Enjoy CAMPING CROQUE LOISIRS in Puy-saint-vincent

A peaceful trail leading through hamlets, meadows and woods Waysigning: follow the heritage path signs for Les Prés-Saint Romain (« Sentier du patrimoine – Les Prés – Saint Romain » A large sign “Sentier du Patrimoine”on the D4 just before you enter Puy Saint-Vincent indicates the start of the path. Head towards the track lower down which runs level below the various hamlets of Puy Saint-Vincent, alternating between meadows and groves of trees.  At the crossroads with the D4, go through the hamlet of Le Puy, past the communal oven and the church.  On the D4, take the road running downhill past some wooden guardrails and then continue straight ahead until you come to the Chapelle Saint-Romain. At the Chapelle Saint-Romain, turn back on yourself and follow the outward route in reverse. At the “Sentier du Patrimoine” sign you passed at the beginning of the trail, you can continue the itinerary as far as the hamlet of Les Prés by taking the footpath on the left just after you enter Puy Saint-Vincent. Carry on to the large multi-storey car park. Skirt around it by taking the stairs and carry straight on towards Les Prés. At the crossroads, fork left and then continue straight ahead until you come to the Chapelle Sainte Marie Madeleine.

A peaceful trail leading through hamlets, meadows and woods Waysigning: follow the heritage path signs for Les Prés-Saint Romain (« Sentier du patrimoine – Les Prés – Saint Romain ») A large sign “Sentier du Patrimoine” on the D4 just before you enter Puy Saint-Vincent indicates the start of the path. Head towards the track lower down which runs level below the various hamlets of Puy Saint-Vincent, alternating between meadows and groves of trees.  At the crossroads with the D4, go through the hamlet of Le Puy, past the communal oven and the church.  On the D4, take the road running downhill past some wooden guardrails and then continue straight ahead until you come to the Chapelle Saint-Romain. At the Chapelle Saint-Romain, turn back on yourself and follow the outward route in reverse. At the “Sentier du Patrimoine” sign you passed at the beginning of the trail, you can continue the itinerary as far as the hamlet of Les Prés by taking the footpath on the left just after you enter Puy Saint-Vincent. Carry on to the large multi-storey car park. Skirt around it by taking the stairs and carry straight on towards Les Prés. At the crossroads, fork left and then continue straight ahead until you come to the Chapelle Sainte Marie Madeleine.

A peaceful walk in the heart of nature, with the added benefit of many stunning panoramic views. The Narreyroux circuit starts at Les Prés at the 1400 resort roundabout, heading towards Le Villaret At Le Villaret, take the track on the right towards Les Vigneaux via Combe Noire At the end of the track, bear slightly right to start the climb up towards the plateau of La Pousterle via Via Novo At the end of the track, join the road, still heading towards the Plateau de la Pousterle  At Le Prey d'Amont, turn right to leave the road and join a track  At the intersection of the tracks, turn left and then right 200 metres further on, heading towards the 1800 resort At the 1800 resort, take the road downhill and, at the centre of the fifth hairpin, take a track that leads to Narreyroux  Go right to cross the bridge spanning the mountain stream and return to Narreyroux  At La Chapelle Notre Dame, turn right onto a path heading towards Le Puy (Caution: proceed slowly along this technical section) At the end of the path at the Torrent de la Combe de Narreyroux mountain stream, cross the bridge to rejoin the road on the right. 500 metres further on, at the first hairpin, take a path running along the canal side  Cross the local road and then rejoin the canal path  At the end of the path, turn left towards the Croque Loisirs campsite. Go through the campsite and this brings you back to Les Prés and your starting point

A pump track designed with fun in mind but allowing progression at your own pace and in total safety!

The local inhabitants are called the "Traversouirres” because their houses are built in a series of small hamlets perched on the slope and the streets on the side of the "puy” (mountain). Here people say you "traverse" (“cross”) to go from one hamlet to the next.The trail begins on the Puy-Saint-Vincent church forecourt. With your back to the church, follow the road on the right as far as the intersection.Then turn right and follow the road to the next crossroads.Turn right into the road leading to the starting point in front of the church.

A panoramic circuit taking you through forest and extensive clearings. The route starts at the entrance to the « RECOUMERE » car park in the Puy Saint-Vincent 1800 resort near the Résidence Le Parc Aux Étoiles. It starts on the road, then straight on at the hairpin along a track above the buildings. Turn off this track onto another track leading left towards the Escapade chairlift ("Télésiège de l'Escapade") and the start of the summer toboggan run At the Chalet de Pré Loubet, turn right onto another track and after 200 metres, turn left which brings you to a sharp bend Take the narrow track on the left and then turn left again towards Le Laus. After this chalet, carry straight on, continue along the upper edge of the Tournoux plateau and on towards the Col de la Pousterle along a track which runs along the foot of a rock bar. It comes out on the plateau of the Col de la Pousterle Turn left and, after a short distance, right. The track leads away along a balcony route Turn right off the track towards the Lac des Sagnes As you approach the Lac des Sagnes, head left onto a track overlooking the Lac des Charbonnières and the Lac des Lauzes, which can be difficult to make out, and which comes out on the L'Argentière-la-Bessée side Drop back downhill to the Lac des Sagnes, and then turn left towards the Col de la Pousterle. This then brings you back to the plateau and Les Tournoux At Les Tournoux, head right onto a track which leads past some chalets and brings you back to Le Pré Loubet, and then on to your starting point

A trail to discover the secret charm of the hamlets of the Pays des Écrins.  Waysigning: one green dot and once white dot From the Park Centre ("Maison du Parc"), follow the road to Puy Saint-Vincent. Take the path on the left towards Les Parchers and continue heading in this direction. The track runs above the Gyronde and then comes to a bridge below the hamlet of Le Grand Parcher. Cross this bridge and then cross the D994E (take care) and follow the narrow road leading up to this hamlet.  A short distance beyond the chapel, take a path on the left to Petit Parcher. Join the road right and follow this for a short distance. Take the path for La Casse. Carry on up through La Casse and, at the top where the houses come to an end, take the path leading to the Rocher Pointu. Further on, continue straight ahead towards the Rif Paulin and Pelvoux-Le Sarret. Cross the Rif Paulin mountain stream over a sill and then continue along the canal.  Head down towards Pelvoux - Le Poët. At the lower end of the hamlet, cross the mountain stream La Juliane via a narrow road and then drop down to the D994E.  Cross the D994E (take care) to take the track opposite which leads to the Gyr mountain stream. Stay on the left-hand bank and follow the track leading to Vallouise. Cross the Gyr to carry on along its right-hand bank, passing close to the campsite, to return to the Park Centre.

Suitable for children aged three years old and over, this pump track is ideal for family outings. The first area is designed for children aged 3 years and over, with a play area circled by a very easy short loop with humps and wooden banked bends. The second area, called « Planète VTT » is open to those aged 6 years and over. It has numerous wooden and dirt mountain biking modules, along a longer loop.

A refreshing and varied trail, following the Gyr on the outward stretch and along a balcony path overlooking this mountain stream on the return stretch.  The route starts outside the Camping Huttopia de Vallouise. Take the track leading up the left-hand bank of the Gyr towards Pelvoux.   At the bridge, the Pont de Vallouise, continue right and cross the Gyr and then go left as you exit the bridge.  Cross a wide footbridge and, on the hairpin bend in the track, take a path running below a stable and shortly after this take the path on the left for Vallouise. On the road above the church, you come back to your starting point. 

An ascent through pine woods, a descent through an oak wood and a short, hidden stretch to reach Puy Aillaud. When you come to the the Vallouise bridge ("Pont de Vallouise"), take the track leading up the left-hand bank of the Gyr leading towards Pelvoux.   Cross the Gyr over a wide footbridge and after a short distance, on a hairpin in the track, take a path running below a stable and soon after this take the path on the right to Puy Aillaud.  After the Pas d'Aval, a short narrow stretch through boulders, follow the yellow or white painted posts until you reach the road. Turn left onto the road to pass below the village of Puy Aillaud and the take the track towards the chapel of Saint-Jean.  Turn left back onto the road for a hundred metres or so, leaving the walking trail that leads away straight ahead. After the hairpin, you plunge onto a steep path edged with deciduous trees running straight down the slope. The path runs through a forest of oak and pine trees, and you continue the descent until you reach Vallouise. The descent can be slippery in places.

Located in the heart of the forest at an altitude of 1560 meters, this former forest cabin, owned by the ONF, is a true ode to nature and tranquility. Ideal for recharging your batteries and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to walking, hiking or lounging. Practical info Capacity: 5 people maximum. Facilities : Living room equipped with wood-burning stove, gas stove, fridge, sink, table and benches and all necessary crockery. Dormitory upstairs. Bathroom and WC with outside access.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On the outskirts of La Vachette, in the direction of Névache, discover Flower Camping Le Montana ***: a family campsite on a human scale, equipped with mobile homes, chalets, tents, pods, geodesic domes, heated swimming pool, snack bar, etc. The whole team of Flower Camping Le Montana*** welcomes you. Discover our 3* family campsite on a human scale with 90 pitches including 20 rentals on about 2 hectares open from the end of April to the end of September. The campsite has a heated outdoor pool/ aquatic playground, canalplay for the little ones, mobile homes, chalets and tents with wood stove, pods and geodesic domes. Enjoy the many activities offered by our beautiful region and relax! We wish you a very good vacation among us. On site: - The campsite’s grocery store: you will find emergency supplies, local and regional products. - Bread deposit: Every morning we offer baguettes and pastries by reservation. - Wifi: free near the reception but paid from your location you have 10 minutes free then you can choose a package (7-day rate example 21€, (2023 rate )). - Le Snack: The snack bar of Montana offers you a full breakfast to savor on the terrace by the pool! In July and August, we offer you from the waffle snack and every evening our delicious takeaway pizzas, burgers, fries. - A snack bar where you can enjoy a hot or cold drink on our terrace by the pool. Young and old alike will also enjoy our ice creams! - The laundry: Washing and drying tokens as well as laundry are for sale at the reception - Games: board game loans at the grocery store in July and August The campsite also has a children’s playground, ping-pong table, swing, inflatable castle and petanque. - Baby equipment: We offer cots as well as high chairs.

Adèle Planchard bequeathed her fortune to build the refuge along the Grande Ruine ascent route. Despite its "high mountain" setting, the long walk to the top is simple and superb, accessible to almost any hiker! The refuge is the second highest perched in the Ecrins massif. Located in the Massif des Ecrins, Groupe de la Grande Ruine in the Briançonnais, this refuge is a lookout point over the Barre des Ecrins. When you arrive, you'll discover the world of high mountains. From the refuge, you'll have a beautiful view of the succession of Pic de Neige Cordier peaks, all the way to La Roche Méane at 3765 m (Pointe Breevort). Access from the foot of the Col (5h) on a signposted path. No technical equipment required in summer. In spring, the refuge is also kept for the ski touring season, as the first stage of the Tour de la Meije, or for the ascent of the Grande Ruine!

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).

In former times, the postman would take this path every day: He would set out from Vallouise, deliver letters in Puy-Saint-Vincent and drop back down to Vallouise, stopping at the hamlets of Parcher on the way. In the winter, when the snow was too deep, the Traversouires (the inhabitants of Puy-Saint-Vincent) donned their snowshoes and wielded their shovels to clear the postman's path down to Vallouise. 

This butterfly with hyaline (glass-like) translucent white wings, marked with two black spots, flutters around the clearing or the edges of the forest, where the host plants of its caterpillars grow: the corydalis. Although abundant locally, it is nevertheless a species in sharp decline and is protected.

This is one of the most common trees, provided the ground is relatively cool. It is characterised by its pinnate leaves, that is to say, made up of several segments, and in winter is can be recognised by its large black leaf buds. The ash was extremely important in times past: its foliage was used to feed cattle and its hard, flexible wood was used to make a variety of objects such as tool handles. 

In the municipality of Puy-Saint-Vincent, there are a number of houses typical of the rural architecture of Vallouise, in particular houses with arcades, in the hamlets of Les Alberts and Les Prés. This type of construction can be recognised by the presence of large arches made from stone from the Montbrison massif and supporting walking galleries. Introduced in the eighteenth century by Piedmontese master masons who settled in the valley, this style with arcaded galleries has become characteristic of the architecture of the Vallouise valley. Elegant and monumental, they replaced modest wooden balconies. They facilitated mobility from one level of the house to the other (the houses did not have interior stairs), and at the same time signalled the wealth of the owner.

Hidden in the tree foliage, the Eurasian blackcap announces its presence with its loud and piping song. Its head is adorned with a cap which is black in the male and russet in the female. The rest of its plumage is greyish, its underside lighter than its back. It is a migratory bird which travels to the Maghreb to overwinter. However, increasing numbers of birds make only a partial migration, flying to the south of France to spend the winter. 

Puy-Saint-Vincent is the benchmark resort in the Vallouise. Located on the north-facing side of the valley, it is constructed on three levels, each corresponding to a different period of construction: 1400, developed in the late 1970s, 1600, developed from 1973 onwards and 1800, developed from 2005 onwards. Each level is served by a chairlift to reach the skiing area. It now has 35 pistes covering 75.4 kilometres.

A sizeable aspen grows on the roadside, on the edge of a small wood of fellow-aspens. This tree has a smooth, greenish trunk and rounded, crenelated leaves which take on magnificent colours in autumn. The stem, or petiole, of aspen leaves is flat and twisted, so it can be caught by the slightest breeze making the foliage «quake» hence its common name, the quaking aspen. It grows in places where the soil is quite damp.

Le Prés is one of the main hamlets of Puy-Saint-Vincent. Like Le Puy and Les Alberts, it stands on a flat plateau which is a glacial escarpment left by the now-retreated Gyronde glacier. Like Prey d'Aval, Prey du Milieu and Prey d'Amant, its name is a reminder that prior to the development of the ski resort, the land here used to be shared by meadows and crops.

The charming little church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine-des-Prés, which dates from the sixteenth century, stands in the hamlet of Les Prés. It is surrounded by a wall and a cemetery. On the walls of the church, two sun dials can be seen, both engraved and painted on plaster in 1718. The first is above the door, telling the time in the afternoon, bearing the saying « for a moment of delights, an eternity of torments » which alludes to the life of Saint Mary Magdalene, the well-known sinner who is venerated as a model of penitence. The second, telling the time in the morning, bears the Latin phrase Ars longa, vita brevis which translates as« learning is long, life is short ».

Water is essential to farming in our territory because of the relatively dry Mediterranean climate with hot summers. To compensate for this, our ancestors created artificial water courses, the canals. These performed a dual role because they served not only to irrigate the hay meadows, kitchen gardens and grain fields, but also to prevent torrential flooding by acting as drains. Today, the canals are still used and managed by associations which work to keep them operational and to maintain them, several times a year.

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.).

Situated at an altitude of 2,280 metres, Chalet de Rocherousse welcomes you to an exceptional setting. Get together with friends or family on the terrace or indoors. Take a gastronomic break and enjoy local specialities, an ice cream or a well-deserved refreshment. And for a unique experience, book a meal around our fireplaces: open-air barbecues to share in a warm atmosphere.

The Petit Cerf team welcomes you to the bar-restaurant for a drink, aperitif, lunch, snack or dinner. Have a snack with your children (or without) after playing outside. In the cosy rooms, you can nibble on the coffee tables in the lounge or choose to eat at our large tables by the fireplace. The Le Petit Cerf's teamwill be on hand to listen to your every wish. What's for dinner? What shall we drink? Let's keep it simple and good... and very good indeed! A simple menu with quality, local, freshly-cooked products. Platters of cold meats and cheese, meals at all hours. Back a little late from skiing or biking? Feeling hungry? Don't worry, we'll be happy to prepare a simple dish for you. Aperonomy: Spritzs, good beers, a selected wine list and, of course, a whole range of softs for an aperitif by the fire or on the terrace, depending on the season.

Come for lunch or dinner in the exceptionnal setting of this inn ! The Arpelin is located at an altitude of 1745m, on the Great Alps road and at the foot of the mythical Col de l'Izoard. Discover the inn's great speciality: fire-cooked lamb! You can also enjoy tourtons, blueberry tarts and other regional and mountain delicacies. Since the end of 2024, the inn is run by its two new managers, Candice and Thibaut Lerich Meignien, who have introduced a few new features the return of raclette and a games library accessible from the age of 3, adapted to all ages and player profiles. An arcade machine has also been installed for even more fun. The must-try fire-cooked lamb is almost always available booked in advance, depending on arrivals. And that's not all: more surprises are coming very soon!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Traditional cuisine. The meal of the day is carefully cooked with local ingredients : lamb meat, wild foraging soups, gratins and savoury pies, the famous blueberry pie, crumbles... all of this in a welcoming and moutainy setting ! The Vialaou team welcomes you in the inn located just in front of the Saint Marcellin church in Ville-Haute, Névache ! 20-people capacity inside, 30-people capacity outside on the terrace Groups up to 20 people : please book in advance ! The bar is open all-day, you can also have snacks & sweet food anytime of the day

Restaurant of typical high mountain pasture, located in Fontcouverte, a hamlet +1860m. Formerly a place where cheese was made, the Fruitière now operates as a restaurant, and is an unmissable stop in the higher Clarée valley. Anything from snacks to real meals, you will find housecooked, local food and moutain specialties. Open everyday in wintertime, summertime and All Saints' Day holidays. Booking in advance is recommanded for lunches, and necessary for dinners (dinners only in summertime). Access in wintertime is only on foot/snowshoe, or ski. 1h30 from Névache Ville-Haute. During the summer, the road is accessible either by car, bike or on foot. Please note that credit/debit cards are not accepted : cash or cheques only.

13/12/2019 > 22/03/2020 19/12/2020 > 21/03/2021 Looking to rent a wooden chalet in the Hautes-Alpes, in the heart of the Pays des Ecrins, for ski holidays with family or friends? Discover the chalets in Vallouise! 15/05/2020 > 27/09/2020 Camp at 1200m with 360° views of the mountains, in the heart of the traditional village of Vallouise. Enjoy a holiday escape in the Ecrins national park!

Located in the heart of the forest at an altitude of 1560 meters, this former forest cabin, owned by the ONF, is a true ode to nature and tranquility. Ideal for recharging your batteries and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to walking, hiking or lounging. Practical info Capacity: 5 people maximum. Facilities : Living room equipped with wood-burning stove, gas stove, fridge, sink, table and benches and all necessary crockery. Dormitory upstairs. Bathroom and WC with outside access.

In 1891, 4 tonnes of wood were brought by train to L'Argentière before being transported by car, then on donkeys up to the old Puiseux shelter. It was then pulled up by men using sleds to the intended spot. This mountain refuge was used for 70 years before becoming a storeroom for the wardens and then lodgings for their helpers in 1962. The summer before, 145 tonnes of materials were this time heliported, to enable the construction of the Pelvoux mountain refuge. It was inaugurated on the 15th July 1962 in the presence of Maureice Herzog, high commissioner for Youth and Sports at the time.

Topping the rocky outcrop which closes the Celse-Nière valley, this stone refuge was built in 1983 to replace the old wooden shelter which had become insufficient. This modern building has 76 places which belong to the French Alpine Club; it is guarded between the middle of June and the beginning of September. It is at the entrance to the summits which have marked the history of mountaineering: the Ailefroide, the Pointe des Boeufs rouges, and the Pic du Sélé...

Built in 1925, the first Sélé refuge was situated at 2700 m under a rocky canopy which collapsed in 1954. It was rebuilt two years later by a company from Briançon belonging to Ferdinand Bayrou, it was still made from wood, but 600 m lower down from the first one. Still used as a refuge in winter, it is open to the public from the middle of September.

Perched on a rock, Les Bans mountain refuge offers a clear view of the Onde valley on one side and the cirque of high summits that surround the valley to the other side. It was made of dressed stones roughly fifty years ago and can sleep 22 people. It is very animated during the day as it welcomes walkers who have come to taste local specialities, but it regains its calm in the evening and offers a valuable lookout for observing ibex and chamois. You are sure to have an unforgettable evening in the end of the world atmosphere of this refuge thanks to the warm welcome from the wardens and the soup made in the solar oven.

Perched on a rock, Les Bans mountain refuge offers a clear view of the Onde valley on one side and the cirque of high summits that surround the valley to the other side. It was made of dressed stones roughly fifty years ago and can sleep 22 people. It is very animated during the day as it welcomes walkers who have come to taste local specialities, but it regains its calm in the evening and offers a valuable lookout for observing ibex and chamois. You are sure to have an unforgettable evening in the end of the world atmosphere of this refuge thanks to the warm welcome from the wardens and the soup made in the solar oven.

The refuge is an ancient witness to the pioneering days of mountaineering in Vallouise in the second half of the 19th century... At that time it was situated at the foot of the glacier. It was built in 1886 to provide shelter under the rock for the first mountaineers. With its small dimensions, and materials of stone and wood, it represents a historical reference. Its remains shelter an exhibition retracing its history.

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.

To provide mountaineers with a little more comfort, refuges gradually replaced the early bivouacs and shelters. Thus, the Tuckett refuge, built in 1886, superseded the rock shelter still visible nearby. It was replaced in 1948 by the Refuge du Glacier Blanc and later converted into a museum. The existing Refuge des Écrins, standing at the top of the glacier, was built in 1968. It replaced the Refuge Caron which had been built in 1922, itself replacing an initial 1903 Caron shelter.