Instead of taking the large TMB trail, follow a narrow trail on your right. The climb is initially steep, before leveling off after passing the tree line. You'll be able to see the TMB trail down below on your left and you'll eventually connect with it near the Balme waterfalls. It will be more crowded from there until the col de la croix du Bonhomme.

Just before the refuge, take the path to col des Fours, where the landscape will become much rockier.

At the Tête Nord des Fours, enjoy the panoramic view and look down towards the Jovet lakes, before making your way to them by following the ridgeline. Although the view is breathtaking, pay attention to the trail as it's rather technical—col d'enclave is not that far, but it will take more time than you think to get there. Similarly, the climb down from the col to the lakes is steep, technical, and sometimes exposed (it follows a more alpine alternative to the TMB route) but gets easier as you get closer to the lakes.

The lakes will probably be quite busy, although considering this route is quite long, you may get there once the day hikers have already left.

Take a scenic trail to get back to the Balme waterfalls and from there, the classic TMB trail will be the easiest option to finish your hike while offering you a nice selection of restaurants and refuges where you can stop for drinks or dinner.