Arnad - Challand-Saint-Victor

Wild roses, broom and alders flank the climb from the hamlet of Ville di Arnad, a little upstream form the Vallaise Castle, towards the Col Vert, along this ancient mule track, now almost forgotten. The gradual ascent leads through gorgeous chestnut woods and tiny clusters of houses; now abandoned, yet still marvellous examples of rural architecture. Looking north from Col Vert, the traveller can even glimpse Mont Carogne, so-called because it steals the morning sunlight from Verrès below.

Zig-zagging through the rhododendrons, the path descends towards Challand-Saint-Victor, reaching the spectacular Isollaz waterfall before ascending once more to the village.