Les Chalets du Vallon

This pleasant little loop around the Vallon ravine takes you to the Chalets du Vallon via a small path winding through the forest. Little used, you can observe many species of birds as well as a beautiful panorama of the valley.

From the parking lot alongside the N94, enter the forest directly from a small path at the start of the parking lot alongside the old buvette.
This path then runs alongside the Vallon ravine stream for around 250 metres, leading to a wide forest track.

At this junction, turn left to cross the footbridge (the right-hand track follows the GR5 in the direction of Le Fontenil), then continue along the right-hand track, which gradually rises along the stream to a second junction: ignore the left-hand track (this will be your route on the return journey) and cross the stream again on the right. The route to take is marked with yellow "Chalets du Vallon" signs.

A wide, stony track rises very steeply: you're on the right route and need to climb this track without getting discouraged for about 100 metres.
Then leave this track for the narrow path on the left: this winds steeply through the forest, crossing the stony track several times.

After a number of hairpin bends, the path crosses a wide military track twice, continue on this narrow path, and the gradient eases until you finally reach the wide forest track crossed twice before.
Follow this track to the left, which gradually descends towards the interior of the valley to cross the torrent and switch to the other side.

A clearing quickly emerges with the Chalets du Vallon: a breathtaking view of the Clarée valley and the hamlets of Val-des-Prés opens up before your eyes.

Follow the trail for about 60 m past the chalets, then pick up your return route on the left: a narrow path similar to the first descends through the larch forest, overlooking the valley ravine. Keep your eyes peeled for numerous species of birds, including rock swallows, crossbills and crested tits.
The route then soon returns to your starting point at the foot of the ravine, crossing a wide track twice until you reach the initial footbridge.