2-day walking tour of the Etache rock - Stage 2 - From the Ambin refuge to Le Planay

If you're a fan of undiscovered regions, the Val d'Ambin is the place for you. Between mountain pastures and high-altitude passes, this short getaway promises a weekend out of the ordinary. It's the ideal introduction to the pleasures of itinerancy.

Additional welcome

You must book your overnight stay in a refuge in advance.
Stay on the trails, following the signs, and take your garbage with you.

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Overview on river
• Panoramic view

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 16km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Elevation gain 710m
• Negative gradient 1290m
• Daily duration 06h30
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Yellow departmental signs all along the way.
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Grit, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2240m

Opening period

Itinerary accessible outside snow periods and subject to favorable weather conditions. Check with the Tourist Office beforehand for current access conditions. We strongly advise you to book accommodation in advance (please note that opening dates vary according to hut).

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

RD100 out of Bramans on a narrow asphalt road. Stop at the Planay parking lot before the bridge leading to the refuge du Suffet. Possibility of parking for several nights. 1 minute walk from the refuge.

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement : No

Animals must be kept on a leash throughout this itinerary for your safety and that of the herds.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 2/ Prefer an early start to reach your maximum altitude. You'll have to enter a more mineral world, sometimes still well covered with snow in early summer. Crampons and poles will often come in handy to get you over the late nevés near Lac Noir. The abundant signposting allows you to follow your path intuitively.
  At an altitude of 2710 metres, the pas de la coche is not far off. Discreet chamois sometimes follow you with their eyes. Here you are on the last difficulty, which promises a unique experience in a high-mountain setting. Such a wild pass at an altitude of almost 3000 metres is not for everyone! It's time to switch to the other side of the Roche d'Etache via the Pas de la Coche. The descent will be cautious between scree slopes and flats. What an impressive cliff seen from below! Take the time to stop at the foot of this fascinating giant. In fine weather, rhododendrons in bloom give a fuchsia-pink hue to the alpine grass that lines the slopes. From the Plan des Eaux descent, can you make out the footbridge over the Plan d'Etache torrent? There's no doubt that it will mark your next refreshing break. Now you're immersed in the calm of the valley. Take the opportunity to stop off at the Etache farm for refreshments in a bucolic atmosphere. Local products and carefully selected drinks will punctuate the end of your escape. This rejuvenating stop is the perfect starting point for a 2 km descent along the torrent. Don't hesitate to round off your itinerary with dinner and a final night at the refuge du Suffet.