We returned to Plan Praz and began the steep ascent to Col Du Brevent.
Back to Plan Praz to start the ascent to Col Du Brevant
The weather was misty again so we didn’t have far reaching views. Nonetheless we enjoyed this ascent – the last one of our TMB.
The last ascent
There is an impressive cairn at the Col du Brevent at 2368m. Here the GR5 – La Grande Traversee des Alps arrives from Col d’Anterne.
Impressive cairn at the Col du Brevent
The TMB now enters a secluded basin where there were extensive snow patches.
A lot of snow
In the wilderness of rocks and boulders the TMB is marked by the standard red and white stripes but also by yellow spots and cairns.
Yellow spots mark the way
The yellow spots are thoughtfully placed high on the rock as the snow patches in the hollows would otherwise obscure them.
Markers placed high to avoid the snow
We were faced with another steep rock wall to climb out of this hollow but once more we had the assistance of two steel ladders and metal hand rails.
More ladders
We continued through the mist across extensive snow fields
Extensive snow fields
but eventually emerged at Le Brevent at 2526m.
We called in for a coffee at the restaurant before descending along little crests through a rocky landscape to a junction with another cairn
Another cairn on the way down
before descending a little further to Refuge Bel-Lachat at 2152m.
Refuge Bel-Lachat
A beer was called for and we missed a heavy shower whilst in the refuge.
The path now descends dropping in a series of zig zags into patches of forest with glimpses through the cloud of the Bossons Glacier across the valley.
Glimpses of the Bossons glacier
We descended into the Vouillards ravine aided by several metal steps and a handrail and crossed several streams.
A bit tricky at times
This descent goes on for a very long time and we were pleased to reach a TMB sign telling us Les Houches was only 1 hour 20 minutes away.
Getting closer…
Eventually we reached the road that leads to the railway station below Les Houches and all that remained was a little hill back up to the village and back to our starting point. Our Tour de Mont Blanc was complete.
Back to the beginning
Time to hang up the boots for now. What next I wonder?
We walked ALL the way.
Old Bat On A Bike. 
It looks fabulous. Ann would love to do something like this although she might be a bit concerned about some of the ladders. You certainly had all weathers chucked at you.
Tony
I am proud of you! Iza from Warsaw, Poland
What a great trip, thank you for the brilliant pictures and commentary!!!! We are scheduled to go on July 18th!!
Have fun. I hope you have good weather!