The way points of this running / walking route:
The middle bit of this, from 3 Thermes to the second appearence at the Col de Notre Dame - and most the bit down from the Col de la Cadiere until joining the outbound trail are part of the 33km Balcons d'Azur trail which we'll run on April 25th
bear left on the tarmac and then right on the Piste de Pont Sarrazin
Cross over the river by the bridge and start to climb. The next bit is tough but very scenic
Turn back to the right at the junction here
The track down to the Lac de l'Ecureuil is a bit hidden There's a sign saying no bikes which helps.
There isn't much lake left. This is a good thing since the paths are also somewhat washed out. Fortunately once you've crossed over both streams you'll find the red/white marks of the GR51 to guide you.
The trail takes the "directe" route to the top of the Pic de l'Ours. The views are probably worth it but you could short cut to the Dent de l'Ours at the sign where the paths split
There are various paths here all going to the same place. When in doubt go up and to the right
Enjoy the view!
It is quire easy to miss the turn to the right and back that is the path you want. If you do miss it you get a nice circuit of the Pic
Enjoy the view and keep on doing so until you get back on tarmac.
The path down is beautiful but wimps can elect to stick on the road back t Col Notre Dame as it has almost as good views
Take the first track up that you come to. There's no sign so you just have to pay attention
Masochists are invited to do the Trail de Balcons course up the Petit & Grand Grues. We decided we'd had enough climbing and ran along the road instead
Turn right and go downhill
Masochists can of course continue up until they hit the tarmac. But the way down to the left seems saner
