La Creuse is a passing point along the climb towards the gap in the mountainside which forms the "Porte des Aravis" (gateway to the Aravs massif) and reaching it can be the main aim for walkers who don't want to leave the well marked footpaths. Snow fills this natural basin during the early summer and you will discover a world that is almost entirely made of rock and stone. (Starting point- Cret du Merle 1500m: Vertical incline- 430m: Highest point- La Creuse 1930m) How to get there: If possible, leave your car in the centre of La Clusaz and take the cret du Merle chairlift, open during the summer season. By car, follow the signs for the col des Aravis and after 1.5kms take the road on the left that leads to the cret du Merle (car park at the end of the road) Walking Route: When you get off the chairlift head for the road above indicated for authorised users only "ayants droits". Carry straight on towards the first bend and you will soon enter into the forest along a forest trail. You will go as far as the Voret coombe. As the trail starts to go downhill, take the path on the right that goes up through the forest towards the cliffs overlooking the Fernuy coombe. When you go past the Encarnes (ski run) go down slightly to your left, (please close the catttle gate behind you) take the track that goes across the scree slides of the Fernuy coombe. After a mountain ridge planted with little fir trees, the path goes into the La Creuse basin. Go back down the same way or, when you get to the forest trail, carry on along the opposite side by taking the chalet des Gardes lane then the chemin de La Motte as far as La Clusaz.