Discover Briancon, Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

On this short walk below the village, you'll discover an unlikely little cemetery tucked away in the Bois du Ban forest: Le cimetière de la Peste, built during the plague epidemic of 1629-1631. From the small parking lot on the last bend below Puy-Saint-Pierre, take the wide dirt track (GR50 markings, red and white) signposted Les Eduits - StChaffrey. This dirt track continues flat for 600 meters, stopping at the crossroads (Les Queyrelles-Briançon - StChaffrey - Pralong-Notre dame des neiges - Prorel). Go down to the sign (Accès domaine - Briançon - Prorel) and pass under the Prorel gondola, which quickly leads to the wide Prorel ski run (Vauban). At this point, walk a few metres down this grassy stretch to pick up a small path just opposite. The route to follow is marked by a red sign indicating "Le Cimetière de la Peste". After a few steps, a red sign indicates the location of the cemetery on the left, overlooking the path. The cemetery itself, whose entrance is marked by a cross, is very modest in size, but a true testimony to a plague epidemic that struck much of Europe. Pick up the path again, which continues through the woods, then rises steeply for a hundred metres or so, to pick up the wide GR50 track that leads back to your starting point on the left.

This little chapel trail follows the old mule paths. Discover the rich architectural and religious heritage of the hamlets of Puy-Saint-Pierre and take in the beautiful views over Briançon and the upper Durance valley. This hike is described in the topographical guide " The neighborhood of Briançon on foot - 39 walks and hikes(rides) - N P054 " - published by the FFRP - circuit N ° 04.

Discover the Col du Prorel by ski touring on a signposted itinerary. It's an itinerary to suit all levels, with a choice of positive vertical drops equal to 500m d+, 650m d+ or 840m d+. From the parking lot in the village of Puy-Saint-Pierre, walk up the route de la ferme de Pralong to put on your skis in the hairpin at the oratory. There are a number of escape routes to suit your level of skiing, and you can also escape via the slopes. A second departure is possible from the intermediate station of the Prorel gondola from Briançon.

Set off through snow-covered woods to discover this fort built between 1876 and 1879. This hike through the forest on a snow-covered military trail offers the chance to observe numerous animal tracks and leads to a remarkable panorama. Detailed itinerary : 1. Leave the parking lot and take the road rising towards the forest. 2. At the junction, take the right-hand track and follow the signs for "Fort de la Croix de Bretagne". 3. The track then rises steadily through the forest without any forks, winding its way up to the fort. At the bend in the trail, a lovely view opens up of the hamlet of Mélézin just opposite and the Mélézin summit, as well as the start of the Ayes valley. 4. Arriving at the fort, a remarkable panoramic view opens up: the crossroads of the 5 valleys, the Durance, the Guisane, the Clarée, the Cerveyrette and the Ayes and all the surrounding peaks. 5. Return by the same route.

The Prorel summit overlooks Puy Saint Pierre and Briançon. On arrival, there's a superb panoramic view of the Serre Chevalier valley, the Ecrins and the Rochebrune peak. Detailed itinerary : 1. From the church square in Puy-Saint-Pierre, take the small tarmac road opposite the church, which climbs two hairpin bends to reach the Pralong farm. 2. A few metres after the farm, take the wide track. After about 100 m, take the footpath rising to the left, signposted "Notre-Dame des Neiges et ses oratoires". The narrow path leads to a track: on the right, you can see the Prorel ski lifts. Ignore the right-hand track and follow it to the left for around 100 m. 3. On the right, pick up the narrow path leading to the first oratory: Sainte Marie (alt: 1700m) . At this first oratory, continue straight ahead to cross the track a second time and reach the Etoile du Matin oratory (alt: 1840m). 4. Follow the path to the left to reach the Serre Pelat ski lift. Ignore the left-hand path in the direction of the combes, and pass under the ski lift again, near the Saint-Joseph oratory (Alt: 1950). The path then continues to pass a 4th oratory-fountain of Notre-Dame de Bon Rencontre, then bends to the left to pass under the ski lift one last time. 5. After leaving the ski lift, the path crosses a flat area (wetland in places) to pass the 5th oratory, Saint Hubert. The route then winds up a steep slope through scree to reach the chapel on a ledge. 6. At the chapel, take the path just behind. It crosses the wide ski slopes to the end of the ski lifts, then twists and turns up to the summit. 7. Return by the same route to the oratory-fountain of Notre-Dame de Bon Rencontre. Once there, take the left-hand path, which gradually descends to join the Prorel trail, which leads to Ferme de Pralong, before returning to the church.

Discover a fort of the end of the XIeme century. Hike described in topographical guide FFRP " Les environs de Briançon à pied - 39 walks and hikes " - circuit N°07 The Croix de Bretagne massif is a haven for many species: deer, roe deer, chamois, foxes... you'll also come across many species of bird, such as the colorful Bec-croisé des sapins and the shrill Cassenoix moucheté. Be sure to respect their tranquillity by moving quietly. The looped itinerary starts with the steep path on the north side to reach the Fort and then descends via the longer, sunny military trail, offering magnificent panoramic views all the way back. Park at the "Maison d'enfants de la Guisane" parking lot, rue de la Croix de Bretagne. Leave the parking lot by taking the road which climbs and becomes a track. At the fork in the road, ignore the track on the right (this military track leading to the fort will be used on the return journey) and continue on the track opposite (Pont de Cervières arrow) to a second fork in the road. Turn right and continue uphill for about 350 m. Climb the right-hand path (yellow Fort de la Croix de Bretagne sign). The route rises straight and steep through the heart of the compact Bois de Godichon, then turns into a series of switchbacks to the fort. Go around the fort to the left to join the military track. You can go as far as the entrance to the fort. Warning: entering the fort is the sole responsibility of the hiker. Take the track on the right. Note: the track on the left leads to the alpine chalets of Pied-Sec and the Ancien Fort de la Grande Maye . Continue downhill along the military track to the starting point.

A balcony hike offering breathtaking views over the Durance Valley. On your return, visit the village of Puy-Saint-Pierre and its farm: feast on the various regional products. To do this marked snowshoe hike, you'll need to take the Prorel gondola and get off at the first section. However, you can get back on the marked itinerary by driving to Puy-Richard. Once off the first section, turn left away from the ski area and follow the snowshoe itinerary opposite the ski lifts. The itinerary is marked with purple milestones. The trail rises gradually before descending to Puy-Richard. The itinerary then descends to the heights of Puy-Saint-Pierre before returning to your starting point via the Ferme de Pra Long.

Discover the entire Clarée valley by bike as you climb the Col de l'Échelle. Along the river, between hamlets and forests, this small departmental road will take you to its verdant plateau at 1762 meters altitude. The Col de l'Echelle is a must for cyclists in the Briançonnais region. Culminating at 1762m, your departure from the hamlet of La Vachette (1360m) will clock in at 17km (one way) and just over 400 metres of ascent on a small asphalt road. The ascent to the Col de l'Echelle is a gentle one via the hamlets of Val-des-Prés and Plampinet, with an average gradient of 3%. Once you've reached Névache, the hardest part begins, with 3 km at a gradient of almost 8%, before returning to the plain of the Col de l'Echelle and descending on the Vallée Étroite side for 12 km. On your return, don't hesitate to pedal through the various hamlets of Névache, to visit this mountain village at an altitude of almost 1600 metres. Length from La Vachette: 17 km Difference in altitude: 400 m Average gradient: 2.3% Maximum gradient: 9.4%

This 30-kilometer circuit takes you on an electrically-assisted bike tour of the sundials of the Clarée, using mountain bike routes and forest tracks. The 19 detailed information sheets will reveal many interesting sights! 1- Departure from La Vachette : From the parking lot at the entrance to the hamlet of La Vachette, head towards the church of Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation, then fork gently to the right. On the façade of the 3rd house on your left, the first Zarbula sundial (A) is revealed. 2- Reach the hamlet of Les Alberts : At the little crossroads by the fountain, don't miss the second sundial in front of you, before taking the small alley on your left towards the "chemin des noisette": a small carriage road that runs alongside the river and reaches the hamlet of Les Alberts. 3- A short tour of the hamlet of Les Alberts : When you reach the hamlet of Les Alberts, pass the chicane and take the small alley on the right, "rue de la forge", in the direction of the gîte "Maison Amalka", to reach the blue house and its sundial dedicated to the owner's trade. Then retrace your steps to get back on the little road and head up Rue des Granges: a remarkable string of traditional houses with wide porches and courtyards and their small gardens. Don't miss the sundial (D) before turning left to return to the church square. 4- Reaching the Rosier hamlet from Les Alberts After passing the fountain and sundial at Maison Kovacic, the road leads to a small parking lot: turn right into the ruelle des Arbennes (a dead-end street). 5- From Alberts to Rosier : A few metres after entering the cul-de-sac, fork left to reach a small dead-end parking lot, to join the dirt track overhanging the parking lot: a short, steady climb is in order. Continue along this little path until you reach the bridge over the hamlet of Rosier and the Huttopia campsite parking lot. 6- From Rosier to Val-des-Prés Your route continues on a track along the river: on the right just before the bridge opposite the Huttopia campsite. But first, don't miss the green marble Voiron sundial: it's located above the front door of one of the houses just beyond the bridge. 7- Left bank from Val-des-Prés to La Draye The trail leads to the Val-des-Prés "Chef-Lieu" bread oven. Cross the bridge to reach the town hall and its sundial, then return to the bridge to continue along the track that runs alongside the Four à Pain and the river. Ignore the small path on the left and continue along the track, which rises steadily in an S-shape: the track then narrows on the left to descend through the fields. 8- Pont de la Draye : The dirt track here leads to the départementale and the Pont de la Draye bridge: cross the bridge to take the small asphalt road on the right, which rises towards the last houses in Val-des-Prés. Continue on the asphalt track until it becomes a small gravel road: this then winds through fields and forests along the river towards the hamlet of Plampinet. 9- From La Draye to Plampinet : Ignore the left-hand track towards Col du Granon and continue straight on. 10- To Plampinet : Arriving at the Plampinet bridge: ignore the small path on the left before the bridge; this path also joins the hamlet but may appear a little more technical than the main track. Cross the bridge and continue along the route until you cross a second bridge and enter the hamlet of Plampinet. 11- The hamlet of Plampinet : Here, the track joins the main road. Turn right to discover the hamlet, the church of Saint Sébastien and its sundials, before returning to the bridge. 12 - Leaving Plampinet for Névache Continue past the Plampinet bridge for a few meters, then leave the road for the stony track on the left: this rises gradually to reach the Névache plain via the Pont des Armands. 13 - Crossing the hamlets of Roubion and Sallé After crossing the Pont des Armands bridge, you come to the small wastewater treatment plant and then the Camping de la Lame: don't join the asphalt road, preferring to follow the track along the river: this follows the bridge over the Torrent du Roubion, then crosses the campsite. At the entrance to the campsite, marked by the sanitary facilities, cross the main road to reach the hamlet of Roubion. 14 - Hameau de Sallé : Go to the top of the Roubion hamlet, passing the Italian restaurant La Coccinella and the grocery store, then turn left near the Chocolaterie. Continue until you reach Rue de Sallé: this gradually descends along the traditional houses of Névache, before finally joining the main road. 15 - From Ville-Basse to Ville-Haute : Continue on the departmental road past the Bistrot de Pays Au Bon Coin, then at the small traffic circle, take the pedestrian lane on the right of the Ville-Basse hamlet, cross the hamlet and continue to Ville-Haute. 16- Ville Haute hamlet : You arrive at the hamlet of Ville Haute: enter the hamlet (don't miss the school sundial on the front of the Névasport store, then the elegant black-and-white sundial at La Bélière). Continue on to the Saint Marcellin church to see the Zarbula sundial in the bell tower and the one on the Maison Rochas, then fork left to reach the Pont de l'Outre. Before crossing the bridge, don't hesitate to go slightly downstream to admire the sundial at Maison Maritau, facing the Clarée. 17 - Return along the right bank of the Clarée: Cross the Outre bridge, then take the left-hand track to reach the Ferme and Auberge du Clot. From here, continue on the Bois Noir forest track, which winds gradually through the forest and then down to Plampinet. 18 - Descend to Plampinet then Val-des-Prés : Here you rejoin the itinerary taken on the outward journey: go back down to Plampinet and take the same itinerary as on the outward journey, on your right before the bridge, to reach Val-des-Prés, la Draye. 19 - From Val-des-Prés to Le Rosier : The track joins the main road: ignore the bridge and the track used on the outward journey, and continue along the main road to the Val-des-Prés church (several sundials to be seen in the hamlet), then continue on to the hamlet of Le Rosier (sundial at Les Airelles gite). 20 - Reach La Vachette: After the Les Airelles sundial, continue in a straight line along the main road, then take the forest track on the right just before the bend. This rises slightly and winds through the forest to reach your starting point at the hamlet of La Vachette.

From the heights of La Vachette, this forest trail crosses the torrent de Malefosse under the Enrouye crest to reach the Fort des Salettes via a small balcony path overlooking the Durance. From the parking lot at the entrance to the hamlet of La Vachette, head towards the church of Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation, then turn left just after the church onto the asphalt road which rises steeply. Follow this asphalt road for a few metres, then turn left up the lane until you reach the heights of La Vachette. Continue along this route, which crosses a clearing and the gullied Malefosse torrent. Cross this gully to take the opposite route. The little path then rises into the forest for around 100 m to reach a small forest chalet: take the wide forest track just above the chalet and descend it for 100 m. At the fork of two forest tracks upstream of the bend, leave this track to take the small forest path directly opposite. This then splits in two: take the left-hand path towards Fort des Salettes. This path gradually descends below the L'ombre rock, then rises again, followed by a succession of short ascents and descents on balconies, until it reaches the Fort des Salettes in the Bois de la Pinée, below the Croix de Toulouse. Return by the same route.

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.

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.

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.

In the valley of Buffère at 2076 m, open summer / winter, for a gourmet stopover, your hiker step or the base camp of your nature stay This former alpine chalet comfortably rehabilitated by Nadette and Claude Devalle is accessible on foot during Summer in 45 minutes from the nearest parking place and during Winter on skis or snowshoes in 2 hours from the village of Névache, Ville-Haute . It is equipped with 30 places in rooms from 2 to 6 people, bathrooms with hot showers, a library lounge area. Its cuisine is healthy and refined (fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread ... organic origin and / or from our Hautes Alpes county). In summer the very comfortable Chalet Marguianne offers 12 additional places with 5 rooms from 1 to 4 people. Nadette, Claude and their team welcome you in these chalets that will surprise you with the will to stay or come back. GTA - FFRP - Via Alpina

In the heart of the Haute Vallée de la Clarée, the “Marins des Cimes” event takes offshore racing sailors on a journey between the sea and the mountains! Vendée Globe, Transat J. Vabre, Mini... Majestic! The event was born from a meeting with two sailors at the Buffère refuge. The complementarity and similarity of the two offshore and mountain racing activities becomes obvious. This event aims to promote the promotion of ski touring, the meeting between Sailors and Mountaineers through the commitment of exceptional women on a human, environmental and sporting level... And finally, to contribute to the discovery of our alpins territories. The navigators, accompanied by their High Mountain guide, will go from refuge to refuge! Evening in Buffère with video projector to discover their atypical life on their boat...

Small cozy alpine hut, nestled at an altitude of 2223 m in the gentle Clarée valley. It is located on a mound between larches, high steep walls and beautiful valleys with rounded shapes. Originality of the refuge: near the refuge, you can spend a night in a traditional Mongolian house: a yurt of about 20 square meters, provided with 5 beds with real duvets. Meals and toilets at the refuge. Atmosphere and comfort guaranteed! All the contrasting atmosphere of this beautiful Cerces massif is there.

Terzo Alpini is a refuge located in the Vallée Étroite, at an altitude of 1780 m. It is part of the commune of Névache. The Vallée Etroite is part of the commune of Névache, and is a listed and protected site. Managed by Riccardo and Anna Novo, the refuge is open in summer from mid-June to mid-September, and in winter from mid-February to mid-April. It is also open out of season on weekends (booking required). For New Year's Eve, reservations by telephone only. Catering by prior arrangement. The refuge : Terzo Alpini welcomes up to 34 guests (20 in rooms and 14 in dormitories). The refuge has hot showers on every floor, summer and winter alike (hot showers cost €1). Both the small rooms and the dormitory are equipped with wooden bunk beds, making for a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The refuge comprises 2 rooms for 2 people, 2 rooms for 4 people, 1 room for 8 people and a dormitory for 14 people. Accommodation 1/2 board, picnic baskets on request. The cuisine: At Terzo Alpini, Italian tradition comes first! You can try Piedmontese starters such as anchovies au vert, beans in salad, petite tome, cold cuts, sweet and sour zucchinis and many other specialities. At Terzo Alpini, polenta has pride of place! It's put more than one exhausted hiker back on his feet! It's served with alpine cheeses, meat and sausage, or venison cooked by Riccardo. Of course, we also offer daily specials such as ossobuco, tajine and more... And for children, we have a special menu. The Vallée Étroite is the ideal location for a wide range of sporting activities: ski touring, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, hiking and horse-riding, mountain biking, climbing on the magnificent routes of the "Paroi des militaires"... Accessible on foot from Névache, Modane and Bardonecchia in summer, but also by car, it can only be reached by cross-country skiing, ski touring or snowshoeing in winter.

The "I Re Magi" refuge offers you calm, comfort and originality. Thanks to its family management, you'll feel right at home.

Designed as an advanced sentinel in the 18th century chain of fortifications, Fort Dauphin provided a crossfire with Fort des Salettes to prevent access to the town from the Chemin du Piémont and protected Fort des Têtes. As early as 1711, the military engineer Tardif planned a redoubt on a dangerous plateau called the Biffeul plateau (originally Bissecul), as the enemy could take up positions there, but a real fort was not built until between 1724 and 1734. Positioned as an advanced sentinel in the 18th century fortification chain, the fort was designed as a "shield" to protect the Trois Têtes fort. It ensures the crossing of fires with the Salettes redoubt in order to prohibit access to the town via the Montgenèvre road. This fort has hardly been modified, except for the addition of a cavernous powder magazine in 1874. Numerous projects aimed at giving it more scope followed one another, but only routine maintenance work and a few improvements were carried out. After the 1870 war, it became obsolete with the construction of new forts at higher altitudes. All the defensive equipment was turned towards the east and the Infernet mountain. It was necessary to carry out extensive earthworks to give it a regular shape, in accordance with the classical spirit and art of bastioned fortification. Rectangular in shape, it comprises three bastions and a truncated half-bastion due to the steepness of the terrain. It is designed in two parts separated by a large crossbeam, serving as a mask, on which the barracks rests. The latter houses a set of 16 cells designed to house 120 soldiers*. It consists of two floors plus a basement containing a 182 m3 water tank. One room is fitted out as a powder magazine. Each room, with a barrel vault, contains two firing windows opening onto the mask. These firing windows were only opened in the event of an attack so that the soldiers could conserve some heat. The original fireplaces have been replaced by stoves on the first floor, with the exception of the one in the officer's room. Fort Dauphin is one of the few works that can show 18th century architectural arrangements still intact. *according to Milet de Monville in 1747 - SHD Vincennes The fort belongs to the town of Briançon and is one of the works inscribed on the list of World Heritage Sites for the works of Vauban.

This mill, built in the 18th century, enabled families from Villard-Saint-Pancrace to grind their flour. It had two millstones, one with a metal shaft and the other with a wooden shaft, dating from 2 different eras. The mill ceased to operate during the German occupation in 1943. These two millstones and rods included twenty paddles to receive the water, and a hopper fixed to the floor above the millstones to receive the grain. Over the years, it was perfected to produce flour of two different qualities. The flour, which was then discharged through a chute into a wooden bar, passed through a sieve to separate the flour from the wheat grain husk known as "bran". This mill produced a characteristic noise, due in particular to the clattering of the belts on the two millstones, the friction of the gears and the water that fell from the wheel to give the necessary force to grind the wheat. A dozen families from Villard-Saint-Pancrace came to grind their flour and maintain the mill. The children and women took care of the "corvée" of the canal bringing the water from the Ton canal to the mill. This involved cleaning, cutting, mowing and weeding the canal to ensure that the water reached the mill. Restoration of the machinery will enable visitors to see the mill in operation, and discover its history, intimately linked with the lives of the village's inhabitants from 1732 to 1943. A press is also present, although it no longer works, and was used to make marmot oil and walnut oil. The building has been restored as closely as possible to its former glory, allowing the site to relive the nuances of its past.

Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation is the second parish church of Val-des-Prés built when La Vachette was an independent parish. It is a small church of Roman-Lombard sytle with Baroque decorations. This17th century church has rich paintings and statues.

This dial had a hectic history. Originally painted by Zarbula and repainted in 1954, we see only the original dial, the exotic bird. This dial also has an originality: its motto in French and in three. On the sundial is written: "La vita es gaïro, Ùn ris, Ùn breath, Ùn weeping". "Life is a little thing, a laugh, a breath, a tear" according to a verse by Frédéric Mistral. The original dial (1852) was repainted in ochre in 1954, in particular erasing the original motto: "O Sun, thou appear, thou smile, thou console the earth." It was restored in 1994 by Évelyne and Norbert Peyrot, but without being able to revert to the changes of 1954. No signature is visible, but the exotic bird, characteristic of Zarbula, makes it attribute to it. This Piedmontese artist, enjoying a solid reputation to the point of being copied, has, from one valley to the other, expressed his talent to a clientele of owners "to the fact of things". Source : La Vachette in Val des Prés /apartment to rent in the restored farmhouse, on which is painted this sundial.

The new sundial at Les Airelles serves both as a hotel sign and as a solar time display. Made by Evelyne and Norbert PEYROT, sundial makers from Névache. The sundial's motto "Obliviscere malarum, profer optima" means "Forget the bad hours, prolong the best". It has a modern function: it serves as a sign for the hotel, while at the same time giving the local solar time. The hour table is encased in a ribboned ring, and decorated with an acanthus-leaved thistle or carline. The lower part features the fruit that gave the establishment its name: cranberries. The upper frieze features yellow cranberries with rounded blue acanthus leaves. Completed in 1997, the sundial was painted using the fresco technique of yesteryear. They also rendered the façade in a beautiful yellow ochre, and painted the door and window surrounds in trompe l'oeil, as well as the quoins, which simulate cut stone.

The chapel of Saint-Claude was built at an altitude of 1,350 metres in the locality known as Sachas to the north-east of Prelles, on the edge of the municipality of Puy-Saint-André. It has been dated to the eighteenth and nineteenth century at the latest, and appears on the Napoleonic cadastre. It is of elongated plan construction with a flat chevet and a single nave, made up of two vaulted spans of arrises (sharp edges formed by the meeting of two surfaces). The earlier gable is surmounted by a wooden steeple with a hipped roof. It is included on the General Inventory of the Cultural Heritage.

This is the smallest member of the family of forest maples, growing to a height of 8 to 15 metres. It can live for up to 150 years. Its leaves have five round lobes; they are winged with wings sticking out in opposite directions. It is not fussy as to the dampness of the soil and it can withstand cold temperatures and drought. It is also an excellent bee forage plant, which can be enhanced by the proximity of a hive.

With a very dog-like silhouette, the red fox is easily recognisable by its long bushy tail, but also by its long muzzle and large pointed ears with black tips. So it cannot be confused with any other species in France. It owes its name simply to the colour of its coat which is predominantly red. This species is ubiquitous. In fact, it frequents very varied habitats thanks to its diverse diet. It is therefore found over a large part of the territory.

Here's a lovely modern sundial made in 1998. It is signed by Evelyne and Norbert Peyrot, the valley's sundial makers, and by children from the school.

The great tit is one of the biggest in the family. It is easily recognisable by its yellow underparts with a black median covert, its shiny black head and white cheeks. It has quite an extensive song repertoire, all very beautiful and charming, in particular its finch-like « pinc-pinc », its chattering « ti tuui » and its cheerful « si yutti yutti » . It is present over a large proportion of the territory, in all kinds of tree-covered areas, from boreal forests to gardens.

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

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

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.

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

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

From starters to delicacies, all our dishes are prepared in our kitchen using local seasonal produce. Home cooking. Fresh produce. Dish of the day. Worker's menu. Looking for a cosy place to put your feet up after a great day's hiking or skiing? Chalet de Lanza is the ideal restaurant! Isabelle is in charge of service, while her chef is in the kitchen, offering a smiling welcome and delicious dishes made with local produce. It's enough to make you salivate! Whether on a shady terrace or in a beautifully decorated dining room, this restaurant is a gastronomic gem. You must try its homemade ice creams and pastries... delights that won't leave you indifferent! We have the "Accueil Vélo" label.

The not to be missed rest area, in front of the Grand Galibier, after a beautiful walk around the 4 lakes...

The not to be missed rest area, in front of the Grand Galibier, after a beautiful walk around the 4 lakes...

Authentic and friendly; fireside in winter; homemade pizzas and simple, well-balanced, homemade dishes and desserts; all set against a backdrop of board games of all kinds, darts, table tennis in summer, children's games, etc. Located on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, with views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Enjoy our seasonal meals, including raclettes, tartiflettes and homemade pizzas. And because we want to satisfy as many people as possible, we also offer vegan and gluten-free dishes like our famous Indian spinach Dahl. Families are welcome, too, with our menus adapted for the little ones. A south-facing wooden terrace by the skating rink in winter, and by the Romanche river in summer, makes for an excellent meal.

Damien and Sabrina are happy to welcome you at their table. Sabrina's delicious dishes will not leave you indifferent! The presentation alone will make your mouth water. And then this idyllic setting, this vast sunny terrace and the warm welcome of Damien will contribute to the satisfaction of your taste buds.

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.

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.

Opening 15/05/2020 > 13/09/2020 On the banks of the river, Huttopia La Clarée campsite offers pure tranquillity in the heart of an unspoilt natural environment. Head to the Hautes-Alpes for a truly successful holiday! On site, heated swimming pool, food and drink, and magnificient pitches in the heart of the forest.

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.

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!

In the valley of Buffère at 2076 m, open summer / winter, for a gourmet stopover, your hiker step or the base camp of your nature stay This former alpine chalet comfortably rehabilitated by Nadette and Claude Devalle is accessible on foot during Summer in 45 minutes from the nearest parking place and during Winter on skis or snowshoes in 2 hours from the village of Névache, Ville-Haute . It is equipped with 30 places in rooms from 2 to 6 people, bathrooms with hot showers, a library lounge area. Its cuisine is healthy and refined (fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread ... organic origin and / or from our Hautes Alpes county). In summer the very comfortable Chalet Marguianne offers 12 additional places with 5 rooms from 1 to 4 people. Nadette, Claude and their team welcome you in these chalets that will surprise you with the will to stay or come back. GTA - FFRP - Via Alpina

Small cozy alpine hut, nestled at an altitude of 2223 m in the gentle Clarée valley. It is located on a mound between larches, high steep walls and beautiful valleys with rounded shapes. Originality of the refuge: near the refuge, you can spend a night in a traditional Mongolian house: a yurt of about 20 square meters, provided with 5 beds with real duvets. Meals and toilets at the refuge. Atmosphere and comfort guaranteed! All the contrasting atmosphere of this beautiful Cerces massif is there.

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.

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

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