Climbing site - Mont Gardy from Novel

This pyramid-shaped sentinel towers high above the Lovenex and Au de Tanay valleys. The climb up the west face is, to all appearances, quite easy and pleasant. The area is wild and the view from the summit magnificent.

From Saint-Gingolph take the road to Novel (970 m). Cross the Morge and continue to the Au de Morge chalets (1181 m). Climb south on a path which, as the slope steepens, climbs left into a combe to the Col de la Croix (1757 m). From here, you have two options: - Descend to the Lac de Lovenex chalets (1632 m). Go around the lake and climb south-east up a slope and then a couloir that leads on its left-hand side to the Collet de Villemod (1900 m). Climb a grassy slope to the left, giving access to the west ridge. - Follow the path to the Pas de Lovenex (1850 m). Climb the grassy slopes on the left to the Sex-Villemod ridge. Cross over to the Collet de Villemod (1900 m). This is a longer route. Collet de Villemod can be reached from Tanay and Au de Tanay. Alternative access: From Tanay, follow the track until it crosses the torrent. Turn right onto a path that climbs northeast to reach the Chalet de la Combe (1915 m) just below a cirque with a lake. Go around the lake on a path that climbs the slopes leading to the ridge between Mont Valeur and Gardy. Continue up to the summit of Le Gardy, sometimes along the ridge, sometimes along its eastern flank (some steep passages). Helmets are recommended. For full guidebooks, visit www.chablais-grimpe.com This topo guide is on sale at tourist information offices in Abondance, La Chapelle d'Abondance and Bernex for 15€.