
Descend the snowfield and spot on the left a cairn. Climb towards the Cairn (a few meters of scree) to regain firm ground.
Follow the footpath until you reach the trail of the Tour du Beaufortain (Gr5) descending to the Col du Bresson. Follow Gr5 along the valley floor to the parking lot of La Chapelle de Saint Guerin.