Camping Les Blanchons: adventures in Prunieres' nature

"Les géants de pierre" action trail, a hike and game trail that brings the mountains to life with the whole family!Find the "story caches", talk to the heroes of our mountains and take on dozens of challenges.From 6 years old. 1 - Head for the signpost and take the path up through the pine forest.The path climbs gently up .... before the first fork in the road.2 - At the crossroads, take the wide path on the right (yellow markings)3 - Stay on the main path and do not take the path up the slope on the left.4 - At the new crossroads, take the path on the right to reach the main quarry and then the Salados plateau.5 - You are now on the Salados plateau, a sensitive area. Please stay on the path.The Salados lion (bas-relief sculpture) can be seen on one of the first boulders.Cross the plateau to reach a lookout point overlooking the lake before heading back down.6 - At "la Peyre de l'Aigle" you can discover a rock shelter, before heading downhill to the left to rejoin the uphill path, and the car park.Game instructions:When you come across a marker, look for a "History cache" within a circle of 20 paces around you.Once you've found the "cache", take a break and discover the adventures of our heroes!Relive the Sens action challenges, close and replace the "cache" before continuing.Be prepared, and set off equipped for the hike. Walking and playing times are given as a guide and calculated for children aged 6 and over.Playing time: 2h30Walking time: 2h30Materials: notebook and pencilSens'action: 7

A route with a diversity of landscapes. Start out on gravel paths with uninterrupted views of the Morgon peak and Serre-Ponçon lake, before finally reaching sub-alpine levels and entering the realm of the larch. 1) Take the uphill track on your left for about 1.5 km. When you reach the farm track, go straight ahead along the well-marked, fairly steep path until you come to a track that you have to cross to follow an ascending path that veers slightly to the right towards the "Peyre de l'Aigle".2) Continue straight on to the Peyre de l'Aigle and bear right to stay on the path 3) Descend, staying on the main track before taking a faint path to the left, which leads downhill along an old path lined with old stone walls.4) At the sheepfold, turn right to join the track below, which you take on the right to get back to the starting point.

This excursion, which takes you past the Lac de St-Apollinaire and its forested surroundings, constitutes a real pool of biodiversity. From the car park, follow the right-hand shore of the lake and take the track running uphill to the left, next to the water fountain. After the hairpin bend, carry straight on and continue along the track as it rises. When you come to the electricity pylons, turn left. When you are on the forest road, head left and fork onto the track on the right heading towards the Aiguilles de Chabrières and the Cabane de Joubelle. The Forest Centre ("Maison Forestière") is a short distance further up. Sheltered from the sun, with picnic amenities.

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.

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.

An easy route on the south-facing slopes that can be enjoyed in all seasons, and which quickly changes from a road skirting the fields of the village to a dilapidated path. 1) From the tourist office, take rue des Eguières as far as Place du Grand Logis. Turn left and follow the Pré de l'Aubre road for around 2 km, until you reach a crossroads with 4 roads. 2) Then turn right for 250 m, (leaving the first path on your right), take the second which rises up the slope (reading table at the entrance to the path).Bit by bit, the panorama opens up over Chorges and Lac de Serre-Ponçon. 800m further on, pass to the left of a house with a porch. This is the highest point of the walk (1024m). 3) Now follow the path downhill to reach the road, which you should follow downhill for 300m. Turn right onto a track that runs alongside vineyards and meadows and heads straight back to your starting point via Rue du Pré du Château.

This easy route winds its way through Mediterranean flora along the paths that border the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. From the forecourt of the Tourist Office, head opposite onto Route du Fein. Pass under the bridge over the main road, then turn left until you cross the D3. Cross it and continue to the right along the pavement. Leave the main road and turn left onto the secondary road. Stay on this route over the railway line and pass the hamlet of Pré Long. At the intersection, take the track on the left. At the next crossroads, continue uphill to the right to reach "Champ de Gorny". Take a left fork onto the path, passing 2 chicanes, then take a direct right uphill to join a track. Continue left up the hill. At the crow's-foot intersection, leave the main track and continue right on the flat. Pass under the power lines twice, then leave the main path and turn left onto a downhill path. Continue left along the track until you reach some fields. At the signpost, continue straight ahead through marl until you reach Les Trémouilles. Bear left onto the lakeside path past Pra de l'Ase. At the crossroads, continue left on the flat and stay on it until you reach the "serre de l'aigle" post. From here, continue straight ahead on the path until you reach the hamlet of Chanteloube. Cross it downhill, then turn right in front of the chapel to join an uphill track. Stay on this path until you reach the hamlet of Pré Long. From there, the return journey takes the same route.

Walking along former agricultural terraces which have been reclaimed by the forest, continue beneath the impressive Aiguilles de Chabrières to the Chalets de Vaucluse. From the ski pass offices, turn right into the tourist office. Continue through the heart of the resort until you reach a signpost. From there, continue left uphill between the houses. Once you reach a road, continue uphill. At the end of the road, take the flat path. At the intersection take the left fork. The balcony path then passes a ski lift. Pass it and continue on flat ground on former agricultural terraces. On the way down, the path joins a cross-country ski trail. Ascend to the left for 100m, then veer right to return to the balcony path. At the crossroads, leave the path on the right as you descend and stay on the main path. Leave the forest, cross a stream and join the chalets de Vaucluse. The return journey takes the same route.

Following moderately technical trails, this route leads through impressive larch forests beneath the Aiguilles de Chabrières. From the end of the car park turn right through the heart of the resort. At the signpost, continue left uphill on the track and then the road. From here, continue across the road on the path. Stay on the main balcony path until you reach a track. Ascend for 100m, then take the right-hand path to the Chalets de Vaucluse. Cross between them to reach a track and take it to the right for 150m. At the bend by a house, bear left onto the path. 300m further on, at the crossroads, turn left onto the balcony path leading to the Font Renarde hut. Continue below the Aiguilles de Chabrières, passing along the balcony path in the scree. At first the path becomes a wide track and then falls back onto a track. Take it downhill until you reach the centre of the resort.

This hike takes in the views of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon and gives you a close-up view of the Aiguilles de Chabrière. From the ski pass ticket offices, turn left towards the forest to join a wide track. Turn right uphill, then left at the intersection. At the "Piste de Joubelle" post turn right onto the uphill path. Further on, this joins a track that you have to follow uphill. Once you reach a flat area at the edge of the forest, go left, winding through the forest to reach another track higher up which you must take on the way up. This leads to a clearing; cross it and then climb the slope to the right. The path leaves the forest at the "Serre du mouton" post. From here, continue uphill until you reach the first lookout. Go back up the ski slope for 200m, then turn left after some cliffs on a steep climb. Follow the ridge to the top of the station and continue as far as an orientation table beneath the majestic Aiguilles de Chabrières. The return journey takes the same route.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For several years now, the number of butterflies in our countries has fallen sharply. All too often, flower meadows have become fields of grasses sprayed with too many fertilisers and herbicides. The plants that used to host caterpillars (known as host plants) no longer grow and the flowers have almost disappeared. Fortunately, there are still a few little corners of paradise, like this one, that are home to a wide variety of butterflies! Take a break and absorb the variety of colours and shapes. Within this large family, some species are more famous than others... The Marsh Fritillary, which is protected at European level, is one of the species which justified the creation of the Natura 2000 site!

Get your nose as close to the rock as you can and discover the wonderful world of lichens!

The pink marble quarries at Salados have been worked since ancient times, when they were developed by the Romans who settled in the region. This high-altitude open-cast quarry is used to extract collapsed blocks from the Chabrières peaks. It is from the same vein as Guillestre. It was mainly used locally, and the largest construction site it supplied was Gap Cathedral in the late 19th century. Blocks weighing some 4 tonnes were brought down from the mountain by teams of quarrymen on carts as far as Gap.

This species is a bioindicator of its environment, that is to say, it signals the good ecological health of its living environment. It is greenish brown on its back and underside and, as its name suggests, its claws are white. It can grow up to 12 cm in length and can live between 8 and 10 years. Its outer shell has several small characteristic lateral spines. Its mouth is edged with a pair of lateral "teeth". It feeds on plants, small invertebrates, amphibians and dead fish. It can lay 40 to 200 eggs. The young hatch between May and July.

This small glacial lake nestles amidst larch forest at an altitude of 1,452 metres and its shores make for a pleasant walk. It forms a green backdrop and constitutes a fine vantage point looking over the valley. It lies at the end of a narrow road leading from the village of Saint-Apollinaire. The nearby campsite and the few tourist amenities in no way detract from the beauty and tranquillity of the site. There are two car parks, one on the lakeside, making the lake accessible to all and another further downhill on the road, offering a pleasant countryside walk. The lake is reserved for fly-fishing, and a no-kill policy is practised, that is to say, the fish must be returned live into the water. It is populated by chub and trout.

The wood nuthatch is a small resident bird the size of a tit. Its speciality is working its way down tree trunks upside down. It nests in cavities in trees, most of which are excavated by woodpeckers (green woodpecker, spotted woodpecker, black woodpecker). When the entrance to the hole is too big, it reduces the diameter to a suitable size using mud which forms a wall. The aim is to protect its nestling from predators. This special characteristic has earned it the French nickname torche-pot (a reference to edging the rim of a vessel).

The goldfinch is a small passerine bird. It has a brown back, black wings with a conspicuous yellow wing bar, a red face and a black and white head. It is found in forests but also in rural farmland and gardens. They form into groups which can often be seen on bird feeders. Essentially it is a granivore, or seed eater, and is particularly fond of the fruits of the globe thistle, (chardon in French hence the bird's French name “chardonneret”). Its beak is designed to winkle out the seeds from behind the spikes. The young are fed on insects, however.

Growing to a spectacular size, the fox-tail Milkvetch is a species found in open mountainous environments, particularly dry, sunny grasslands. Although it is extremely sociable (often forming large population nuclei, as it does here) and locally abundant in several parts of the Hautes-Alpes, this species is rare in Europe and in France, which is why it is protected at European level. On the Piolit slope there are around ten known sites, which are well preserved thanks to extensive grazing. Walk carefully between the clumps of this beautiful, hairy plant that has made its home on this magnificent lookout!

The Western Bonelli's warbler is a small passerine in the family Sylviidae. Greyish green-brown on the upper side, its very white breast and belly are an identifying feature. It can be differentiated from similar species by its dark legs, its flight feathers and wing coverts edged with yellowish green and its yellowish rump. An insect lover, it is migratory and can be found in the Les Écrins massif and around Serre-Ponçon between April and August.

The Golden Eagle is a large bird of prey with a wingspan of up to 2.30 metres. It is a predator par excellence, armed with fearsome weapons: rapid flight adaptable to the most acrobatic situations and powerful, sharp talons. Its sharp eyesight, eight times sharper than a human's, lets it detect its prey: from marmots and young chamois to ptarmigan and hare. The Golden Eagle is also a keen scavenger, especially in winter when food is scarce.

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!

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.

Regional and mountain specialities.

Specialities of sweet and savoury pancakes.

Wood-fired pizza, local specialities.

Mountain speciality. Wood-fire pizza, on site or to take away.

Family cuisine and atmosphere to try some local specialities ('tourtons', goat, etc.). Dining room and terrace.

Traditional and local cuisine, snack bar.

A traditional restaurant with refined and regional dishes. Mountain specialities in the authentic setting of a converted 18th century stable. A simple and generous setting that will delight everyone who loves good food.

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.

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.

After 1 hour and forty-five minutes walking, you will come across the charming mountain refuge that is at an altitude of 2000 m. It is guarded in spring and is the starting point for ski touring routes such as the Jocelme or the Brèche en V. In the summer, backing onto the Sirac, it is at the limit between hiking and mountaineering: a first-rate location. You might be lucky enough to spot chamois that loiter on the neighbouring slopes at the end of the day, as the sun takes its time to leave.

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.