Discover Chorges, a gem in Hautes-Alpes

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

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

A route accessible to all to the lake and the magnificent Baie Saint Michel from the village of Chorges. From the station car park, head along the railway line as far as the Intermarché supermarket. Then cross the railway tracks and immediately turn left onto a small road. Go straight on for 400m, then cross the lane to the left and follow the road. Once you reach the main road, turn right onto the main road and then left again 400m further on, towards the hamlet of Miamellon. Continue along this small road past the bridge over the railway line and past the farm. 200m after the farm, leave the road and take a track on the left. Continue on the track at the first intersection. At the junction with another track, turn right towards Baie Saint Michel and left onto a small track 100m further up. Follow the small path through the woods and continue straight on to Mareisson. Cross the track and head towards Bair Saint Michel. Keep left at the next two intersections. Travel along the railway line along the field. Do not cross the bridge. Join a small road and turn right. Pass the veterans' memorial and continue along the road towards the beaches of Baie-Saint-Michel. The return journey then takes the same route.

Chorges as you've never seen it before! A complete tour to discover every aspect of this village. From Chorges, take the D614 and ascend towards the hamlet of Les Carles. Continue straight ahead until you come to a crossroads, then turn left onto the "Route des Borels". Descend to the village of La Bâtie-Neuve, skirt the police station and follow the "Route du Laus". Carefully cross the railway line, then the N94, and continue on the D11. At the junction with the D942, turn left towards Briançon for 500 m then turn right towards Fontclaire. This little road rises quickly and the view becomes more and more impressive over the Avance plain. The landscape narrows as you approach the mountain. Head past the hamlet of Les Massots and its agricultural plains while staying on the main road. Continue over a small plateau, with a clear view of the terrain. At the next crossroads, turn left and continue towards the village of Les Olliviers. Continue the route down a gentle slope then cross a railway line and continue to the junction with the D3. Then pass under the N94 towards Réallon. Now an ascent begins, taking the D9 and still heading towards Réallon. Carry on for 2 km until you spot the directional signs at a Recycling Point. Then take a left fork and climb up to the hamlet of Le Bourget, taking in the views over the valley. Take the ensuing descent very carefully, to avoid getting carried away by the speed. This will take you to the centre of Chorges and back to the starting point.

A rollercoaster ride! Although never very long, the relatively numerous ascents will put you to the test. From Col Lebraut, enjoy the panoramic views before heading back down to Chorges. Head towards Chorges town centre and, at a fountain and restaurant, turn left for 300 m. At the crossroads, go left and follow this small road faithfully for 5 km to reach the hamlet of Les Carles. Continue straight ahead until you come to a crossroads, then turn left onto the "Route des Borels". Descend to the village of La Bâtie-Neuve and, at a roundabout, turn right towards the Col de Manse (D14). Gain altitude as you progress, while enjoying the view. After 5 km, you will reach a fork in the road; turn left towards Gap (D314). Drive for 2 km until you reach a crossroads where two "No Entry" signs face each other. At this point, turn left (bikes are allowed) and descend as far as the N94. Head right for 100 m and turn left (with caution) towards "Grand Larra"(D206). The road rises gradually. Cross the hamlet and continue towards La Bâtie-Vieille. When you reach the D6, turn right towards Gap. Go past La Moutouse and, after 1 km, come to an intersection with a wooden cross. Make a turn of almost 180° and head towards Rambaud (D106). Continue the ascent towards Jarjayes and enjoy the panoramic views between the mountains and the agricultural plains. Finally, opposite a chapel and its cemetery, go left towards Notre-Dame-du-Laus. Climb up to the Col de Tourrond then enjoy a beautiful descent with several winding bends. Pass through Notre-Dame-du-Laus as far as the Avance valley and the D942. Turn right towards Sisteron for 200 m and, just after a bus stop, turn left onto a small country road that leads to Saint-Etienne-le-Laus. Join the D942 to head towards Valserres. Go through this village and skirt a mountain on the D942a. Then turn left onto the D900b towards Gap. Drive for 2 km before turning left towards Piégut. Cross Durance and, at the next crossroads, turn left towards Piégut. Stay on this pleasant road (D704) before leaving it and taking the one heading towards Rochebrune. Cross the plain while travelling alongside the Durance (and a leisure centre). Go past Rochebrune and, at the crossroads, turn left and cross over the Durance once more. At the STOP sign, take the D900b towards Espinasses and, on leaving the village, go left towards Lac de Serre-Ponçon (D3). On the ascent to the Col Lebraut, you can see just how much work went into building the dam. There is also a beautiful view of the turquoise waters of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Once over the pass, prepare for a beautiful 8 km descent back to Chorges. Then pass under the N94 and, 200 m further on, turn left to return to the station car park.

A rural route offering uninterrupted views of Chorges and its mountains. From the SNCF station, head towards Intermarché, then cross the level crossing and continue to the left. Before the level crossing, turn right towards "Le Fein". When the path descends again turn left and continue on the wide path. At "Clot Minet" turn right towards "Fein", continue on the widest path uphill. Once you reach le "Fein" and cross the hamlet. Take the road down towards Chorges, then take the single track on the right. Take the road on the left. After 500 metres, leave the road and turn right onto a track. At the next intersection, turn left towards Grand Chatêlard. Return to the road on the left and take the outward route.

A great spot for picnics and swimming: Chanteloube Bay and its submerged viaduct. At Chorges station, head towards the Intermarché. Cross the railway line and turn left. At the crossroads, turn left again over the level crossing and follow the signs for Baie Saint-Michel. Before the main road, turn right towards Serre du Villard. /! Slow down to turn right under the railway bridge. At Villard, head up the old track on the left. At the road turn right and then the first left towards Baie de Chanteloube. At the old station at Chanteloube, continue straight on for a round trip (picnic area at Chanteloube) Returning to the old Chanteloube station, take the junction to the left and cross the bridge. At Chapelle St Jacques, turn left up the road. The road turns into a stony track. At Pralong, take the small road on the left. Then, after about 200 m, take the track on the right which climbs towards Baie Saint-Michel. At Pré Long Haut, turn right up the E93 DFCI track towards Baie Saint-Michel. At Champ de Gorny, take the surfaced path on the left towards Baie Saint-Michel. At Mareisson, go straight on until you reach the track and take the path opposite towards Baie Saint-Michel. Stay along the railway until you reach the bridge. Cross the bridge to the left (SNCF track), then cross the road (N94) /!. At the Les Bernards bus stop (cross), turn left. 300m from the previous intersection, leave the road and take the path to the right and continue straight on. Turn left once back on the road, cross the hamlet of Les Augiers and then take the track on the right (you can make a quick return to Chorges by continuing straight ahead). At the D109 and D9 go up and then left towards Chorges. At the recycling point, take the small road on the right towards Les Bérards. At the sign for La Bonnigue (on the bend), turn left. Continue straight on the main track. At the road, go left downhill towards Chorges. After crossing a small bridge, take the stony track to the right. After the farm, take the steep climb to the right, then continue on the track to the left. Cross the hamlet of Thomassons and turn left down the road. At the bus stop (mirror) turn left and then immediately right. Continue straight ahead on the small road. Turn left at the road, then left at the business park. At the roundabouts, take two right turns, following the signs for Gap and then the SNCF station to reach the finish line.

Take to the heights for more views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the Aiguilles de Chabrières. At Chorges station, at the roundabout, head towards the town centre. Pass the Brasserie des Alpes and go straight through the town centre. Before the N94, continue left on the D9 towards Réallon. At the farm, turn right towards Les Augiers (GR markings). At the entrance sign to the hamlet, take the track on the left. At the Route des Puy (D109), turn right into the hamlet of L'Eglise. Once there, turn left onto the route de Chabrières. Continue up the main hairpin road. At the viewpoint on the bend, turn right up the Chemin de la Clouisse. After the farm (watch out for the Patou), turn right. Stay on the level on the main path around the knoll. At the crossroads of the 4 paths, continue straight up the stony track. Continue straight ahead: cross the D9 road, continue on the route des Gourres. At the hamlet of Pomeyret, continue on the main road with its hairpin bends. At the DFCI track F8, continue straight ahead on the GR. Continue on the Joubelle forest road (Track DFCI F1). At the DFCI marker, continue to the right, past the fountain and stay on the main track (DFCI F1 stony path). At the DFCI S7 track, go down to the left (GR markings). Go through the hamlet (viewpoint). /! Quite a stony descent. After the "Serre du corbeau", continue left on the GR 50, then straight on towards Les Andrieux. At the bend, continue on the track to the right. Turn left down the hairpin road. At Les Thomassons, descend the road to the left. At the bus stop (mirror), turn left and then immediately right. Continue straight ahead on the small road. Take the downhill option to the left twice. At the roundabouts, take 2 right turns, following the signs for Gap and then the SNCF station to reach the finish line.

Come and explore the area around Chorges and the hamlet of Les Olliviers on the slopes of Grand Châtelard. From the station, head towards the Intermarché and cross at the level crossing. Turn left and follow the railway line. After 100 m turn left onto the track. Stay on the main track heading to the right, then at the next junction continue straight ahead on the uphill track as far as the forest. At the crossroads, leave the path on the left and continue on the flat path straight ahead. At the junction, continue uphill to the left, then left again until you come to a track. Take it downhill to reach the hamlet of Olliviers. Take the road downhill, pass the farm building and then take a left fork onto the grassy path. At the "ravin des Sallières" post continue right downhill then right again. From there, the return journey takes the same route

In 2017, during stage 19, the Col Lebraut witnessed the passage of the Tour de France. Now it's your turn to climb it! From Chorges station, follow the railway line then cross it, heading for Montgardin. The road rises slowly and the hamlet of Montgardin comes into view. At the crossroads, take the left fork and follow the road to Champ Peyron. Continue on the main road and cross the Jacques and its well-cleared plateau, with a very fine view of various mountain ranges. At the next crossroads, turn right towards the hamlet of le Fein. The slope steepens as you approach the forest. Now cross through the undergrowth, on a sometimes tricky surface, then rejoin the D3 at the Col Lebraut (make a quick round trip to admire the view of the lake and the surrounding mountains). Now descend towards Chorges, enjoying the scenery. Pass under the N94 and, 200 m further on, turn left to return to the station car park.

The village resort of St Léger-les-Mélèzes lives up to its name: the ski slopes, laid out in a larch forest, have the advantage of guaranteeing good quality snow and skiing for all levels.

Chef Mathieu Jaulin's cuisine is family-style, friendly and generous. Daily specials and à la carte dishes, in a warm and welcoming setting. Reservations recommended, open by reservation only in the evening.

Discover Orcières Merlette 1850 at altitude this summer In summer, three Télémix® lifts (Rocherousse, Drouvet I and Drouvet II) take you to the heart of the Orcières Merlette 1850 ski area, up to 2280 m at the Rocherousse plateau and 2650 m at the Drouvet summit. These mixed lifts (cabins and seats) allow you to : - Take advantage of our mountain bike playground; - Explore the emblematic trails, including the Monde des 6 Lacs, a magical hike between high altitude lakes and wide open spaces; - Enjoy a meal at the Rocherousse mountain restaurant; - Have some family fun with the ‘Roule Ma Boule’ games; - Try your hand at the Roll Air Cable, one of the longest zip lines in Europe: 1.8 km of head-first descent between the summit of Drouvet (2650 m) and Lac Long (2500 m), for 1 minute 20 of unique sensations. (Access via Drouvet I & II).

Built at the sources of the White Drac, near the disused Champoléon cabin, this refuge with its stone roof offers tasty regional food at lunchtime and copious Alpine meals in the evening. The refuge is easy to access for families: 1 hr 30 mins from the Auberts car park (elevation: 350 m). Large number of hiking trails leaving from the refuge.

Nestled at the foot of the west face of the Sirac, this refuge was built in 2001 from wood and stone. Bright, spacious dormitories with duvets. Hot water showers and indoor toilets. From the refuge, there is a wide range of climbs and hikes: Sirac, Col and Pic de Vallonpierre, Col des Chevrettes, GR 54 footpath, Chabournéou refuge, Tour du Vieux Chaillol. Accessible in 2 hrs 30 mins from Gioberney car park, elevation 700 metres.

Chabournéou unveils a world of mountains and glaciers. This former refuge with its authentic atmosphere provides a fine alternative on the Vieux Chaillol Tour or GR54 footpath. Meals available all day. No picnic room. An authentic refuge in an Alpine setting at the foot of the north face of the Sirac. Easy to access along a path with the evocative name of "the minister's path", the refuge welcomes visitors for the skiing season in spring and for climbing and hiking during the summer. Access in 2 hrs 30 min from the Gioberney car park; 450-metre incline.

The Clot - Xavier-Blanc refuge, with 100 years rich in history, welcomes you in the shade of colossal trees for a relaxing break. Whether you are on the GR 54 footpath or out for a day's hike, you are sure to be charmed by this refuge, lulled by the murmur of the nearby Séveraisse mountain stream. Access in 15 minutes from Le Rif du Sap.

Perched on an Alpine prairie, at the frontier with the high mountains, the Olan refuge provides a unique panorama on La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, the prestigious Olan cirque, the Cime du Vallon... A stopover for mountaineers and hikers: a mountain road to the Refuge des Souffles. Shared room and kitchen upstairs, running water and fountain. Meals by reservation. Access from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar in 4 hours; elevation: 1245 metres.

The ascent to the refuge from Villard Loubière has become a great hiking classic. Small dormitories with duvets, convivial dining room, hot showers and large equipped terraces. A stop on the GR54 footpath that should not be missed. Ideal starting point for the Pic de Turbat, with 3000m of easy access. A stop on the Tour de l'Oisans (GR54 footpath) that should not be missed. Snacks and refreshments possible. Access in 3 hours; elevation: 900 metres.

We invite you to relax in our small rustic-chic cottage with its private terrace. This studio-gîte offers a queen-size double bed and a 120cm sofa bed for 1 adult or child, a fully equipped kitchen, a shower room, a separate toilet, a terrace, and garden furniture with pool and lake views. Private entrance. Le Mas du Lac, built in 1763, is a former farmhouse that has retained the character and soul of Alpine buildings. This property has been lovingly renovated to welcome lovers of authentic nature and wide open spaces.

There are many poplars along the route. It is a very impressive tree, on account both of its height (30 m) and its robustness (it can withstand temperatures down to -25°C). They thrive in damp ground. The poplar has a very important place in French forestry and in the timber industry. It is usually pollarded for firewood.

Even today, dead trees are regarded by many people as being of no interest. But this view is not shared by scientists: dead trees are part of a healthy forest ecosystem. They are essential for the protection of biodiversity and they are a source of food and provide a habitat for numerous plant and animal species. They create balance; even their decomposition feeds the soil and keeps it in good health!

Smaller than the carrion crow, the Alpine chough is a mountain-dwelling bird of the family of corvids. Its black plumage contrasts with its yellow beak. It has a long tail with short red legs. It is easy to confuse it with the red-billed chough, especially since the latter also has a yellowish beak when immature. It can be seen all year round but in winter it prefers to flay in groups of several dozen - even hundreds of - individuals.

n the locality known as Les Olliviers, there is a marshy area. Damp habitats like this constitute rich and diverse ecosystems. Most of them developed naturally. Wetlands have long been regarded as unhealthy and hostile environments. The requirement for urban land led to these areas being dried out. Today, wet areas are recognised for their heritage and functional benefits, as they hold remarkable biodiversity. This new awareness has led to their usage being regulated in order to protect them.

Elegant, agile and fast, the roe deer is very discreet but leaves the imprint of its frail hooves on the snow or mud up to the alpine level. They can also be spotted by their loud "voice", emitting a powerful bark when disturbed. In the semi-darkness, their mirror, that white spot under the tail in the shape of a heart for the female and a bean for the male, can give them away. When it starts out on life, the fawn is covered in white spots that camouflage it. This "bambi" often lies on the grass. If you find one, remember not to touch it: it hasn't been abandoned.

The Addos mountain stream (torrent in French) is 4 kilometres long. A mountain stream is a natural water course located in the mountains. The flow regime is characterised by a steep gradient, with a very fast and therefore turbulent water flow producing significant erosion. It is also defined by a significant variation in flow rate depending on precipitation levels. In this mountain stream, as in many others, numerous small sills (small dams) have been created to slow down the water flow and limit the impact of floods.

Just 18 to 26 mm long, this little insect has a black head which looks a little like a helmet. The female can be told apart from the male by the presence of a third long appendage at the rear of the body. The cricket’s song is heard from April onwards. The male sings his chirping song from the entrance to his burrow. The fertile females lay their eggs in the ground, which remain there for two weeks before the larvae emerge.

Scots pine is a softwood tree like fir, spruce, larch and juniper. It reaches a height of 30 m (under the best conditions) and is easily recognisable thanks to the orange-red tinge of its branches and the upper part of its trunk. Its short needles are grouped in pairs. Its cones, also known as pine cones, release winged seeds.

From this spot, you can see the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. This is the second biggest artificial lake in Europe. It covers 2,800 hectares and is fed by the Durance and Ubaye mountain rivers. Filled with water in 1960, it offers numerous water-based activities, beaches with amenities and lifeguards and small harbours for pleasure craft. Despite all this, the majority of its shores remain wild with numerous craggy coves which make Serre-Ponçon so charming, as the nearby Baie des Moulettes illustrates. 

This bush is a resinous evergreen conifer. It is characterised by its greenish to blue (glaucous) needles with a white line on their upper side, and fruits resembling blue-black berries. It usually tends to grow in warm environments receiving plenty of sunlight. It grows in grassy or scrub covered areas up to 2,000 metres above sea level.

You will taste the sisters' cooking! A unique menu, which varies according to the rows in the vegetable garden and the market stalls. Fresh herbs, seasonal fruit and vegetables, colours of the sun: a real cocktail for inspiration. Don't forget to book! The old mill is a large family house that opens its doors to you in a soothing setting, in the middle of the fields. Between Gap and Embrun, south of Grenoble and just an hour from Briançon, come and take a break in the peace and quiet between Provence and the mountains... The table : The red check tablecloths and the rustic yet feminine decoration set the tone all year round. But as soon as the weather is fine, it is in the shade of the large plane tree in the courtyard that you can enjoy lunch. The fountain sings, the colours of the flowering balconies explode and you can enjoy a nap in the deckchairs... Are you coming for dinner? Then it's under the trellis, just at dusk and around the aperitif that you'll start the evening before leaving the crickets in the garden to return to the table. Winter also delights the guests, warm behind the large bay windows to watch the snowflakes fall and the countryside transform into silence. - The kitchen: Fresh herbs, seasonal fruit and vegetables, the colours of the sun: a real cocktail for inspiration. You'll get a taste of the sisters' cooking! A unique menu, which varies according to the rows of the vegetable garden and the market stalls. For the main course, however, it will be poultry: a speciality! Chickens, pigeons, ducks, quails... always something new. A gourmet dessert to finish? Profiteroles, lemon pie, citrus salad, pear soufflé, strawberry and peach gratin are also part of the recipe booklet and everything is "homemade"! The meal is served with a regional wine, but the cellar offers a wide range of choices. It is necessary to book at least the day before, as you will only eat fresh products! - The gîtes and guest rooms: We also welcome you in our gîtes. The Auberge du Moulin offers you to spend the night in a large, quiet, cosy and bright room. For more space and autonomy, two 2-seater gîtes are at your disposal with a living room/TV area, a small fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with bathtub and separate toilet. Contact us now!

Bar - restaurant with a magnificent view of the Serre-Ponçon lake in the Viste campsite**** ! Takeaway meals, pizzas, ice creams, etc... A food store with bread and pastries, local press in season.

It is the ideal place to take a gourmet break in our SNACK-BAR-GLACIER area while enjoying our terrace with a panoramic view of the lake and the Grand Morgon Located at the lookout of the Serre-Ponçon dam, come and taste our burgers, gourmet salads, artisanal ice creams, sweet crepes, waffles and other regional products Our artisanal ice creams are made in the Hautes-Alpes, large choice of ice cream sundaes AU PANORAMA has a terrace with panoramic view. You can charge the battery of your electric bikes. Motorbikes can be parked in view. There is also a gift/souvenir shop and a unique exhibition of world minerals.

Very large outdoor terrace, and two rooms (60 m2 and 200 m2) inside an old farmhouse. Apiland offers you local products and local dishes accompanied by Apiland honeys in a very bright and atypical setting. Original menus will be proposed, made with quality products, mainly from local agriculture and prepared with care for your greatest pleasure. The country plate includes : Tourtons - Ravioles - Jambon cru - Tomme de l'Ubaye - all topped with Apiland honey Open every day in July and August from 12 noon to 2pm.

Regional and mountain specialities.

Specialities of sweet and savoury pancakes.

Wood-fired pizza, local specialities.

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

Welcome to the Restaurant du Lac! Terrace - Private dining room - Concerts The dishes are complete and range from 13 to 27 euros. Children's formula at 12 euros. Showroom with festive dinners! Meals on site - Takeaway - No delivery

Traditional and local cuisine, snack bar.

A former Alpine chalet converted into a mountain refuge. Five dormitories for 4 to 6 people with individual beds, showers and sanitary facilities. Top-quality food with mountain specialities. The refuge is located on one of the Tour du Vieux Chaillol paths. A large number of hikes leave from the refuge: Cascade de la Pisse (20 mins), Col de la Vénasque (3h), Col de Côte Longue (4h), the summit of Le Vieux Chaillol (3163 m), but also the unspoilt valleys of the Muande and Mal Cros! A little paradise only a 1 hr 30 min walk away! Elevation 345 metres.

Built at the sources of the White Drac, near the disused Champoléon cabin, this refuge with its stone roof offers tasty regional food at lunchtime and copious Alpine meals in the evening. The refuge is easy to access for families: 1 hr 30 mins from the Auberts car park (elevation: 350 m). Large number of hiking trails leaving from the refuge.

The pastoral cabin at Champoléon was built by stockbreeders in 1921. It was in 1972 that the cabin was restored for the first time... Two years later, the French Alpine Club (CAF) took over its management in order to insure shelter for the increasing number of hikers of the GR54. Having become too cramped, the refuge was rebuilt in 1979 on the ruins of the hamlet and became the Chaumette Meadow. The decorative stones were cut on site at  Champoléon. The imposing Lauzes stones used to cover the roof underline the effort made to integrate with the landscape. Today flocks of sheep are brought up to the mountains at the end of June and are visited once a week.

The pastoral cabin at Champoléon was built by stockbreeders in 1921. It was in 1972 that the cabin was restored for the first time... Two years later, the French Alpine Club (CAF) took over its management in order to insure shelter for the increasing number of hikers of the GR54. Having become too cramped, the refuge was rebuilt in 1979 on the ruins of the hamlet and became the Chaumette Meadow. The decorative stones were cut on site at  Champoléon. The imposing Lauzes stones used to cover the roof underline the effort made to integrate with the landscape. Today flocks of sheep are brought up to the mountains at the end of June and are visited once a week.

Nestled at the foot of the west face of the Sirac, this refuge was built in 2001 from wood and stone. Bright, spacious dormitories with duvets. Hot water showers and indoor toilets. From the refuge, there is a wide range of climbs and hikes: Sirac, Col and Pic de Vallonpierre, Col des Chevrettes, GR 54 footpath, Chabournéou refuge, Tour du Vieux Chaillol. Accessible in 2 hrs 30 mins from Gioberney car park, elevation 700 metres.

A small lake, pretty meadows and the benevolent Sirac... This magical setting would lead to the construction of a refuge at an altitude of 2270 m in 1942. However, it was a victim of its own success and in 2000 the decision was made to build a second, bigger one. It can accommodate 37 instead of 22. This new building was the first modern mountain refuge to be built using stones on site rather than imported materials. It copies the simplicity and the crow-stepped gable from the "small refuge" which has been kept as lodgings for a warden's helper.

A small lake, pretty meadows and the benevolent Sirac... This magical setting would lead to the construction of a refuge at an altitude of 2270 m in 1942. However, it was a victim of its own success and in 2000 the decision was made to build a second, bigger one. It can accommodate 37 instead of 22. This new building was the first modern mountain refuge to be built using stones on site rather than imported materials. It copies the simplicity and the crow-stepped gable from the "small refuge" which has been kept as lodgings for a warden's helper.

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

Chabournéou unveils a world of mountains and glaciers. This former refuge with its authentic atmosphere provides a fine alternative on the Vieux Chaillol Tour or GR54 footpath. Meals available all day. No picnic room. An authentic refuge in an Alpine setting at the foot of the north face of the Sirac. Easy to access along a path with the evocative name of "the minister's path", the refuge welcomes visitors for the skiing season in spring and for climbing and hiking during the summer. Access in 2 hrs 30 min from the Gioberney car park; 450-metre incline.

The Clot - Xavier-Blanc refuge, with 100 years rich in history, welcomes you in the shade of colossal trees for a relaxing break. Whether you are on the GR 54 footpath or out for a day's hike, you are sure to be charmed by this refuge, lulled by the murmur of the nearby Séveraisse mountain stream. Access in 15 minutes from Le Rif du Sap.