LAC MISERIN ET FENETRE DE CHAMPORCHER

Recommended period: June to September. Start: Dondena (2,103 m). Finish: Col Fenêtre de Champorcher (2,826 m). Difference in altitude: 728 m. Distance: 6.5 km. One-way time: 2h35.

From Champorcher, take the road to the village of Grand-Mont-Blanc, before continuing on a dirt track to Dondena. Park your vehicle, cross the torrent and climb up to the former royal hunting lodge, now in ruins, built by Victor Emmanuel II. At the Refuge Dondena (2,192 m), which is only open in summer, continue on the dirt track up the vast valley. Take the path that leads to Refuge Misérin, which lies close to the lake of the same name, where, just a few metres away, you'll find the sanctuary of the Madonna des Neiges. The water mirror and its surroundings are a little corner of paradise. Next, the path skirts the lake dam and crosses the last pastures before entering the small stony valley that quickly leads to the Col Fenêtre de Champorcher, which opens onto the Cogne valley and was long used as a communication route.