Discover Les Berges du Lac at Le Sauze-du-Lac

A dynamic and sporty course, despite its short distance, offering superb panoramas of the lake. From the La Fontaine car park, head back down the departmental road towards Savines-le-Lac for a few dozen metres, then take the path to the left of the cross. Turn left at a picnic area and continue straight ahead through the woods. Turn left when the view of the lake opens up, onto a narrow, steep and winding path. Follow this path until you come to a wide track. Turn left then left again into a very shady valley after a stream. Leave the path and take a path on the right back into the pines. Turn left and then right into the woods. Turn right again when you come back to a wide, steeply sloping path, then veer left and finally right onto a road. Follow the winding road to the departmental road. The gradient is moderate but the climb is still relatively long. Finally, turn right onto the departmental road to return to Le Sauze-du-Lac.

With the azure blue of the lake as your guide, hug the water's edge to reach the lakeside beach of Port Saint-Pierre. From the car park on the road leading to the belvedere, take the road on the left which runs into the village. At the water fountain, take the road on the right. Go down the Chemin des Amoureux and then head left downhill to the Pied de Vière wash house. At the bottom, take the path on the right leading towards the beach ("Plage de Port St-Pierre"). At the next intersection, where you come to some narrow wooden steps, go straight ahead (to the left of the wooden table). Carry on downhill and when you come to an intersection in the tracks, turn right to the Port Saint Pierre recreation area. 

A fairly long route, with some tricky sections on wet terrain. Superb panoramic views of the lake and summits Go along the tennis courts and take a right fork on a stony path that rises into the black marl. Continue on this path for 3km, which offers numerous viewpoints. After reaching the intersection with the road, turn left, then quickly left where you will find an unsealed path. Continue for over a kilometre before crossing the road again. Begin the descent on a wide track to the ruins of the old farm of le Villard. Leave the dirt track on the right, just opposite the ruins, and go into the fields alongside a stream, following the yellow markings on the trees. Cross the Glaisolles steam before heading up a path in the black marl to return to the starting point.

This route is accessible to all and offers some beautiful panoramic views of the Pic du Morgon, Dormillouse and Lake Serre-Ponçon. 1) Head down the road towards Les Hyvans. At the hairpin bend, level with the tennis courts, take the path on the right and quickly turn right onto a stony path that rises quickly.2) Continue on this path for 2 km before turning right at the Col Lebraut.3) Descend on this path until you reach the road, then turn right. Continue along this stretch of road back to your starting point.

Between the rivers Durance and Ubaye to the foot of the Pic du Morgon, with a detour to the Cabane du Jas, this loop makes for a tranquil walk with plenty to discover. From the car park, turn right and follow the track . At the next intersection, carry straight on and stay on the left-hand track through the forest of larch, black pine and Scots pine. At the picnic table, turn left and take the narrow path leading up through the forest. Stay on the left-hand path until you reach the summit: panoramic view of the territory of Serre-Ponçon. Follow the ridge and take the path on the left which brings you back to the picnic table. From here, take the north-facing ("Ubac") path, turning left, until you come to the Cabane du Jas, where freshness and shade await you. After a stop, continue straight ahead. Follow the ridge down until you reach the pass. Turn left just before the Crête de la Coquille (which can be reached with an extra 20 minutes' walk) which brings you back to the car park.

This wild trail along a lakeshore path offers new perspectives. The showstopper is at the Chanteloube viaduct. From the car park, head down the road towards Chanteloube via Serre de l'Aigle. At « la plage des pommiers » take the track on the right at the gate. After a few metres, take the path leading uphill to the right, towards Chanteloube. At the next intersection (« sous les Curattes ») head towards the beach of Trémouilles and Chanteloube via the lakeshore ("Plage de Trémouilles", "Chanteloube par littoral"). Then, carry on in this direction until you come to « Pra de l'As » and turn left. You emerge from the forest and when you come to the beach take the path on the right. At the next intersection, turn left. When you come to the beach, go past the car park and follow the road to the Pont de Chanteloube, for a there-and-back detour. After going past the viaduct, carry on along the path to reach the road. After a few metres, go under the bridge and join the road left towards the Chapelle St-Jacques a few hundred metres further up.

This trail leads primarily through wild environments: Lake, combes, forests, grasslands... all making up the many and varied environments of Serre-Ponçon. From the car park, stay on the road and turn right. At «Mas des Bâtardes», take the track on the left towards Les Curattes. Follow the track running along the field edges and the railway line. At the «les Mareisson» crossroads, go straight on towards Les Curattes. Just opposite, take the track on the right leading into the forest. When you reach the track in Le Gorny, turn left and carry on past the abandoned farm. At the next intersection, make a 800-metre there-and-back detour to the orientation table. Then return to the intersection and head in the direction of Chanteloube. At Chanteloube, take the path on the left towards the Baie St-Michel. Carry on for several kilometres, passing the «le Serre de l'aigle», «les Curattes», «Pra de l'ase», «sous les Curattes» and finally «Rougon». At the first dwellings, take the rightmost path. When you reach the track, turn left and back onto the road. At «La plage des Pommiers» (apple tree beach), head up the road towards La Couche and back to the car park after the memorial.

Along with Tête de l'Estrop and Blayeul, Dormillouse is one of the three pillars of the valley! Try to conquer it by reaching its fortress at an altitude of over 2 500 metres! This is the region's flagship race, taking you to the highest peak in the Vallée de la Blanche. An exceptional view awaits you at the top, with a snack bar where you can quench your thirst and a variety of atmospheres to accompany you to the summit. From the beech forest to the military track, passing through larches and pastures, you'll arrive at one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the valley: a well-deserved reward! Will you be up to the challenge? If you're not up to it, there's a shorter version, stopping at the belvedere on the plateau (5km/ 650m D+). It's still a great feat!

Follow the route of the Grande Traversée Alpes-Provence. Six chapels close to the route and the Saint-Léger lake. Alternating tracks and highly technical downhill trails.

This tour takes you on a journey of discovery of the ancient chapels around Montclar, passing from fabulous landscape to fabulous landscape! This moderately difficult trail takes you to discover the chapels in the commune of Montclar. After following the ridge paths to the viewpoint of the Chapelle de la Salette, you will descend to the hamlet of Serre Nauzet. Please take extra care when crossing the main road. Instead of going straight back up to the resort, you'll tackle a steep climb before coming back down to the resort village. Good luck!

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.

Chef Mathieu Jaulin's cuisine is family-style, friendly and generous. Daily specials and à la carte dishes, in a warm and welcoming setting. Reservations recommended, open by reservation only in the evening.

Discover Orcières Merlette 1850 at altitude this summer In summer, three Télémix® lifts (Rocherousse, Drouvet I and Drouvet II) take you to the heart of the Orcières Merlette 1850 ski area, up to 2280 m at the Rocherousse plateau and 2650 m at the Drouvet summit. These mixed lifts (cabins and seats) allow you to : - Take advantage of our mountain bike playground; - Explore the emblematic trails, including the Monde des 6 Lacs, a magical hike between high altitude lakes and wide open spaces; - Enjoy a meal at the Rocherousse mountain restaurant; - Have some family fun with the ‘Roule Ma Boule’ games; - Try your hand at the Roll Air Cable, one of the longest zip lines in Europe: 1.8 km of head-first descent between the summit of Drouvet (2650 m) and Lac Long (2500 m), for 1 minute 20 of unique sensations. (Access via Drouvet I & II).

25 km from Digne les Bains, in the heart of the UNESCO Haute-Provence Geopark, the Mandala campsite receives you in a preserved natural setting. Small campsite with 31 pitches, by the river, quiet and natural. Rental of 5 Mongolian Yurts, 4 Eco-Chalets and 21 quiet and shady pitches. Accessible to disabled people. Reception of groups and traineeships. Communal kitchen for the yurts, total of 2 barbecues for all. Yoga sessions in the Mandala Yurt and daily activities in July and August: guided hikes, night walks, donkey rides. Bikes rental for customers. Working donkeys for rent all year round. Swimming is possible. Car-free campsite, 2 car parks are available at the entrance and near the pitches. Trolleys are available at the reception point to transport your luggage. Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor activities enthusiasts such as hiking, Via Ferrata, MTB, climbing, canyoning or hang-gliding... or simply for people who want to relax in fresh air. The campsite is open with all necessary sanitary measures.

Built at the sources of the White Drac, near the disused Champoléon cabin, this refuge with its stone roof offers tasty regional food at lunchtime and copious Alpine meals in the evening. The refuge is easy to access for families: 1 hr 30 mins from the Auberts car park (elevation: 350 m). Large number of hiking trails leaving from the refuge.

Nestled at the foot of the west face of the Sirac, this refuge was built in 2001 from wood and stone. Bright, spacious dormitories with duvets. Hot water showers and indoor toilets. From the refuge, there is a wide range of climbs and hikes: Sirac, Col and Pic de Vallonpierre, Col des Chevrettes, GR 54 footpath, Chabournéou refuge, Tour du Vieux Chaillol. Accessible in 2 hrs 30 mins from Gioberney car park, elevation 700 metres.

Fabrice and Marie receive you in their campsite in the heart of Provence. Located 900 m away from the hilltop village of Thoard, the Moulin de Thoard campsite is a haven of peace surrounded by nature. Come enjoy the benefits of the Duyes valley. For one night or for longer stays, you will find peace and quiet in our magnificent human-size campsite located in the heart of Provence. In this fast-paced society, it is increasingly difficult to find real time for yourself. When taking over the Moulin de Thoard campsite, we wanted to put forward values that are precious to us, such as benevolence, solidarity and authenticity. It is through our exchanges that we wish to share moments of well-being with you. Here, you will find a calm and restful place in the middle of a natural setting. The valley of Thoard is set back from the main tourist routes, which allows it to keep its authenticity. We buy from local producers, breeders and shops, to offer you quality products in our campsite. This way, we favour short supply chain, limiting our environmental impact as much as possible. We are also very concerned about your well-being and the quality of our reception. Your arrival is for us a privileged moment to which we give all our attention. After a few administrative formalities and safety instructions, we will accompany you to your pitch or rental accommodation. We will show you all the facilities of the campsite so that you can fully enjoy it. Our campsite has: 3 huts, 1 chalet, 1 chalet on stilts, 1 perched caravan, 2 mobile homes, 1 tipi, 1 lodge tent, 1 Safari tent. The campsite is also open to motorhomes within the limits of the allocated space. A service area is provided by the village outside the campsite. You will find all the information you need to prepare your stay on our website. Do not hesitate to contact us for further information. Welcome !

Chabournéou unveils a world of mountains and glaciers. This former refuge with its authentic atmosphere provides a fine alternative on the Vieux Chaillol Tour or GR54 footpath. Meals available all day. No picnic room. An authentic refuge in an Alpine setting at the foot of the north face of the Sirac. Easy to access along a path with the evocative name of "the minister's path", the refuge welcomes visitors for the skiing season in spring and for climbing and hiking during the summer. Access in 2 hrs 30 min from the Gioberney car park; 450-metre incline.

Gîte for 4 people located in the heart of the charming village of Marcoux. The main assets of the gîte are the panoramic view and the swimming pool. The layout of the gîte is full of surprises, with many objects diverted from their original function.

The Clot - Xavier-Blanc refuge, with 100 years rich in history, welcomes you in the shade of colossal trees for a relaxing break. Whether you are on the GR 54 footpath or out for a day's hike, you are sure to be charmed by this refuge, lulled by the murmur of the nearby Séveraisse mountain stream. Access in 15 minutes from Le Rif du Sap.

The chub (Leuciscus cephalus) is a gregarious fish that lives in oxygen-rich flowing water. It lives quite close to the surface during the summer and drops to the bottom at the first frosts, where it stays until the spring. The breeding season of the chub is between April and June. Its young live in shoals, becoming solitary when they reach maturity. This fish has rayed fins. It has a varied diet, feeding on plants (phytophage), but also other fish.

Morphologically, the hare can be distinguished from the rabbit by its larger and more slender body. It doesn't dig a burrow, but shelters in "forms", a shallow depression it makes in the ground or among tall plants. It can be found in the mountains up to an altitude of 2,000 metres. It feeds on grasses, fruits and seeds. So as to make the most of the nutritional qualities of these foods, it re-ingests some of the droppings it defecates during the night, in order to digest them a second time.

This small falcon with an 80-centimetre wingspan is very common. It has adapted to many natural habitats such as fields and cliffs, in pursuit of small rodents. It has a slender silhouette, with pointed wings. It is predominantly fawn in colour. The upper side of its wings is cream with black speckles. The male's head and the top of its tail are blue-grey. It flies rapidly, beating its wings almost continuously and constantly changing its direction, gliding for short distances and plummeting suddenly. Its characteristic attribute is its ability to hang motionlessly in flight, its tail fanned out and its wings beating very rapidly, on the lookout for prey. This is called the «Flight of the Holy Spirit».

Pastoralism is a livestock rearing technique extensively practised by farmers here. They exploit the local natural resources to feed their flocks, thereby shaping the landscapes. It is estimated that this practice started approximately 10,000 years ago. Sheep could be domesticated because they have a natural tendency to herd together. An annual migration called transhumance, which optimises the animals' food intake, involves moving the livestock to high-altitude grazing grounds in the summer when the vegetation is dry lower down in the valley. Grazing helps to keep habitats open, favouring certain animal species, reducing fire risk and maintaining the landscapes, making them a paradise for hikers.

This very handsome bright green lizard is the biggest in our territory, measuring 30 cm in length. It can be spotted from April to September. The rest of the time, it hibernates underground. It hunts in areas with dense vegetation and feeds primarily on insects and invertebrates. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, that is to say, during the breeding season only, the males have bright blue colouring on the throat and sides of the head. Mating takes place around May. The males engage in ferocious fights in which they occasionally lose their tails. That's not a problem for the Western green lizard as its tail grows back naturally.

The belvedere of Sauze-du-Lac offers a unique view over the dam and over a vast expanse of the lake. At a glance, you take in the point at which the Durance valley and river to the north meet the Ubaye valley and river to the east.It is also the deepest point of the lake, down a depth of 90 metres. Downstream from the dam, you can see the Rousset overflow lake, which allows regulation of the peak flows from the EDF plant and distributes the water between the natural courses of the Durance and the EDF canal, which carries the water towards the plant in La Saulce.

A bird of prey circles slowly over the valley. It is dark with a slightly indented tail. A black kite, back from Africa in spring. It feeds on carrion or waste as well as fish. It can be confused with the red kite, which is brown, red and white with a much more indented tail. The latter does not nest in the massif. It can only be seen in the Durance valley during migration periods.

This is a medium-sized butterfly (25-35 mm wingspan), often brightly coloured, with up to six spots on the inner wing. This Burnet is found on the edges of limestone meadows, steppe-like slopes, dry shrublands and clearings in dry forests. This remarkable species is indicative of the quality of the habitats. It is not nevertheless endangered, which is why it is not on the list of threatened species.

The king of trees in the mountains of the Southern Alps, the Larch is the only conifer to lose its needles in winter. In spring, its cones are a characteristic dark purple. The larch is one of the rare European species that is rot-proof, i.e. it does not rot. That’s why, despite the fact that it twists when dried, it is often used for roofing, drinking troughs and other gutters in mountain villages. Unable to regenerate under its own undergrowth, it needs natural openings such as avalanches if young shoots are to develop. It can be found at altitudes of over 2,200 metres, adopting dwarf forms in these combat zones. The larch seen at this point in the walk is several hundred years old.

In Provencal, jas means gîte. This term is used to describe the large traditional sheepbarns built far away from the farms and hamlets, near to the grazing areas. Generally of dry stone construction, these heritage features bear witness to a pastoral lifestyle which can be difficult to imagine now, because vegetation has taken over and the location seems so isolated and difficult to reach.

It is the ideal place to take a gourmet break in our SNACK-BAR-GLACIER area while enjoying our terrace with a panoramic view of the lake and the Grand Morgon Located at the lookout of the Serre-Ponçon dam, come and taste our burgers, gourmet salads, artisanal ice creams, sweet crepes, waffles and other regional products Our artisanal ice creams are made in the Hautes-Alpes, large choice of ice cream sundaes AU PANORAMA has a terrace with panoramic view. You can charge the battery of your electric bikes. Motorbikes can be parked in view. There is also a gift/souvenir shop and a unique exhibition of world minerals.

Bar - restaurant with a magnificent view of the Serre-Ponçon lake in the Viste campsite**** ! Takeaway meals, pizzas, ice creams, etc... A food store with bread and pastries, local press in season.

Welcome to the Restaurant du Lac! Terrace - Private dining room - Concerts The dishes are complete and range from 13 to 27 euros. Children's formula at 12 euros. Showroom with festive dinners! Meals on site - Takeaway - No delivery

We welcome you to enjoy gourmet dining and refined, generous cuisine in an exceptional setting, in the heart of a large wooded estate, next to a small, authentic mountain village in Haute-Provence. Au cœur de l’Adoux – A gourmet restaurant offering a warm welcome in the heart of nature In an exceptional setting, at the heart of a vast six-hectare wooded estate, the restaurant ‘Au cœur de l’Adoux’ invites you on a true culinary journey. Located in a large mountain chalet, a stone's throw from an authentic village in Haute-Provence, Ilse, Peter and their team welcome you with warmth and friendliness, inviting you to discover their refined and generous cuisine. Recognised expertise Awarded the Logis de France label, our restaurant is renowned for its gourmet cuisine, prepared using fresh, seasonal produce. In the kitchen, our chef, who is passionate about Provençal cuisine, showcases homemade dishes that combine authenticity and creativity. With his wealth of experience and distinctions, he is a Maître Restaurateur and member of the Académie Nationale de Cuisine de France, a guarantee of artisanal expertise and high quality standards. A cosy bar and terrace, ideal for an aperitif Before sitting down to eat, relax in our warm and intimate bar, where you can enjoy an aperitif in a cosy atmosphere. On sunny days, take advantage of our large shaded terrace in the middle of a pine forest for a convivial moment in the open air, lulled by the calm of nature.

Very large outdoor terrace, and two rooms (60 m2 and 200 m2) inside an old farmhouse. Apiland offers you local products and local dishes accompanied by Apiland honeys in a very bright and atypical setting. Original menus will be proposed, made with quality products, mainly from local agriculture and prepared with care for your greatest pleasure. The country plate includes : Tourtons - Ravioles - Jambon cru - Tomme de l'Ubaye - all topped with Apiland honey Open every day in July and August from 12 noon to 2pm.

Bistro terrace. The view may take your breath away, but the food will whet your appetite! Entirely homemade with local produce, Salwa's cooking follows the seasons, with a new offering every day. Don't forget to book! In the pretty hilltop village of Théus, the best view is undoubtedly from the aptly named Balcon de Théüs: from the terrace, you can admire the Durance valley and the famous Demoiselles Coiffées. Salwa is a hyperactive jack-of-all-trades: there's always something going on at her place! A very pretty restaurant on the mountainside, a beautiful view over the valley and, above all, a unique welcome from mountain lovers and people alike. The plus point: the cosy, comfortable gîtes at Le Balcon de Théus, just the thing for savouring the scenery a little longer and hiking the fairy chimneys.

Family kitchen - Snack bar

You will taste the sisters' cooking! A unique menu, which varies according to the rows in the vegetable garden and the market stalls. Fresh herbs, seasonal fruit and vegetables, colours of the sun: a real cocktail for inspiration. Don't forget to book! The old mill is a large family house that opens its doors to you in a soothing setting, in the middle of the fields. Between Gap and Embrun, south of Grenoble and just an hour from Briançon, come and take a break in the peace and quiet between Provence and the mountains... The table : The red check tablecloths and the rustic yet feminine decoration set the tone all year round. But as soon as the weather is fine, it is in the shade of the large plane tree in the courtyard that you can enjoy lunch. The fountain sings, the colours of the flowering balconies explode and you can enjoy a nap in the deckchairs... Are you coming for dinner? Then it's under the trellis, just at dusk and around the aperitif that you'll start the evening before leaving the crickets in the garden to return to the table. Winter also delights the guests, warm behind the large bay windows to watch the snowflakes fall and the countryside transform into silence. - The kitchen: Fresh herbs, seasonal fruit and vegetables, the colours of the sun: a real cocktail for inspiration. You'll get a taste of the sisters' cooking! A unique menu, which varies according to the rows of the vegetable garden and the market stalls. For the main course, however, it will be poultry: a speciality! Chickens, pigeons, ducks, quails... always something new. A gourmet dessert to finish? Profiteroles, lemon pie, citrus salad, pear soufflé, strawberry and peach gratin are also part of the recipe booklet and everything is "homemade"! The meal is served with a regional wine, but the cellar offers a wide range of choices. It is necessary to book at least the day before, as you will only eat fresh products! - The gîtes and guest rooms: We also welcome you in our gîtes. The Auberge du Moulin offers you to spend the night in a large, quiet, cosy and bright room. For more space and autonomy, two 2-seater gîtes are at your disposal with a living room/TV area, a small fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with bathtub and separate toilet. Contact us now!

OPEN TO EVERYONE. Creative and balanced cuisine, local and seasonal products. Bistronomic restaurant located in a hotel with a 2 hectare wooded park on the banks of the Blanche river. At the moment, the Insolent offers burgers and stews to order, delivery possible within a radius of 10 km. Our slate menu evolves over the seasons. Panoramic outdoor terrace.

Gourmet stopover in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes! Discover our traditional cuisine. Country atmosphere and warmth with a decoration of objects and family memories. Restaurant (local cuisine, family meals, groups). Shady park, terrace. For more than 15 years, Bruno and Delphine have been cooking with passion, the products of the Haut-Alpin region: meats, vegetables, cheeses. Chef BRUNO offers you dishes full of local flavours: terrines, poultry, stews, gratins, meats and local specialities. All dishes and desserts are "Fait Maison". For the sake of quality, our menu is deliberately small, but changes regularly. The restaurant is located near the village of Valserres and its wine cellar "Cave des Hautes Vignes". In the entrance hall, you will find local products selected by the Inn: Local wines, Alpine honey, Pure Fruit Juice, Aperitif Fruit Wines, Digestive Alcohols, Mountain Pork Sausages... etc. At your disposal: 1 terrace on the village side, 1 summer terrace, 1 shaded park, Boules pitch.

Self catering and half-board gite for groups and mountain activities stay. Between Ubaye and Lavender, 1100m high, the Flagustelle gîte hosts you at any given time in the year. Near Gap and Digne, close to Seyne and the ski resorts of Chabanon and Montclar and the mountain resorts of Le Grand Puy and Le Fanget. The village of Verdaches will charm you. Hiking and snowshoeing, mountain biking, paragliding, geological and fossils discovery, Land’Art, swim in Lake Serre-Ponçon and in rivers, mountain activities vary throughout the seasons.

Mountain refuge located at the source of the Bléone river, at an altitude of 2,050 m in the village of Prads-Haute-Bléone. Accessible only on foot (3h walk). Numerous hikes available, including the Tête de l'Estrop at 2961m of altitude, as well as sport fishing, bouldering and slacklining. Accommodation and catering available by prior arrangement. Catering only at lunchtime. No reservations in July and August.

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.

25 km from Digne les Bains, in the heart of the UNESCO Haute-Provence Geopark, the Mandala campsite receives you in a preserved natural setting. Small campsite with 31 pitches, by the river, quiet and natural. Rental of 5 Mongolian Yurts, 4 Eco-Chalets and 21 quiet and shady pitches. Accessible to disabled people. Reception of groups and traineeships. Communal kitchen for the yurts, total of 2 barbecues for all. Yoga sessions in the Mandala Yurt and daily activities in July and August: guided hikes, night walks, donkey rides. Bikes rental for customers. Working donkeys for rent all year round. Swimming is possible. Car-free campsite, 2 car parks are available at the entrance and near the pitches. Trolleys are available at the reception point to transport your luggage. Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor activities enthusiasts such as hiking, Via Ferrata, MTB, climbing, canyoning or hang-gliding... or simply for people who want to relax in fresh air. The campsite is open with all necessary sanitary measures.

Built at the sources of the White Drac, near the disused Champoléon cabin, this refuge with its stone roof offers tasty regional food at lunchtime and copious Alpine meals in the evening. The refuge is easy to access for families: 1 hr 30 mins from the Auberts car park (elevation: 350 m). Large number of hiking trails leaving from the refuge.

The pastoral cabin at Champoléon was built by stockbreeders in 1921. It was in 1972 that the cabin was restored for the first time... Two years later, the French Alpine Club (CAF) took over its management in order to insure shelter for the increasing number of hikers of the GR54. Having become too cramped, the refuge was rebuilt in 1979 on the ruins of the hamlet and became the Chaumette Meadow. The decorative stones were cut on site at  Champoléon. The imposing Lauzes stones used to cover the roof underline the effort made to integrate with the landscape. Today flocks of sheep are brought up to the mountains at the end of June and are visited once a week.

The pastoral cabin at Champoléon was built by stockbreeders in 1921. It was in 1972 that the cabin was restored for the first time... Two years later, the French Alpine Club (CAF) took over its management in order to insure shelter for the increasing number of hikers of the GR54. Having become too cramped, the refuge was rebuilt in 1979 on the ruins of the hamlet and became the Chaumette Meadow. The decorative stones were cut on site at  Champoléon. The imposing Lauzes stones used to cover the roof underline the effort made to integrate with the landscape. Today flocks of sheep are brought up to the mountains at the end of June and are visited once a week.

Nestled at the foot of the west face of the Sirac, this refuge was built in 2001 from wood and stone. Bright, spacious dormitories with duvets. Hot water showers and indoor toilets. From the refuge, there is a wide range of climbs and hikes: Sirac, Col and Pic de Vallonpierre, Col des Chevrettes, GR 54 footpath, Chabournéou refuge, Tour du Vieux Chaillol. Accessible in 2 hrs 30 mins from Gioberney car park, elevation 700 metres.

A small lake, pretty meadows and the benevolent Sirac... This magical setting would lead to the construction of a refuge at an altitude of 2270 m in 1942. However, it was a victim of its own success and in 2000 the decision was made to build a second, bigger one. It can accommodate 37 instead of 22. This new building was the first modern mountain refuge to be built using stones on site rather than imported materials. It copies the simplicity and the crow-stepped gable from the "small refuge" which has been kept as lodgings for a warden's helper.

A small lake, pretty meadows and the benevolent Sirac... This magical setting would lead to the construction of a refuge at an altitude of 2270 m in 1942. However, it was a victim of its own success and in 2000 the decision was made to build a second, bigger one. It can accommodate 37 instead of 22. This new building was the first modern mountain refuge to be built using stones on site rather than imported materials. It copies the simplicity and the crow-stepped gable from the "small refuge" which has been kept as lodgings for a warden's helper.