Rochers des Fiz

From the Lac de Pormenaz enroute to the Refuge d'Anterne.

A longer than either the map or experience suggested day out, possibly as we stopped to marvel at countless butterflies, the last of the summers alpine flowers and several impressive cascades. Our route took some airy ground on the way up with a couple of passages of cables and ladders, but it was worth it when we reached the Lac which was a simply stunning spot for a picnic lunch.
From there it was a simple stroll across to the refuge - but literally every step offered an ever increasing panorama of the Mont Blanc Massif as the view opened up along the Moede valley and across the tops of the Col du Brevent - the refuge itself offered the most stunning 360° view.... and a well earned drink.

Our plan to explore this huge nature reserve has steadilly turned it into our favourite area to go play, sure there are other people about, but less than 1% of those you'll encounter in the Chamonix valley, it retains a far wilder feel and rewards the effort well.

For scale;
From the grassland under the Rochers they rise nearly 2000ft vertically, limestone sat atop a shale mix with intrusions of basalt and granite.

Mrs IttH is in this shot if you look really hard...