Stay at Madame Vacances and Explore Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy

The loop makes its way between the hedges of the Champsaur woodland. Along the way, there are information panels about farming, animals and plants.From the small car park near a large sheepfold and panels describing the route (near the bus stop), follow the blackbird symbols marking the circuit. The route is very easy, with a path lined with hedges leading to the old Les Costes road, which is now a track. Turn right and continue for about 200m. The "blackbird" tells you to turn right again and go down towards the St Eusèbe road. You have to cross a ford in a small stream (not difficult). Once on the tarmac road, you again turn right towards the village of Beaurepaire, which fully deserves its name (“beautiful spot”). Cross the village, then go up to the right again as you leave the village. A little road takes you up to the car park where the trail began.

A family walk in the footsteps of Plic and Ploc, along the “La Souloise” River, up to the mysterious Sources of the Gillardes. Loop : 1h30 à 2h30

This legendary stage starts in Saint-Bonnet, in the Champsaur valley. After a quick tour of the Lac du Sautet, the ascent of the Col du Noyer (on the Dévoluy side) will delight challenge enthusiasts.

A very varied hike with many viewpoints! The panoramic Clape ridge offers views of the Pic de Bure and the Baronnies hills... Departure point: Maison forestière de Matacharre Distance: 12 km D+: 750 m Difficulty: Difficult

The Tour du Vieux Chaillol is an off-road GR (hiking trail) linking the high-altitude mountain valley of Valgaudemar with the hedged landscapes of the Champsaur.From the hamlet of Paris, continue along the irrigation canal and enter the long narrow Valgaudemar valley. From Villar-Loubière to the Pré de la Chaumettre hut via the Vallonpierre, Gouiran and La Vallette passes, the itinerary gains height as does the landscape with the magnificent Gioberney glacial cirque. This section is in common with the GR54 trail. Greater effort is necessary but the reward is in the setting and the high mountain atmosphere. This leg is situated almost entirely in the Ecrins National Park. Then the Champsaur will be then be walked on a ledge.  From the Pré de la Chaumette hut, in the Champoleon valley, go along the impetuous Drac Blanc stream that leads into a bleak valley. From an east-west orientation, it bends to widen out and become north-south oriented, giving way to green pastures and hamlets. It is a wide valley that is influenced by the Mediterranean, and enchanting due to its more rural and mountainous landscape, its hamlets and villages with their tiled roofs and its light larch forests.

An ascent reserved for experienced hikers, in steep and sometimes aerial terrain, which gives access to a spectacular mountain spectacle. Supervision is recommended. Parking: Departure Col de la Samblue, Pellafol - Shortly before the Col des Faïsses, take one end of the private, motorable forest track which climbs from Les Payas, a hamlet of Pellafol, a stone's throw from Corps. Journey : After about a hundred meters on the track, go up to the right and cut through the fields to reach the Col des Faïsses. From there, follow the route in the direction of Obiou to the bottom of the Vallon, a narrow rock ledge after which you descend slightly towards the mountain pastures. The path then passes under large screes and then describes an arc of a circle to the “big climb”: a very steep and long slope, which uses the strata of the rock as a staircase. At the end, we have to help each other with our hands as the slope becomes steep. Be careful and watch out for falling rocks on the following ones! You reach the Obiou pass, above which you have to cross a scree again towards the summit. The path then walks to the left, crosses the steps in very straightened steps at the edge of the void (passage of the tie), descends a little then crosses to the foot of the easy summit slope of the South-West face that we climb back up. . The descent follows the same route, beware of the steep slope.

We invite you to relax in our small rustic-chic cottage with its private terrace. This studio-gîte offers a queen-size double bed and a 120cm sofa bed for 1 adult or child, a fully equipped kitchen, a shower room, a separate toilet, a terrace, and garden furniture with pool and lake views. Private entrance. Le Mas du Lac, built in 1763, is a former farmhouse that has retained the character and soul of Alpine buildings. This property has been lovingly renovated to welcome lovers of authentic nature and wide open spaces.

In an old house which was the forge of Les Payas, the musuem is about the old time life and important events of the history.

Provider of sports and nautical activities at Lac du Sautet. The activities are offered for hire and / or supervision by instructor: Sailing (catamaran, dinghy ...) Sailboard Stand Up Paddle Canoe Kayak Electric boat (without license) Pedalo Electric Stand Up Paddle Via ferrata

Distillery "La Salettina" since 1961 in the birthplace of Maximin Giraud (one of the children who saw the virgin 1846). Liquor of Génépi of Alpes macerated minimum 3 years and distilled. Material used for more than 100 years. Distillery "La Salettina" since 1961 in the birthplace of Maximin Giraud the shepherd having had the revelation of Our Lady of Salette. Liquor la Salettina recipe from 1865 of Maximin Giraud. Liquor of Génépi des Alpes IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) macerated for at least 3 years and Liquor of Génépi des Alpes IGP distilled, liquors of vulnerable plant, Hyssop plant, Raspberry, wild blackberries, wild blueberries. You will discover, during your visit, a workshop and the daily activity of a liquorist. In this cellar where centenarian material is always used, the manufacture of liqueurs and aperitifs will be explained to you, from the collection of the plants until the bottling. You will also find in our shop carefully selected territory products. Free tours and tastings. Schedule 7 days a week from mid April to mid October. Opening and visit on request from mid-October to mid-April. Groups are welcome by making an appointment at 04 76 30 05 02

The village resort of St Léger-les-Mélèzes lives up to its name: the ski slopes, laid out in a larch forest, have the advantage of guaranteeing good quality snow and skiing for all levels.

Bar, snack bar, restaurant, pizzeria open onto swimming pool. Covered hall + terrace - 60 places

The gîte opend in july 2012. A total capacity of 24 persons, 4 roomes for couple et 4 rooms for 4 persons. Half pension or only the night, meal for the hiker, picknic. Situated in the national park of the Ecrins. 5 rooms with double beds and private bathrooms. The restaurant is open to everyone for lunch and afternoon snacks.

The ascent to the refuge from Villard Loubière has become a great hiking classic. Small dormitories with duvets, convivial dining room, hot showers and large equipped terraces. A stop on the GR54 footpath that should not be missed. Ideal starting point for the Pic de Turbat, with 3000m of easy access. A stop on the Tour de l'Oisans (GR54 footpath) that should not be missed. Snacks and refreshments possible. Access in 3 hours; elevation: 900 metres.

The gite is located in the commune of Monestier-du-Percy, south of the Vercors in the Trièves. Garden-level apartment in a traditional Dauphinoise house, 100m², facing the Obiou mountain range. 2 bedrooms, 1 large living room with fireplace + separate sleeping area, 1 fully-equipped kitchen, 1 bathroom and separate toilet. Outside, the gite opens onto a small garden and terrace with garden furniture and barbecue. Ideal for both peaceful and sporty vacations (hiking, paragliding, water sports at Lake Monteynard, horse riding, accrobranche). The heritage of the Trièves awaits you (village visits, museum, Terre Vivante), as well as a number of must-see sites such as the Himalayan footbridges and the La Mira boat trip to Monteynard.

Bungee jumping from the Ponsonnas bridge, 103m high and Europe's 1st bungee jumping center. It's possible to make a single bungee jump or a tandem bungee jump (two people together). All jumps are filmed. In single or in tandem

Well-known to cyclists, the Col du Noyer separates Dévoluy from Champsaur. It's a strategic point that testifies to the vitality of the exchanges between these two massifs. From up there, the view of the Champsaurin landscape and its bocage is breathtaking.

The botanist Dominique Villars was born in Noyer in 1745. From an early age he was interested in botany, and with his friend, Dominique Chaix, a priest and botanist from Roche des Arnauds, he discovered many new species. He wrote "L'histoire des plantes du Dauphiné" (History of Plants in the Dauphiné), bringing together 3,000 species. Shortly before his death in 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte appointed him botany professor at the Strasbourg Special Medical School. 

100 metres below the Cabane des Pierres stands the oldest and biggest fir tree in Champsaur. It is a European silver fir (Abies alba). The silver fir is often confused with the spruce (Picea abies). A tip to tell them apart: the spruce has cones that hang under the branch with needles all around the branch, while  the fir   has upright cones and rows of needles  that stand out through having two small white lines underneath them.

Walnut forests are a favourable home for roe deer. They came from Italy, the Isère and Drôme regions, and were added to some forty animals that were released between 1969 and 1975 in the neighbouring forests of Durbon and Morgon. This timid animal can be recognised by its red-brown coat and white patch on its rear.

Between the mountains and the River Drac, the water flows down as mountain streams and irrigation canals, hollowing out the sediment in the fluvial-glacier terraces where the mountain pastures have emerged. As the layers of eroded material of varying size and with impermeable clay layers are built up, sources are formed and feed small ponds. The yellow-bellied toad is a small toad that flourishes in habitats like these. The species is in decline all over its area of distribution due to the reduction in the number of such habitats. This is caused by draining, the creation of dams, levelling work and timber transport, among others. The population of this small amphibian is monitored by the National Park authorities.

The name "Le Glaizil" is thought to derive from the Vulgar Latin term glitia, meaning loam or clay. Like La Fare, Poligny and Le Noyer, Le Glaizil was once part of a district of church- controlled land, that is to say, the Bishop of Gap had joint lordship - and therefore authority - over the land. 

The woodland landscapes in lower Champsaur are unique in the Hautes-Alpes region. The network of hedges and canals surrounding the parcels of land result in agriculture of a high quality. Thanks to funding from the region and the EU in favour of maintaining the cultural and biological heritage, 70 species of trees and bushes, and over 80 bird species can be found here. 

Present in number in Le Dévoluy, deer regularly cross the Drac to make incursions into the hedged areas and fields. A few individuals are currently in the process of taking up residence on the left-hand bank of the Drac. Soon, the grunting bark of the deer will resonate from the cover of the hedgerows.

The scarce large blue is, in fact, a small blue butterfly of the genus Maculinea. These butterflies have a distinctive biology. First, the caterpillars need a specific host plant on which to feed and, second, they have to be collected by ants and taken into the ant nest, where they complete their development. This complex life cycle renders the species highly vulnerable to changes to their habitat and the Maculinea are regarded as threatened across the entire national territory and across Europe.There are four species of Maculinea in France, all protected. They are the subject of a national action plan which aims to better understand the conservation status of their populations and to protect their habitat.

The number of farmers is falling and it can be difficult to gather enough volunteers for collective maintenance operations. Especially because in some areas sprinkler systems have been installed, in which water is pumped through pipes under pressure, and reaches the crops as a fine rain. These recent developments are not without impact on the canals and the wetlands associated with them.

At our restaurant, we invite you to discover our regional and gastronomic menus, the Chef's specialities (duck terrines, 'ravioles' gratin, etc). Set menus from €19 to €32 and children's menu at €10.

Traditional restaurant offering friendly local cuisine and specialties such as Provencal Aïoli every Friday. You can also take away tourtons, ravioles, donkey ears, dish of the day and Provencal Aïoli!

Pizzas to take away. Fresh produce and vegetables.

Traditional cuisine, strongly influenced by regional produce.

Make the most of a simple break with a warm and pleasant welcome on the Route Napoléon, in the midst of the mountains. Family cuisine with wood-fired pizzas. Lunch specials and à la carte dishes.

A restaurant and shop dedicated to cheeses, in a converted farmhouse. Somewhere not to be missed for people who love cheese. The specialities of the valley are also given pride of place.

Dishes made with respect for authenticity and the tradition of the region: 'donkey's ears', 'ravioles', 'tourtons', flouzons, beef stew, homemade terrine, gratin dauphinois and homemade desserts. Since all the dishes are made with farm produce, you need to reserve at least 48 hours beforehand so that we can pick and prepare all the ingredients.

Gastronomic cuisine.

Homemade cuisine, renewed at each meal, where the blend of aromas and savours from here and elsewhere always creates a new alchemy. Recipes inspired by traditional local dishes, reviving the forgotten recipes of our grandmothers...

Pancakes and mountain specialities.

We invite you to relax in our small rustic-chic cottage with its private terrace. This studio-gîte offers a queen-size double bed and a 120cm sofa bed for 1 adult or child, a fully equipped kitchen, a shower room, a separate toilet, a terrace, and garden furniture with pool and lake views. Private entrance. Le Mas du Lac, built in 1763, is a former farmhouse that has retained the character and soul of Alpine buildings. This property has been lovingly renovated to welcome lovers of authentic nature and wide open spaces.

Isolated 15-place forest house in the heart of the Durbon state forest. Restored 17th-century building: runs on renewable energy 500 Kwatts max. Ideal for outdoor activities: climbing, Via-ferrata, hiking, mountain biking, etc...

In an organic farm nestled in the mountains, a spacious flat on the ground floor of the main farm building. 2 large bedroom, a kitchen/living space. Outdoor table with garden and barbecue. Organic farm. Production of organic wine and charcuterie (free-range mangalitza pigs): farm gate sales. Farmhouse hospitality. Chickens, ducks, rabbits, donkeys, woolly pigs for the enjoyment of young and old. Numerous walks for all in the area and swimming in the torrent 5 minutes from the farm. Shops and farmers' markets nearby for lovers of local produce.

In the heart of historic Mens: small town house in quiet pedestrian street. Kitchen, shower room, two bedrooms, washing machine, TV, internet. Double-glazed windows, electric heating.

Mountain campsite in an exceptional and natural setting, favourable for hiking and discovering the Ecrins National Park. This campsite will welcome you for a restful and refreshing stopover at the foot of the mountains. A warm and friendly atmosphere. Come and enjoy a wide range of activities around the campsite: cycling, hiking, swimming, yoga, and herbalism workshops... You’ll be able to taste Cléa’s delicious pizzas, Tania and Pato’s generous plates, and of course a variety of tasty local dishes! All accompanied by a refreshing farmhouse beer or a flavorful fruit juice from the Trièves region. Campfires are allowed outside of drought periods. A special program of small concerts, documentary film screenings, and themed evenings has been planned just for you! Check our Facebook page and website regularly to stay up to date with our events. The Bonne River runs through the campsite, perfect for cooling off. The Valbonnais family lake is just 15 minutes away by car. There’s a market every Friday morning in the small village of Entraigues. You’ll find organic bread in the hamlet of Gragnolet, and goat cheeses and mountain herbal products in the hamlet of Le Désert in Valjouffrey. No reservations needed for camping pitches. Two caravans, a yurt, an equipped tent, and a gypsy-style wagon are available for rent by reservation.

A former Alpine chalet converted into a mountain refuge. Five dormitories for 4 to 6 people with individual beds, showers and sanitary facilities. Top-quality food with mountain specialities. The refuge is located on one of the Tour du Vieux Chaillol paths. A large number of hikes leave from the refuge: Cascade de la Pisse (20 mins), Col de la Vénasque (3h), Col de Côte Longue (4h), the summit of Le Vieux Chaillol (3163 m), but also the unspoilt valleys of the Muande and Mal Cros! A little paradise only a 1 hr 30 min walk away! Elevation 345 metres.

Welcome in the heart of the "Ecrins" national park in the village of Valbonnais, place of nature and freedom. The campsite is on the bank of a small lake "Le plan d'eau". It is a quiet and restful place with a fantastic view The spacious grounds allow all campers to enjoy naturally defined pitches, with areas of up to 150 m². Near a typical village nestled between the Oisans and Vercors regions, campers can choose a sunny spot by the lake or a shaded area under the trees. Small streams run through the campsite, where children love to float their handmade creations. Mini-golf, inflatable castles, a snack bar, and a restaurant complete the Valbonheur experience. For sunbathing, swimming, or paddleboarding, head to the beach by the natural pool that is the Valbonnais lake.

The gîte opend in july 2012. A total capacity of 24 persons, 4 roomes for couple et 4 rooms for 4 persons. Half pension or only the night, meal for the hiker, picknic. Situated in the national park of the Ecrins. 5 rooms with double beds and private bathrooms. The restaurant is open to everyone for lunch and afternoon snacks.

The ascent to the refuge from Villard Loubière has become a great hiking classic. Small dormitories with duvets, convivial dining room, hot showers and large equipped terraces. A stop on the GR54 footpath that should not be missed. Ideal starting point for the Pic de Turbat, with 3000m of easy access. A stop on the Tour de l'Oisans (GR54 footpath) that should not be missed. Snacks and refreshments possible. Access in 3 hours; elevation: 900 metres.

The Souffles mountain refuge is managed by the CAF (French Alpine Club).  A keeper is present from June to September. Here you have the opportunity to get something to eat whilst chatting with a mountain professional or spend a night at high altitude if you prefer. This is a good way to split the itinerary in two.