Discover La chapelle-en-valgaudemar, Hautes-Alpes Delights

Striding along at the alpine level, this itinerary leads to a refuge then to the Pas de l'Olan (2695 m) where you can admire the landscape of this valley perched up high.The path starts with a few bends on the scree and continues by crossing a heathland of heather. The view of the Navette valley and Portes hamlet which faces it comes progressively in to view. Then you arrive at the mountainous level in the middle of alpine grasslands, where there is a view of the village de la Chapelle and the l'Olan refuge. A few steps from there is an old concrete slab which was witness to the passage of an avalanche in the 1950s. A visit to the refuge to meet the guardian and/or to have a small snack is always agreeable. The last part of the ascent can really be admired for its alpine character. The path leads on between old polished glaciers before finishing on the scree just in front of the Pas de l'Olan (2695 m). The field of view extends from the entrance to the valley, the Pic Turbat (3023 m) and in the distance the Dévoluy massif. To begin the descent on the other slope attention is required but there is no technical difficulty. The descent is carried out quite directly on the scree slopes to reach the Clot de Combe-Froide, ancient meadow land. At this point an intersection leads to a crossroads at Bourelle with the original path.

Going from hamlet to hamlet is a good start for taking in the built heritage and history of Haut Valgaudemar before setting off to the summits.Opposite the Tourist Information Centre in La Chapelle, the GR54 footpath starts between the bar and the souvenir shop and heads up the valley to Le Clot. Follow the footpath that more or less follows the left bank of the Sèveraisse stream up to the hamlet of Bourg. Here, a footbridge at the bottom of Bourg enables you to cross to the right bank. The footpath continues to climb a little before reaching the hamlet of Rif du Sap. The route is then very peaceful up to old hamlet of Le Clot, via the Xavier Blanc mountain refuge where it is possible to quench your thirst. This footpath is also the return route but it is possible to catch the shuttle for the return journey.

A short introductory walk to see our natural heritage: Les Oulles du Diable!Go up to the village of Les Portes, then make for Pont des Oulles and descend as far as the bridge. On the way back, follow the path along the right bank.

Here, the variants of the GR®54 are complemented by the Tour of L'Oisans and Les Écrins from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, for further exploration of the iconic landscapes of Les Écrins. Starting from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, the Tour of L'Oisans and Les Écrins begins gently along the Séveraisse river before striding up the southern slope of the Pic des Souffles which offers an unrivalled view of the Valgaudemar valley. The next day's Stage consists in crossing the impressive Col de la Vaurze. Equally impressive is the descent down into the wild Valjouffrey. The verdant Col de Côte Belle leads to the village of Valsenestre in the Béranger valley. Take a restorative break at the end of this Stage before setting off again on variant B of the GR®54, which is the longest stage of the route in terms of time and one of the most difficult due to its significant elevation changes. Via the Col de la Romeïou, the variant takes you past numerous lakes, one of which is the most iconic on the Oisans side of Les Écrins: Lac du Lauvitel (1,530 m altitude). The next stage then takes you close to the famous Les Deux Alpes winter sports resort on both slopes (Vénosc and Mont-de-Lans) linked by variant C of the GR®54, and comes to the pretty village of Mizoen. The path continues, rising in altitude up the mountain side and shadowing the shore of the large Lac du Chambon below, before it reaches the refuges at the foot of the Emparis plateau. Above, the Col de Souchet offers a five-star view over La Meije. A descent of almost 1,000 metres brings you to La Grave. Here, you have to follow the Romanche river until you reach its source on the alpine pasture of Villar d'Arène. When you reach the Col d’Arsine, the scene is stunning. The surrounding realm of high peaks invites a visit to the glacial Lacs d’Arsine before embarking on a long descent following the mountain stream Le Petit Tabuc, down to the valley of La Guisane and Monêtier-les-Bains. Objective: La Vallouise via the Col de l’Eychauda and the tranquil chalets of Chambrain. Eight kilometres of motor road following the mountain stream L'Onde brings you to the alpine pastures of Jas Lacroix. Crossing the Col de l'Aup Martin, the highest pass on the route, is always a high point of the adventure, and the descent to the Pré de la Chaumette is equally exhilarating. To reach Lac de Vallonpierre, no fewer than three passes cut through the shale have to be negotiated with care. The last stage consists of a long descent into the valley of Valgaudemar where the path comes to La Chapelle en Valgaudemar, the culmination of the GR®.

This ascent leads through a cool, discreet forest atmosphere to an open landscape, exposed to the heat of the sun.In the village of Les Portes, turn right onto the path signposted "Lacs de Pétarel". Follow this rising path, and soon after, at a crossroads, turn left following the arrow shown on the panel. You cross a forest clearing and a scree, then arrive at and cross the Pétarel torrent. Then make your way through the forest, where the path meets another path leading to the village of Les Andrieux. Follow the signpost at this crossroads to "Lacs de Pétarel". Continue through the forest as far as a slope of low-lying vegetation, following it up through the winding turns. The path crosses the torrent. Go carefully in the last rocky sections. A large cairn signals your arrival at the lakes. Come back the same way.

A lovely family walk to discover the history Navette hamlet and the Buchardet waterfall.At the Fouronnière car park, cross the stone bridge, then a second wooden one at the end of a short climb, to get to the ruins of  Navette village. Cross Navette and continue on the path through the forest of Larch then Spruce, to rapidly reach the Buissard prairie. At its end, Buchardet waterfall reveals itself on the left. A small steep track enables you to better approach it.  Cross the torrent on the wooden bridge and follow on in to the Larch forest taking a stone-walled path (via clause) before redescending to cross the Navette torrent and pass to the other side of the valley. At the crossroads, take a right to return to the Fouronnière car park by an elevated path overlooking the Navette torrent.

This ascent in a forest setting enables you to benefit from the grandiose panorama of the Mount Olan massif.From  Andrieux car park at  the level of the fountain place  cross the main road in front of the small chapel and go towards the end of the village in the direction of the pine forest.. At the level of the entrance to the National Park indicated by signposts, climb the track going up to the left. At an altitude of 1 400 m, leave the track going towards la Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar and des Portes hamlet (a bit higher up) on the left, staying on the same path.  The ascent continues for some time in the forest which brightens up progressively.. Walk carefully through the last rocky  passages. A large cairn signals your arrival at the lakes. Return using the same itinerary.

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.

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 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.

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.

Located at 1797 m altitude, a 2-hour walk from the hamlet of Champhorent on an easy family trail up the Muande torrent. This is a place where mountaineers, hikers and mountain people can share their emotions. At the refuge you'll find everything you need for this special adventure, and the wardens are there to advise, inform and guide you in your choice of itinerary. At the foot of accessible glaciers and lakes (la Muande, les Rouies, les Sellettes, les Bêches, les Fétoules...), fauna, flora and herds are waiting for you, and everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, from the contemplative to the adventurous, from the climber to the walker, will find what they're looking for. You'll be able to sample organic and local produce, all in a creative and colorful cuisine. Every summer, a program of events is organized to offer concerts, shows and evening events for all to enjoy. Don't hesitate to follow our news online! Respect the legislation of the Parc National des Ecrins. The refuge will close for two years from July 15, 2025. This will give us the time we need to carry out a complete refurbishment that will enable us to welcome you even better.

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 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.

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.

Set at the bottom of the Vénéon valley, it offers panoramic views of the Pilatte glacier and the most prestigious peaks in the Écrins. TEMPORARILY CLOSED The Temple Ecrins refuge was completely renovated in 2018. It offers 48 beds, made up of modules for 1 to 3 people and equipped with comforters. Bright and welcoming, the refuge is equipped with showers. A wood-burning stove allows you to spend pleasant evenings by the fire, while enjoying the generous home-cooked meals offered by the janitor. The large window in the dining room offers a breathtaking view of the typical Oisans alpine landscape. HIKING IN THE HEART OF THE ECRINS NATIONAL PARK The Écrins massif is an exceptional area, open to all, with a rare natural, cultural and landscape heritage. and landscapes. To protect these treasures, the heart of the park is marked with blue-white-red painted flags, where regulations must be respected. Please take note of them when preparing your hike to preserve this collective asset on the ecrins-parcnational.fr website.

Our gîte is located at the start of many hikes and is one of the stops on the GR54 tour of the Oisans and the Écrins. You have the option to rest at our gîte before continuing your journey to the next peaks. The gîte is also accessible by road. Located in the heart of the traditional village of Valsenestre, in the commune of Valjouffrey, the gîte can accommodate up to 40 people, divided into 4 dormitories. At the start of many hiking trails, notably the route to the Grand Tour of the Écrins, it’s the perfect spot for a well-deserved break under the linden (tilleul) trees. Breakfast is served from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Lunch, made with local products, is available from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Desserts, afternoon snacks, and drinks are served throughout the afternoon. Shared dinner served from 7:00 p.m. (beef bourguignon, veal stew, lasagna, soups). All dietary preferences are welcome! Continuous snack and supply service (freshly sliced bread, cured sausages, cheeses, etc.). Free Wi-Fi available. We welcome our guests with warmth and good humor to come enjoy the peace and quiet of this mountain village, in the shade of the linden tree, while admiring the waterfall and the surrounding mountain range. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed, with meals carefully prepared using local products, including goat cheese, lamb, and charcuterie from the commune. Booking available through our website (no fees or deposits required).

A real open-air museum piece in the rural landscape, the pictorial art of the sundial aims to foster silence and to be accessible to all. For walkers today and for travellers yesterday. A sundial is a call to reflection and meditation, visible in all its magnificence on religious buildings or carefully hidden, in the little streets of a mountain village. The the Hautes-Alpes department, with its sun-rich climate, has the highest concentration of this example of the people’s art. Today, through the work of the sundial maker Rémy Potey, chamois and golden eagles can be beside the imaginary birds of the mysterious and famous Zarbula, the 19th century Piedmont artist.

A real open-air museum piece in the rural landscape, the pictorial art of the sundial aims to foster silence and to be accessible to all. For walkers today and for travellers yesterday. A sundial is a call to reflection and meditation, visible in all its magnificence on religious buildings or carefully hidden, in the little streets of a mountain village. The the Hautes-Alpes department, with its sun-rich climate, has the highest concentration of this example of the people’s art. Today, through the work of the sundial maker Rémy Potey, chamois and golden eagles can be beside the imaginary birds of the mysterious and famous Zarbula, the 19th century Piedmont artist.

The word "oule" is from the Latin olla, which means CAULDRON The Devil's Oules are made up of a series of waterfalls in a narrow gorge. Over time, the water and the pebbles of the Séveraisse river have eroded the hard rock. Spectacularly shaped, polished cavities have been created by the swirling movement. Barriers have been put up following mortal accidents.

Hayfields surround the village of La Chapelle. Unfortunately, such natural hayfields, and their flowers and insects, are more and more frequently replaced by temporary hayfields, in other words, certain years they are sowed. These prairies are still watered by the irrigation canals that are well maintained by the users with the help of the National Park. You will see the floodway of the Grande Levée canal not far from the stream as it nears the Sèveraisse. The canals are of great importance for preserving wetland flora, such as alternate-leaved golden saxifrage or yellow star-of-Bethlehem, both of which are protected species.

Hayfields surround the village of La Chapelle. Unfortunately, such natural hayfields, and their flowers and insects, are more and more frequently replaced by temporary hayfields, in other words, certain years they are sowed. These prairies are still watered by the irrigation canals that are well maintained by the users with the help of the National Park. You will see the floodway of the Grande Levée canal not far from the stream as it nears the Sèveraisse. The canals are of great importance for preserving wetland flora, such as alternate-leaved golden saxifrage or yellow star-of-Bethlehem, both of which are protected species.

The blueberry shrub is a bushy shrub whose angular twigs have small tender, oval leaves that are finely serrated. It has single wine-coloured, bell-type flowers. As of August, they will give way to edible purple-fleshed berries that are also known as "black mouth".  At high altitude, it accompanies bilberries. When autumn sets in, entire mountainsides are covered in bright red that is highly visible in the landscape. Blueberries are an additional food source for fauna that is baccivore (berry eating), frugivore or herbivore, hence its scientific name vaccinium, from the Latin vacca (cow).

The blueberry shrub is a bushy shrub whose angular twigs have small tender, oval leaves that are finely serrated. It has single wine-coloured, bell-type flowers. As of August, they will give way to edible purple-fleshed berries that are also known as "black mouth".  At high altitude, it accompanies bilberries. When autumn sets in, entire mountainsides are covered in bright red that is highly visible in the landscape. Blueberries are an additional food source for fauna that is baccivore (berry eating), frugivore or herbivore, hence its scientific name vaccinium, from the Latin vacca (cow).

Jusqu'à la fin du XIXe siècle, le chaume été utilisé régulièrement pour recouvrir les maisons principalement dans les zones rurales. Par la suite, il a été délaissé au profit de l'ardoise et de la tuile. Traditionnellement, les maisons étaient construite avec les matériaux récoltés localement : les pierres étaient utilisées pour la maçonnerie et le seigle en montagne servait à couvrir la toiture. La construction d'un toit en chaume nécessite un savoir-faire local et traditionnel transmis depuis des générations de chaumier. La paille est battue, triée, peignée et liée en botte (appelé cleu dans le Valgaudemar) avant d'être posée sur une structure en bois. La technique de pose permet d'évacuer l'eau de pluie et éviter ainsi que la toiture ne se dégrade. Une batte en bois permet de battre la paille afin de donner la forme voulue à la toiture. L'épaisseur de cette couverture varie de 25 à 40 cm, et apporte une isolation thermique importante. Cette maison, située au hameau des Portes, a été restaurée avec du roseau de Camargue.

Up to the end of the nineteenth century, thatch was widely used as a roof covering, primarily in rural areas. The practice then fell out of use, replaced by slate and tiling. Traditionally, houses were built with materials gleaned from the local area: stones were used for masonry and, in the mountains, rye was used for the roofs. The construction of a thatch roof required local skills that were traditionally handed down through generations of thatchers. The straw is threshed, sifted, combed and tied into bundles (called a cleu in the Valgaudemar) before being installed on a wooden structure. It is laid in such a way as to shed rainwater and this helps prevent rotting. A wooden bat is used to beat the straw in order to give the roof the desired shape. The thickness of this covering varies from 25 to 40 cm and it also offers significant heat insulation. This house, situated in the hamlet of Les Portes, has been restored using reeds from Camargue.

Le mot "oule" provient du mot latin olla qui signifie marmite. Les Oules du diable sont composés d'une succession de cascades située dans une gorge étroite. Au fil du temps, la Séveraisse a érodé la roche dure. A la suite d'accidents mortels, des barrières ont été installées. Le pont des Oules traverse le torrent.

Local specialities, traditional cuisine, daily specials. Tourtons for sale.

Les Glaciers offers snacks such as crispy chicken, tourtons and ravioles, and camembert croquettes.

Discover a simple cuisine handed down from mother to daughter, and enjoy the slow-cooked dishes that need time to bring out all their flavour. Traditional specialities, including 'donkey's ears', 'tourtons', 'ravioles', pies and goat pot-au-feu.

The talents of the chef and his assistant bring about the alliance of regional specialities ('tourtons', 'ravioles', 'donkey's ears'...) and sophisticated recipes (lamb tapenade, chicken with crawfish, Rossini fillet steak, etc.).

A bistro-style bar with a friendly atmosphere. Snacks on reservation, and ice cream in summer.

Since 1965, the Gueydan family has been welcoming diners to the restaurant where culinary tradition is the watchword. Cuisine based on fresh regional produce, bringing out all the flavours of yesteryear. Specialities: 'ravioles' in honey, 'donkey's ears', mountain charcuterie, lamb, salted goat, roast ham, farmhouse cheeses... and homemade cakes! By reservation.

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...

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.

Huguette welcomes you to Champoléon, the gentle valley, to savour local specialities and produce from Gondoins farm: tourton fritters, local lamb, cheeses... Don't forget to reserve so you can enjoy the atmosphere of this typical inn.

The Auberge des Ecrins is a great place to meet up in the Champoléon valley. Here regional and world cuisine is made using high-quality local produce for maximum creativity and the pleasure of the tastebuds. Live concerts and evening events too.

Situated at an altitude of 2350 m, this large building constructed in 1957 was carried away by an avalanche two years later. A witness to this is a concrete slab below the refuge. Rebuilt in 1966, it was definitively extended in 1978 with a capacity of 54 places. A stage of the Tour de l'Oisans (GR 54), it welcomes hikers in the summer season and provides a shelter in the winter; it belongs to the Club Alpin Français.

Situated at an altitude of 2350 m, this large building constructed in 1957 was carried away by an avalanche two years later. A witness to this is a concrete slab below the refuge. Rebuilt in 1966, it was definitively extended in 1978 with a capacity of 54 places. A stage of the Tour de l'Oisans (GR 54), it welcomes hikers in the summer season and provides a shelter in the winter; it belongs to the Club Alpin Français.

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.

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.

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.

During the summer of 1923, the guide Célestin Bernard took charge of the construction of the refuge at Font Turbat. Several great mountaineering names are associated with it like Guery, Ripert, Frendo, Fourastier, Boell, who came to explore the mountains at Valjouffrey. In 1934, Devies and Gervasutti traced a historic itinerary in the North-West face of the Pic de l'Olan. 22 years later, the direct Couzy-Desmaison (ED) was opened to the left of the previous one, surmounting the steepest part of the face. The construction of the refuge As it stands now dates from 1962. It was extended and renovated in 1996-1997.

What a strange idea to build this mountain refuge below the road leading to Gioberney, at an altitude of "only" 1397 m. In fact, it was already there more than a century ago, long before the road was built. This simple, sturdy building belonged to the Valgodemar Mining Company that operated in the area extracting copper and lead. When the business closed, the Club Alpin Français bought the building and named it after Xavier Blanc, in recognition of one of the founder members of the CAF, senator of the Hautes Alpes.

What a strange idea to build this mountain refuge below the road leading to Gioberney, at an altitude of "only" 1397 m. In fact, it was already there more than a century ago, long before the road was built. This simple, sturdy building belonged to the Valgodemar Mining Company that operated in the area extracting copper and lead. When the business closed, the Club Alpin Français bought the building and named it after Xavier Blanc, in recognition of one of the founder members of the CAF, senator of the Hautes Alpes.

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.