Stage 8

From Champex-Lac you climb through forest and pasture to the Bovine balcony - a high traverse with views across to Mont Blanc and down into the Trient valley. Plan for about 5.5 hours; on a clear day this is one of the most photogenic sections of the trail.

You finish at Col de la Forclaz, where a hotel and refuge make a convenient stop before the last two days back toward Chamonix.