Camping Les Allouviers: nature and exploration in Freissinieres

A full and wild trail gradually leading to small valleys perched so far from the valley &hellip Go up through the village of Freissinières following signs for Les Roberts and Les Aujards. Then continue on the path leading to Le Clot du Puy and the Col de l'Aiguille. A steep descent brings you back to the hamlet of Pallon.  Cross the bridge over the Biaysse and go up a lane opposite, which will turn into a track.  At the hamlet of Le Serre, turn left between two houses onto the path leading to Les Seyes. From this hamlet, head towards Clot Lafont. The path rises for a long stretch through the forest and, after a steeper section, comes out into the alpine pasture of Clot Lafont. Carry on until you come to the Col de Tramouillon. Head downhill towards the Cabane de Tramouillon. Make a there-and-back detour to visit the cabin. Take a path on the left which passes close to the Cabane de l'Essaumaure. Climb uphill again until you come to the Col de Val Haute. Drop down through the valley of Font Cailla and take a path leading away across the hillside to join the farm track to Le Lauzet. Follow this path along a long traverse and then follow the downhill track to the park cabin ("Cabane du Parc") and Freissinières (paths cutting across the sharp bends) which brings you back to the valley bottom. You reach Freissinières via a track running along the right-hand bank of the Biaysse. 

A pleasant and fun outing through forest and along the river bank. Opposite the Valley Centre ("Maison de la Vallée"), follow the waysigns for the "Sentier d'Alfred". The pathway first drops down into meadows surrounded by groves of trees, until it comes to the Biaysse, which you cross via a bridge.  After the bridge, keep left on this pathway. Turn right onto a track. It rises gently up to a bridge, the Pont de l'Église, which takes you back across the Biaysse. Then, follow the road which drops back down towards Le Ribes (Freissinières).  At the car park just outside the village, don't miss the path on the right: near the cross at the bottom of the car park, you need to go down a set of steps and turn right to drop down to the river. Then, follow a former dyke built on a stone foundation to return to your starting point. 

An ideal loop to try your hand at trail running along the Biaysse as you take to the heights above Freissinières valley. From the Valley Centre ("Maison de la Vallée") go down into the meadow and cross the Biaysse. Follow the track along the right-hand bank of the river which runs past the adventure park ("Parc d'Aventure"). Cross back over the Biaysse and turn right onto the road. 100 metres further on, fork left towards the hamlet of “Le Plan” and go through the hamlet.  Take the track which runs uphill to the right and continue on this path which runs across some screes. Take the path on the right which leads back down to the D38. At the intersection with the D38, turn right and after 70 metres go left to cross the bridge. After this bridge, head left and carry on along this path which runs along the edge of a campsite, the Camping des Allouviers.  Turn right. Carry on along the path which eventually runs alongside the Biaysse and past the Adventure Park again. This brings you back to the Valley Centre ("Maison de la Vallée"). 

Long trail through extremely varied environments such as pine woods, limestone needles, meadows, hamlets and cool forest! From the Valley Centre ("Maison de la Vallée") go down into the meadow and cross the Biaysse. Follow the track along the right-hand bank of the river. Cross over the Biaysse again at the next bridge and head towards the hamlet of Le Plan. Take the uphill track on the right and then join the path leading to the Col de l'Aiguille. After the pass, head downhill again towards Pallon.  Just outisde the hmalet of Pallon, take the path leading down to Rama. Below the chapel, cross the bridge spanning the Biaysse. After the bridge, turn right and right again onto the track leading to the hamlet of Le Chambon. Then follow the road to Champcella. In the village of Champcella, turn right to join a track leading towards the houses of Les Seyes. When you come to a cross, take the path on the left and, further up, the track on the right.  In Les Seyes, follow the road to Les Faures, where you continue on a path on the left, which leads to the track further uphill. Follow the track until you reach the Col des Combes, where you have to take the downhill path on the left leading down to Freissinières. Follow the path on the left to join a track which brings you back to your starting point.

A unique trail with its stretches across ridges and its descent in part at the foot of the cliffs.&nbsp From the Valley Centre ("Maison de la Vallée"), head down into the meadow to cross the Biaysse and follow the track along the right-hand bank of the river.  Two bridges further down, cross back over the Biaysse and go right along the road for 50 metres until you come to another track on the left. This crosses a bridge over a stream and leads to the bottom of the path to the Col de l'Aiguille. Head up this path towards the Col de l'Aiguille, and then towards Le Clot du Puy. The path offers some beautiful vantage points and takes you down steep little paths among the rocks, then it runs along ridges in the forest.  In Le Clot du Puy, head downhill towards Freissinières, Coste du Plan. Lower down, be sure to follow the signs for trail no. 7  The path leads to the road, which you follow right for a short distance until you come to the hamlet of Les Roberts.  Just after the waste bins, take the narrow lane leading down at an angle to the left. The old track runs down below the hamlet and then crosses the road twice before coming to Freissinières. Go past the church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and after 50 metres turn right to make your way back to your starting point.

A heritage tour and treasure hunt in the unspoilt valley of Freissinières  The route starts at the Place du Souvenir, near the church of Saint Marie-Madeleine. First, take a look at the war memorial and water fountain on the square, for the answer to the first riddle. Go downhill to the church of Sainte Marie-Madeleine and then back to the Place du Souvenir. After the water fountain, turn left and continue straight on to the next water fountain opposite the Relais des Vaudois hotel. Go into the car park. Head down to the left towards the Chemin d'Alfred, but do not follow it. Cross the stream La Petite Beyère and go along the fence. Cross the irrigation canal (Grande Beyère). Turn left. Follow the canal side until you come to the water fountain. The mill is opposite. You might find it helpful to look inside through the back window. Then go across the central reservation to look at the communal oven. Go to the right of the oven and go upstream following the bank of the small stream. Continue on the raised path towards the Biaysse river and turn left to read the "La maison engloutie" panel, about a sunken house, on the Chemin d'Alfred. Continue to follow the river until you come to the next small water course, the Jaimes, which you follow upstream. Cross over the first bridge, heading towards some garages and carry on up towards the Valley Centre ("Maison de la Vallée"). Opposite the Valley Centre, go right. Carry on until you come to the crossroads and turn left into Les Meyries. Carry on up the road (or alternatively you can take the narrow path running uphill on the left, between the stream and the waste bin shelter). Further up, just before Ville, at the intersection between the path and the road, keep an eye out for the wooden wayside cross. Carry on uphill back to the starting point of the trail.

A very scenic route alternating between forest and the hamlets of Champcella. The route starts at the bridge spanning the Pavis, amidst cool, fresh surrounding on a track running upstream along the right-hand bank of the Biaysse mountain stream. 700 metres from the starting point, leave the track and continue straight ahead towards Les Rousses In Les Rousses, when you come to the end of the track on a bend, head to the right on the paved road and continue on uphill. After 200 metres, leave the road right and then follow the track which crosses the road twice before coming to Rase de Roussac Rejoin the road and then carry on uphill. After 1 kilometre, turn right towards Les Faures and then carry on towards the Col des Combes At the Col des Combes, carry straight on along a balcony path 350 metres after crossing the mountain stream Le Gourenq, head right and go downhill towards the park country cabin ("Cabane Pastorale du Parc") and then La Muande At the end of the track, go right onto another track which follows the Biaysse downstream on the right-hand bank, bringing you to your starting point

Easy circuit along the Biaysse which takes you into a pleasant and peaceful environment surrounded by nature. The route starts at the Les Allouviers bus stop, on the left-hand bank of the Biaysse and opposite the campsite Go across the EDF dam and take the narrow path on the right above the road leading to the Les Allouviers campsite At the end of the track, continue straight ahead along a drivable track which follows the right-hand bank of the Biaysse After the descent, cross the church bridge and turn right towards Freissinières along the local road At the hamlet of Les Ribes in the Freissinières valley, turn right onto the D38b heading towards Le Pallon After going through the village of Freissinières, turn left to Les Meyries and 200 metres further on, bear right onto a stony track When you come to Le Plan, continue straight ahead, along a slightly zigzagging route At the end of the track, turn right to return to your starting point

A primarily forest-based route offering a fine vantage point overlooking the valley of Freissinières. The route starts from the outset along a forest track. After the first bend, take the track on the left which leads towards the Col d'Anon, rising through woods and clearings At 1,750 metres altitude, just before the sheepfold of Les Lauzes ("Bergerie des Lauzes"), head left onto the track leading off along the hillside and coming out at the Col des Lauzes. Here you see the Freissinières valley. Carry on along the track which offers fine views over the valley At the pastoral cabin of Les Balmettes, turn off onto the track on the right leading towards the Col d'Anon Below this, turn left onto the path running almost along the hillside to Crouzet. Here, go downhill towards the recently-renovated chalet and continue downhill on a steep path Head left to take another path which rises uphill and becomes increasingly grassy Turn right down a path running downhill, which then zigzags Lower down, you come to a track which leads smoothly back to your starting point.

Alternating between meadow and forest, this circuit takes you into the Fournel valley, a place steeped in history, marked by the presence of silver mines The circuit starts at the Les Écrins campsite in L'Argentière-la-Bessée, follows the railway line for 500 metres, before crossing it to take the local road towards Le Plan Léothaud At the centre of the hairpin bend, go right onto a path leading to Peyre de Lière Go to the extreme right towards the "Ubac" (north-facing slope) and Leyrette and then climb up to the Bois de Champ Pelbaud, going through a pine forest until you come to Le Sapey Cross the Fournel via the bridge at Le Sapey and then head to the right towards the silver mines ("Mines d'Argent") Before the silver mines, head left to reach the Les Blachières road which takes you on a more open descent through fields and houses to the church and then past the industrial zone of L'Argentière-la-Bessée At the roundabout, turn right, then left and then right again to join the green route ("Voie Verte") to L'Argentière-la-Bessée along the banks of the Durance. Then, go back across the Fournel to the white water stadium and the starting point

PLAY, LAUGH, AND HAVE FUN IN THE MOUNTAINS! Young and old alike, roll your wooden ball down the chutes, guide it through the tunnels, and test your skills on the board or the walls... An ideal activity for a family outing in the heart of nature. HOW DOES IT WORK? Meet at Orcières Merlette, grab your ball, and explore all the facilities. There’s a short course at the foot of the Rocherousse restaurant—that’s where you can start your introductory session…Then move on to the larger course located in the heart of the Monde des 6 Lacs; it’s stop #13, “Le Méli-Mélo des Œufs,” on the plateau (a story about bearded vulture and dragon eggs…) Play with your ball whenever you want—as much as you like! For little ones (ages 1 and up) accompanied by an adult—and even for grown-ups. The course is open during the operating hours of the Rocherousse Telemix.

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.

From discovery walks to challenging hikes, follow a mountain leader on the trails of the Champsaur and in the Ecrins National Park, and discover the mountains in a whole new way. In a good-humoured, friendly atmosphere, with the emphasis on sharing experiences and a constant focus on quality. We offer walks that are accessible to all: discovering animals in the morning or evening, challenging yourself with a summit ascent, and also walks and activities for a mountain adventure. In the evening, we take you on a journey of myth and mythology under the stars. New: Six lakes walk at dusk: Take the last gondola up and enjoy the six lakes walk in complete peace and safety with a mountain leader. We also offer tailor-made outings for families and groups.

Lift pass sales point in the centre of the resort, right next to the Queyrelet car park (P6). Automatic purchase and top-up machines outside.

Because waste management is everyone's business, moreover in the mountains in a space to be preserved, the actors of the resort participate in a collection session extending from the ski area to the Orcières leisure base.

Point of sale for ski lift passes in the center of the resort, in the immediate vicinity of the Flags car park (P4). Automatic purchase and reload counters outside.

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).

A special family trail ! Climbing, kayaking on a high altitude lake, mountain biking, orienteering, meeting a shepherd, and ending with a bivouac evening with a meal and star gazing. Departure Thursday in the morning (staggered), return Friday, around 11:30am.

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. Walks, hiking trails, or simply relaxing: you’ll be spoiled for choice. Practical Information Capacity: 5 people maximum Amenities: living area equipped with a wood-burning stove, a gas stove, a refrigerator, a sink, a table and benches, as well as all necessary dishes and utensils. Dormitory upstairs. Bathroom and toilet accessible from outside. Parking: Do not park in the Puy Chalvin parking lots.

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.

Better not to linger here! This corridor is regularly swept by avalanches, which is clearly obvious from the vegetation: although the willows and alders manage to bend under the force of the avalanche without too much breakage, although quick to resprout the larch trees won't grow to their full height!

In the village, birds build their nests in the old walls and bats live in the attics. Some hide behind shutters that are secured open against the walls. The barbastelle is a rare species of bat. Like all other bat species, it is protected. The hamlet of Le Ribes is privileged to be its home in the summer. This small mammal feeds on a large number of insects every night. It «moves house» frequently if it is disturbed or simply as a precaution.

With its clusters of creamy white flowers, this plant forms large upright clumps and usually grows in beautiful colonies on screes and rocky limestone slopes. Endemic to the western Alps, it only grows in France in the southern part of the Alps. Although relatively common in the Pays des Écrins, it is protected at national level.

On the banks of a stream, on the edge of a ditch a plant grows which resembles a large bottle brush... or a horse's tail, depending on your imagination. It's the field horsetail, a plant related to ferns. It is known for its medicinal properties because it is rich in silica, a powerful remineraliser for the bones, cartilage and skin. There are several species of horsetail. 

The common redstart can be told apart from its cousin, the black redstart by its white eyebrow (hence its French name which is translated as "white-browed redstart") and its orange breast. At least for the male, since the female of both birds is duller and brownish, but the female common redstart also has an orangey tail. It returns from Africa in early April and searches the areas to find a hollow in a tree or in an old wall where it builds its nest. 

Here, the drought-sensitive fir has established itself among the larches. This forest harbours treasures such as the very rare ghost orchid and the shield-moss, a unique little moss - also rare - which grows on wood in an advanced state of decomposition and thus signals that the natural cycle of the forest is unimpaired.

In times past, the inhabitants of Freissinières used oil for cooking and lighting. Walnut or almond oil was difficult to produce at this high altitude. The Briançon plum tree or marmottier, however, can withstand the mountain conditions, and the yellow fruits of this tree contain kernels. These kernels were pressed in mills to produce an oil with medicinal virtues: marmot oil. . 

A harsh call sounds from the forest. A jay perhaps? No, a nutcracker, its cousin. With dark, white-spotted plumage, this bird's strong beak can break open hazelnuts (although not walnuts as suggested by its name in French, cassenoix (walnut breaker)) and in particular it can dissect Swiss pine cones in order to reach the pine nuts inside. It inhabits high forests. It buries Swiss pine nuts in the ground to store up food for the winter. When winter comes, it will find the pine nuts again even under a thick layer of snow. Those it forgets will germinate.

On the banks of the stream there is a plant with very broad leaves: the petasites hybridus or butterbur. In Ancient Greek, the petasos was a round felt hat. Nobody knows whether the devil wears this hat, but the plant is certainly used as a herbal remedy. Common in the lowlands, it is generally quite scarce in the mountains, although other species of petasites do grow at higher altitude. In any event, it makes a great hat!

Elegant and alert, a squirrel crosses the track, followed by its long feathery tail. Red? This one is dark brown. In the mountains this rodent has adopted a “solar panel” strategy, on the principle that dark colours absorb the heat more efficiently. It is active during the day and does not hibernate, although it does minimise its activity on days when the weather is bad. It is a protected species.

Situated at an altitude of 2,280 metres, Chalet de Rocherousse welcomes you to an exceptional setting. Whether on the terrace or indoors, get together with friends or family for a cosy get-together. Take a gourmet break and savour the local specialities, our charcuterie platters, our pizzas, an ice cream or a well-deserved refreshment. And for a unique experience, book a meal around our braziers: 3-meat brazier (duck, veal fillet and rump steak) subject to availability. Sausage brazier, including country-style sausages 500g rib of beef brazier or a 1kg rib to share.

THE CONCEPT: EAT AND ENJOY! The O2 Area offers a range of options to suit your tastes: a restaurant, a pizza hut or a sweet snack bar. Local flavours with views of the peaks: your table awaits you in the heart of the O²Area. From breakfast to dinner on the terrace, our restaurant welcomes you all day long in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Local cuisine, fresh produce from the Hautes-Alpes and a mountain atmosphere guaranteed. The restaurant holds the Famille Plus certification: menus and facilities suitable for children. Our pizza hut is open from 4 July, from 6 pm to 9.30 pm; takeaway or eat-in options available. Our snack bar is open from 4 July, from 12.30 pm to 6 pm.

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.

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.

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.).

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!

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. Walks, hiking trails, or simply relaxing: you’ll be spoiled for choice. Practical Information Capacity: 5 people maximum Amenities: living area equipped with a wood-burning stove, a gas stove, a refrigerator, a sink, a table and benches, as well as all necessary dishes and utensils. Dormitory upstairs. Bathroom and toilet accessible from outside. Parking: Do not park in the Puy Chalvin parking lots.

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.

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.

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...