Exploring the natural beauty of L'argentiere-la-bessee

A difficult circuit overlooking the gorges of the Durance, suitable for experienced riders. The circuit starts right in the centre of town, not far from the bridge spanning the Durance. Head due south towards the train station. After passing the train station on your right and going under the railway bridge, follow the D423 towards the Fournel mines ("Mines du Fournel") At the mine car park, carry on along the narrow road leading into the little valley At the bridge, the Pont des Albrands, take the forest track that leads uphill to the Col de la Pousterle At the car park at the pass, follow the track running due east After the Champ des Ans, at 1,541 m, take the path on the right: the start of a great single-track descent When you come to the first houses in L'Argentière-la-Bessée, take the road on the left and then the road on the right to the next crossroads, which will bring you to the town centre

Intermediate circuit which culminates at the Les Chardons Bleus nature reserve The circuit starts right in the centre of town, not far from the bridge spanning the Durance. Head due south towards the train station. After passing the train station on your right and going under the railway bridge, follow the D423 towards the Fournel mines ("Mines du Fournel") At the mine car park, carry on along the narrow road leading into the little valleyn At a bridge, the Pont des Albrands, carry on along the forest track on the left-hand bank of the river When you come to the terminal point of the forest track, turn back on yourself and go back along the path Head right to cross the Fournel and reach Boujurian. Head towards the Pont d'Albrands and the Pont du Sapey At the Pont du Sapey, stay on the right-hand bank of the Fournel and start the descent to the district of Plan Léothaud At Plan Léothaud, go under the railway line. This brings you to the leisure centre and on to the end of the trail via the green route ("Voie Verte")

A circuit rated as difficult running on both sides of the Durance, starting from L'Argentière-la-Bessée. The circuit starts right in the centre of town, not far from the bridge spanning the Durance. In fact, you need to cross this bridge to get to the main road When you reach the main road, go straight across and up to the cemetery. Skirt around the cemetery on the north side, following a forest track Where the tracks intersect, continue due south on the forest track At the next intersection, go past the tank on your left and continue downhill on the track, heading due south Leave the track, turning left onto a narrow path which runs through the forest and drops down to La Roche-de-Rame After the chapel of Saint Roch de Géro, cross the mountain stream and take the narrow road on your right Upstream from the main road, turn left into the bridge underpass Carry on due south past the old waste collection site At the bridge (Pont de Traverses), rejoin the road on the right-hand bank of the Durance and this brings you back to Plan Léothaud Go right under the railway line and then left towards the leisure centre ("Base de loisirs") You then rejoin the green route ("Voie Verte") and this brings you back to the starting point of the circuit

Set off on an exploration of two iconic worlds in the municipality of L'Argentière-la-Bessée. The green route starts near the L'Argentière-la-Bessée information office ("Bureau d'Informations") and the public finance office, on the left-hand bank of the Durance, along a track laid out for pedestrians and mountain bikers. At the beginning of the trail, you can admire a nineteenth century vertical compressor, a historical tool of industry that is an immediate introduction to one of the themes you will encounter on the route. Turn right and cross the pedestrian footbridge taking you to the right-hand bank of the Durance and the developed part of the town Take the first left after the footbridge and continue straight ahead along a shared track. On your left, you can admire the municipal electricity system and, a few metres further on, the children's play area At the end of the pedestrian track, continue straight ahead between two of the municipality's iconic historical industries. On their walls, you will also see information panels telling something of the industrial past of L'Argentière-La Bessée After passing these historical buildings, head left and then right to join another pedestrian track following the right-hand bank of the Durance Cross the pedestrian footbridge spanning the Fournel. You then leave the world of industry behind as you enter a world of sport with the presence of numerous sporting amenities, including the well-known white water stadium. Go along the edge of the campsite on the banks of the Durance, until you come to the local road and a bridge, the Pont de Chancel Turn back on yourself and follow the same route back to your starting point

A tour of L'Argentière-La Bessée on the trail of its industrial heritage&hellipNothing less than an open-air museum! Setting out from the Tourist Information Office of L'Argentière-La Bessée, follow the banks of the Durance towards the red bridge. When you come to the red bridge, cross it and then take the narrow footpath on the left.  Turn left and make a there-and-back detour to see the arch bridge: go past a garage to reach a promontory which takes you close to the bridge, and then retrace your steps. Carry on, passing the former Péchiney factory, and then take the Rue de l'Industrie where there is an exhibition of photographs on the walls. Turn right at the roundabout and cross the road to read the information panel on the Francis water turbine. Carry on towards the railway bridge and go under it through an underpass, to reach the explanatory panel about the Mines du Fournel wagon. Retrace your steps back to the Francis turbine panel and continue straight ahead, past the mobile compressor. At the next roundabout, go right to the impressive aluminium bar.   From the aluminium bar, cross the road heading towards the station, to discover the shunting locomotive. Go back to the main road of L'Argentière-La Bessée and carry on towards the town hall ("Mairie"). After admiring the enormous ice-pick in front of the town hall, carry on towards the bridge which takes you across the Durance and back to the Tourist Information Office. 

A pleasant walk rising up through the Fournel valley through old hamlets and cool forest From the train station in L'Argentière-les Écrins, head towards the silver mining museum ("Musée des Mines d'Argent") Just after the tunnel under the railway line, take the narrow road on the right, and then left onto a track which comes to the bottom of a narrow lane, which you climb up via some steps to an intersection. Carry on uphill until you come to the church. Cross the Fournel road when you come to the school. Just to the right of the school, take a narrow road.. After 50 metres, carry straight on along a paved lane which turns into a grassy track running along a canal side. Take the narrow road on the right, going uphill, and go left just after the bend. Further on, continue right towards the Fournel mines ("Mines du Fournel"). Shortly after this, head right again to reach the access road leading to the Fournel. Follow this road left for a short stretch, and then take a path on the left, on a hairpin. Then follow signs for « Les mines ».  Cross the Fournel road again to take the path opposite which passes in front of a house, then right.  Continue uphill between the houses in the hamlet of La Blachière and, in a farmyard, go left in front of the farm sheds. Carry on towards an oratory and continue along the hillside until you come back to the Fournel road. Follow this upstream to cross the bridge. Immediately after this, take a track on the left which runs back down to L'Argentière along the right-hand bank.  At the bottom of the path, cross the bridge on the left and follow the main road down towards the Musée des Mines, which brings you back to the train station.

Follow in the footsteps of the miners and labourers of L'Argentière-la-Bessée! The trail starts at the chapel of Saint-Jean. Start by looking closely at the chapel, to answer the first riddle.  Take the Rue du Château which leads uphill behind the church, and carry on until you come to the museum. Go right and look closely at the garden with the vines. Go past the water fountain and carry on until you come to the bust of Gilbert Planche. Pass in front of the former seigneurial château (a media library today) and then between the boxwoods to go and look at the sundial on a tower in the park. Carry on along the same track, pass in front of the pigeon tower and go through the gateway. Carry straight on.  When you come to house numbers 4, 6 and 8 turn left and carry on until you reach the water fountain.  Continue left, go past the guest house ("Maison d'hôte") and then turn right onto the Chemin des Fouzes. Go past the bric-à-brac shop on the left and carry on until you come to the private burial chapel in the Rue du Serre Haut. Opposite the entrance to the chapel, continue right towards the Pic du Montbrison and the clock tower.  Take the second right and, further on, take the path leading off to the left, bringing you to the foot of the Tour des Hermes clock tower. Retrace your steps back to the road and turn left.  Turn right into the Chemin des Canaviers and then left again. Go past the cemetery and then turn right to the church. Retrace your steps and go down the Rue de la Croix which is edged with walnut trees. Continue straight ahead to go past the guest house again. At the house number 4,6 and 8, turn right and then continue left until you come to the Rue Saint-Jean. Turn left to return to the chapel car park.

This itinerary offers a massive breath of fresh air and an incredible panoramic view. The circuit starts at the Les Écrins campsite in L'Argentière-la-Bessée. You will go past the white water stadium along the green route ("Voie Verte") and on to the industrial zone and the roundabout in the Avenue Charles de Gaulle At the roundabout, turn left, go through the railway line underpass and then turn right at the second roundabout, heading towards the Horloge des Hermes clock tower and Les Combettes Head left to La Blachière and then take a path running above the silver mines ("Mines d'Argent") After crossing the mountain stream L'Eychaillon, start a long ascent to the right along a magnificent single-track through the woods of La Pignée, heading towards Les Têtes When you reach Les Poutilles, head left to the highest point of the trail - Les Têtes (2,044 m) - and then retrace your steps, following the route in reverse. In Les Poustilles, head left to drop back down to the Lac des Sagnes and on to the Col de la Pousterle as far as the Champ Didier Cross the Fournel and then turn left to start a long traverse downhill towards Le Sapey and the Bois du Champ Pelbaud, in a pine forest Go right onto the north-facing slope ("Ubac") and then follow signs for Plan Léothaud Turn left, cross the local road and then the railway line. Then turn left again to follow the railway line to the Les Écrins campsite and 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

This loops offers insights into rural life as well as astonishing views, and you can also take in high-alpine landscapes! Starting from the hamlet of Sainte-Marguerite, head uphill towards L'Oriol de Sainte-Marguerite.  At the intersection, turn left and carry on along the track until you come to L'Oriol de Sainte-Marguerite.  At L'Oriol de Sainte-Marguerite, after the chapel, take the track on the right and continue straight on until you come to L'Oriol de Queyrières.  Here, take the path on the right which takes you to a short section of sharp scree, which you need to cross.  Take the path on the left to drop downhill through a forest to the hamlet of Sainte-Marguerite. Take the track on the right to continue the descent and then back to your starting point.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks to the ski lifts, you can easily reach the high altitude forts of Les Gondrans, part of the Maginot Line. All that's left to do is climb Mont Janus to reach the fort and its panoramic views.

An ideal hike for families A downhill hike from the top of the Chalvet cable car to a magnificent viewpoint over the Clarée valley. Don't miss the military pill at the top of the Rocher diseur, a witness to the Second World War. Highest point: 2135 m (Arrival of the Chalvet gondola) Type of route: loop Distance: 5 km Duration: 1 h 30 (+ 10 min ascent in the gondola) Up: 85 m Down: 370 m ITINERARY 1. Take the Chalvet cable car (behind the Tourist Office) 2. On arrival, turn left towards the Terrasses restaurant 3. Continue straight ahead on the track towards Rocher diseur. 4. At Sous le rocher diseur, go straight up the rocky spur towards Rocher diseur. At the top, you can admire a large part of the Clarée valley and in the distance Briançon and its forts. On your right, you will find a military pill 5. Go back the way you came, first under the "rocher diseur", then straight ahead on the track until you come to a crossroads with a path going down on your right, heading back to Montgenèvre. 6. Take the path, which takes you back to the heights of the village. Go down the rue de la Combe. Turn left onto Rue du Rocher de Dix Heures, then left again onto Rue du Praya. At the bottom of Rue du Praya, turn left into Rue de l'Eglise to return to the Tourist Office.

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.

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).

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.

Workers' housing districts were built to house the many workers who were employed at the Péchiney factory. These districts have now been demolished. The architecture of the houses varied according to the status of the employee. A town hall, a cinema, a bandstand and churches were also constructed. 

In 1910, a 22-year-old engineer, Gilbert Planche arrived in L'Argentière-La Bessée to take advantage of the water here and open a large aluminium factory. The vertical compressor is the forerunner of the pneumatic drill. The mine operators needed a large quantity of coal and compressed air helped to accelerate coal output. In 1852, Swiss physicist Jean-Daniel Colladon invented the pneumatic drill. The vertical compressor enabled the production of compressed air which powered a drill and simplified coal excavation. The compressor is placed vertically on its support, hence its name. 

Louis Leprince-Ringuet was the director of the Physics Laboratory of X ("X" being a polytechnic school in Villeurbanne) established in L'Argentière. During the summer of 1942, he took in several Jewish students, thus saving them from the Nazis and deportation to Auschwitz. A panel presents the discoveries made by Louis Leprince-Ringuet in this laboratory. A text by Bernard Lévi is also displayed. As a young Jewish student, he took part in research at the laboratory during the summer of 1942. In it he thanks the scientific team for helping him to escape the anti-Semitic barbarism.

A young metal, aluminium is the most abundant metallic element on earth. Today, the aluminium industry is the second biggest after steel.  This enormous ingot was made in L'Argentière-La Bessée. 

A locomotive? No, its little cousin, the light rail tractor. This replaced manually pushed carts and horse-drawn vehicles. Less powerful than a locomotive, it travelled along narrow-gauge tracks which could be laid on different types of terrain. An information panel also described the role of this vehicle during the Great War.

This French electro metal company established itself in L'Argentière in 1907. The construction of the aluminium factory started in 1909 and it opened its doors in 1910, powered by the electricity plant built by Gilbert Planche. With it, L'Argentière became an industrial town. The economic crisis of the 1970s and the rise of foreign sources of supply led to the factory's closure in 1985. It was partially demolished in 1988. The workers left the town and in order to prevent the abandonment of L'Argentière, a restructuring project was launched. 

The Tour des Hermes is a clock tower built in 1922 by the Gilbert Planche company which used to run the aluminium factory in L'Argentière. It would chime to remind the factory workers of the time, and to make sure they arrived for work on time!

Protected from Atlantic influences by the Pelvoux massif, the upper Durance valley is subject to a very dry climate, with wide seasonal temperature fluctuations. It features grasslands very similar to the steppes of Central Europe, and which are rare in France. It is part of the Natura 2000 site, “Steppique durancien et queyrassien”.  

On the two walls of these now-disused industrial structures, you can read the history of L’Argentière-la-Bessée. The town is marked by its industrial past, in particular by the presence of a hydroelectric power station built between 1907 and 1909 to harness the power of the mountain waterfalls. At the time, it was the most powerful power station in Europe. Other industries were also established here, like the Société du Quartz Fondu fused quartz works and the aluminium factory which provided livelihoods for a large number of workers.

In the mines, compressed air is used to remove dust and to create power for the drills. The mobile compressor holds compressed air in a resistant tank. This is brought to a high pressure via a pump (the compressor). The compressed air is then distributed to the mine machinery through a conduit system.

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.

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 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.).

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.

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

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.

Bistrot, restaurant, tearoom on the banks of the Clarée: This bistrot de Pays lives up to its name. A warm welcome all year round, and family-style, gourmet, authentic cuisine with Mediterranean flavors. All homemade with local produce.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

You will be welcomed in a typical mountain farm. Calm and authenticity guaranteed. The meals are shared with your hosts and prepared with products from the farm or from Queyras. Starting point for several hikes such as Le Grand Rochebrune, Lac de Souliers, Lac de Roue.