Explore LA PALATRIERE at Le sauze-du-lac, Hautes-Alpes

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.

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. 

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.

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 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.

A world apart is waiting to be discovered in the shadows of the forest. Travel through it to discover the riches it has to offer. From the car park, take the track opposite which leads into the forest. After a few metres, take the path on the left. At the next intersection, head right towards Pierre Arnoux. At the next intersection, go straight ahead. Turn left onto the forest road ("La route forestière") and a few metres further down, take the path on the right (1). Follow the GRP (regional long-distance trail) route and then at the next intersection take the track on the right. You return to the forest track and turn right. A short distance further up, take the path on the left. Continue through the forest and when you come to the track again, go right and then take the path opposite (there-and-back walk to the spring). When you come to the top of the clearing, you have reached Pierre Arnoux. Make a there-and-back detour to the belvedere by going to the left of the mountain refuge. Back at the refuge, go along the silver birch walk to return to the car park. Then, turn left at the place called « l'Empouyère » (2)When you come to the spring, take the downhill track on the left (3). At the forested track in the forest of the district of Savines-le-Lac, cross the track and continue straight ahead. Cross the track again and go straight ahead. At the next intersection, when you come to the fitness trail amenities, turn right. (4) Then take the wooden walkway on the left. Go past the water storage facility and the aqueduct. Immediately after this, take the path on the left which follows the water course. When you reach the Savines-le-Lac road, go left. Follow the path that runs along the right-hand side of the road for 1 kilometre, which brings you back to the car park.

The route crosses the forest then the mountain pastures, leading to Pic de Morgon, from where the view over the two parts of the Serre-Ponçon lake is truly striking.From the Pierre Arnoux car park (1285 m), head for the Fontaine des Miracles track. Turn left into the track and go as far as the beginning of the path with some log steps. Follow the path right across the forest, then, after a few bends, climb up the ladders on a small rocky bar. Continue along the winding path and you pass a source just before arriving at the gates of Morgon. Once in the corrie, follow the track, then the path. You arrive near a shepherd’s cabin, respecting the peace and quiet, before tackling the ascent, which is often eroded in the cargneule rock. Don’t cut across the loops, which worsens the erosion. If you veer to the right you will pass a metal cylinder placed on the crest in the year 2000 at the same time as another that can still be seen on Mont Orel. Go up to the summit across the flat area below it. On the way back, follow the same route in the other direction. You can also follow the crest southwards towards Tête de la Vieille (short passage through the rock) to arrive at a path going down to the corrie and passing near Lake Morgon and the Saint Pierre sanctuary.

Discover a whole new world in the shade beneath the forest. Cross it to discover the treasures of this place with its breathtaking views over Lake Serre-Ponçon. 1. Take the path along the right-hand side of the road for 1km until you reach the entrance to the camp-site. From the car park, turn left onto the forest path. A few metres further on, take the path on the left, then turn right at the next crossroads. Go straight on at the next intersection.2. On the forest road, turn left and a few metres further down take the path on the right. Follow the GRP then take the right-hand path at the next junction. Back on the forest track, turn right. A little further up, take the left-hand path. Continue through the forest until you return to the track, go right then take the path opposite.3. Once you reach the top of the clearing, you're in Pierre Arnoux. Take the left-hand path from the hut to the lookout and back. Back at the hut, take the outward path through the silver birch until you reach the car park. Then turn left at "l'Empouyère".4. When you reach the spring, take the left-hand path downhill. Go straight across the forest track twice. Turn right at the fitness trail, then left through the undergrowth. From here, follow the Barnnafret stream back to Savines-le-lac and the start.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Perched on an Alpine prairie, at the frontier with the high mountains, the Olan refuge provides a unique panorama on La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, the prestigious Olan cirque, the Cime du Vallon... A stopover for mountaineers and hikers: a mountain road to the Refuge des Souffles. Shared room and kitchen upstairs, running water and fountain. Meals by reservation. Access from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar in 4 hours; elevation: 1245 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 !

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.

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.

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.

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.

This lizard can be spotted from April through to late September. The species is in hibernation for the rest of the year. 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 fights, in which they occasionally lose their tails.

This is a tall bird (85 to 102 cm). Its white head is adorned with two large black eyebrows. Its back and wings are ash grey, hence its name. Its legs and beak are yellowish in colour. It uses its long, powerful beak to catch large prey (fish, amphibians etc.). In flight, its neck is folded back forming an «S». This species is wholly protected by regulations.

The oak has a dark grey bark which is deeply fissured. Its lobed leaves, downy on their undersides, remain dried out on the tree until the spring. The fruits, called acorns, ripen in the autumn. The oak can grow at up to 1,500 metres above sea level, on well exposed slopes. Also called the white oak, the downy oak is well known for hosting truffles among its roots. This fungus develops 30 to 40 cm underground, and the difficulty in finding it makes it a culinary delicacy.

Take to the heights to enjoy this extraordinary 360°C view. This perspective will delight young and old alike, what with the imposing Morgon to the north, the Ubaye valley to the east, the La Blanche mountain range and Haute-Provence to the south and, finally, Serre-Ponçon with its dam and the Durance valley stretching away to the west.

This is a medium-sized moth (25 - 35 mm wingspan), often brightly coloured: the inner wing has a maximum of six spots. This burnet moth is found on the edges of calcareous meadows, steppe-like slopes, dry bushes and clearings in dry forests. This remarkable species is a sign of the quality of the habitats but it is not at risk so does not appear on the list of threatened species.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

Regional and mountain specialities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.