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.

From hamlets to villages, mountain passes to valleys, alpine pastures to mountain streams, this tour of the Pays des Écrins takes you not only to the iconic places and peaks of Les Écrins but also along more secret and less trodden pathways.L'Argentière, the starting point of this tour, is a dynamic town which has successfully combined industrial development and the touristic promotion of its rich cultural and natural heritage. You can take advantage of its shops for your final preparations.The first stage leads to the alpine pasture hamlet of Bouchier. After following the Gyronde mountain stream and passing through the village of Les Vigneaux, the path climbs uphill offering superb views over the Queyras valley and the Briançon area. This slope faces south and it can be very hot here.The next day's stage leads to Vallouise, along the Montbrison massif. After Les Vigneaux, the view opens out over the glacial valleys of Ailefroide and the Glacier Blanc. Make the most of your stopover to visit the Park Centre ("Maison du Parc").On the route to Ailefroide from Vallouise, hikers will encounter an environment of rock and ice overlooked by legendary peaks, including the omnipresent Pelvoux.On the fourth day of your trip, you will discover hamlets which have developed tourist activity in keeping with their unique geographical situation, each in its own distinctive way.The following day, crossing over the Col de la Pousterle takes you back in a wild valley, the Fournel Valley. Then, crossing over the Col de la Lauze takes you to Freissinières with its characteristic and unspoilt landscapes.On the more technical stage 6, the path climbs up between the cliffs to the Crêtes de La Rortie and weaves between the needles of rock before starting the descent to L'Argentière.The variant will constitute a more cultural stage - its length making it challenging nevertheless - to discover the unique history of these villages perched dizzily over the Durance, and the abandoned village of Rame.

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 cool and bucolic hike towards the Fangeas lake, a blue jewel in a haven of green. Park at the Cascades car park, at the end of the road to the bottom of the Fressinières valley. Take the path to the left, where you will find the entrance to the National Park, indicated by three explanatory panels (Leave the bridge that leads to the winter trail to the right). Cross the footbridge over the Oules stream and follow bends in the path along a large waterfall before crossing a zone of scree. As this 'summer' trail crosses an avalanche zone, it is not used in the winter. It has a gentle slope and is wide, enabling the inhabitants of Dormillouse to restock with the help of tracked wheelbarrows. At the following crossing, take the footpath to the left "lac du Fangeas, col des Terres Blanches" and follow the trail along the Oules stream that leads to the Fangeas lake. The return trip will be by the same path. 

Off to the only inhabited village in the Ecrins National Park.Park at Les Cascades car park, at the end of the road and at the end of the Freissinières valley. Take the path on the left, where the entrance to the National Park is, and three information panels (you will pass a footbridge on the right that leads to the winter trail). Follow the "Dormillouse” route. Walk across the bridge over the Oules torrent and continue along the looping path alongside a large waterfall, then cross an area of scree.At the next crossroads, don’t take the path to the left (Lac du Fangeas, Col des Terres Blanches), but keep to the right, to the path leading to the meadow area, then turn left, following the signs to Lac Faravel, Lac Palluel and Col de Freissinières.At the next crossroads, turn right into the path towards an old stone bridge leading to the hamlet of Les Romans, above the village of Dormillouse.Go down into the village along the main path, past the school and the fountain, and you arrive at Les Enflous, then the windmill, before crossing the bridge and arriving at the path on the left that takes you back to the car park.

A pleasant loop between larch forest, pastures, rocky paving with the added benefit of two lakes in the hollow of a natural cirque.Park at the Cascades car park, at the end of the road to the bottom of the Fressinières valley. Take the path to the left, where you will find the entrance to the National Park, which is indicated by three explanatory panels (Leave the bridge that leads to the winter trail to the right). Follow the itinerary for the Lac Palluel.Cross the footbridge over the Oules stream and follow bends in the path along a large waterfall before crossing a zone of scree. As this 'summer' trail crosses an avalanche zone, it is not used in the winter. It has a gentle slope and is wide, enabling the inhabitants of Dormillouse to restock with the help of tracked wheelbarrows.At the following junction, stay on the track to the right (the one to the left leads to the Fangeas lake and the Terres Blanches pass). Follow the trail towards Dormillouse and before the footbridge, turn left following the signs for lac Faravel, lac Palluel, Fressinières pass.When you come to the next fork in the road, do not take the footpath to the right towards the Fressinières pass, but take the left hand one. Keep to the left and enter the larch forest. Above the forest, follow the footpath on the right towards Lac Palluel. From Lac Palluel, take the footpath on the right bank of the stream towards Lac Faravel.Continue on this path on a ledge over the valley and goes over the rocky ledge, an expanse of cairns before descending towards the Lac Faravel. In front of the lake go down the glacial cross-cliff and follow the footpath along the mountainside until you reach the crossing above the forest.Leaving the footpath towards La Palluel on the left, head back through the forest the way you came.A detour (3/4hour) via the village of Dormillouse is possible by taking the old stone bridge that leads to the hamlet of Romans, at the top of the village.

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.

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).

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. Stroll, hike or just relax, you're spoilt for choice. Practical info The Sachas hut is open from April 20 to October 31. Rate: €70/night + tourist tax per adult per night (calculated according to number of people). 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 cottages, tents, pods, geodesic domes and a heated swimming pool. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Stroll, hike or just relax, you're spoilt for choice. Practical info The Sachas hut is open from April 20 to October 31. Rate: €70/night + tourist tax per adult per night (calculated according to number of people). 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.

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.

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.

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 Napoléon hut on the Col de l'Izoard welcomes you in summer for a break on the Route des Grandes Alpes, and in winter for an unforgettable toboggan ride! On the road to the legendary Col de l'Izoard, the refuge Napoléon welcomes you summer and winter alike. Our gourmet, family-style cuisine features mountain specialities, a fine à la carte menu, daily specials and our delicious homemade tarts. Our cosy rooms await you for a change of scenery... Located on the Grandes Alpes road at an altitude of 2300 m, the Napoleon refuge, built in 1858, is one of 6 refuges built thanks to a bequest from Napoleon 1st to the Hautes-Alpes department in gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the locals on his return from Elba. The refuge is not far from the listed "Casse Déserte" site. The Refuge Napoléon team welcomes you in summer and winter alike for a warm welcome and a gourmet home-cooked meal: - mountain specialities, - dishes of the day, - delicious homemade tarts... Our cosy rooms await you for a relaxing break. In winter, after a heart-warming meal at lunchtime or in the evening, the refuge will lend you a toboggan for the 7 km descent to the hamlet of Laus.