Route de Furfande, Pic du Gazon

From Arvieux, head down the Col d’Izoard road (D902), pass the hamlet of Les Moulins and turn right onto the D802 towards Villargaudin, then take the track (suitable for all vehicles) which heads north and loops back south towards Le Queyron. Park at the end of the track in the second car park.

(S/E) At the entrance to the car park, take the^GR®-58f and head down towards Le Queyron (signposted). Follow the^GR® along the hillside, ignoring any junctions, cross a steep section, then reach the Col de la Lauze.

(1) At the signpost, leave the^GR® – which you’ll use for the return journey – and take the Tour de Furfande path to the left. After another traverse along the hillside above the Gorges du Guil, head down towards the picturesque Furfande summer chalets. Cross this group of chalets heading west.

The path curves gently to the left towards the south-west for about 400 metres, then takes a sharp right-hand bend towards the north. On this path, follow a steady climb through the mountain pasture to join the^GR®541.

(2) Head uphill along the^GR®, skirting the upmarket chalets of La Vallette on your right, then head eastwards towards the chalets of Les Granges de Furfande. On this ascent, you’ll catch a glimpse of the small Lake Valette on your left, which is often dry.

Climb the small grassy hill on the right to visit the beautiful Oratory of Notre-Dame de Furfande.
Head eastwards, keeping the sign for Viaret de Furfande in sight.

(3) At the signpost, leave the^GR®541to your left and take its alternative route to the right towards the refuge.
Cross along the hillside and head for the welcoming Furfande refuge.

(4) Behind the refuge, follow the path northwards up the slope until you join the^GR®41. Head north towards the cross at the Col de Furfande.

(5) Leave the^GR® and head north-west up towards the Pic de Vacivier.

(6) Walk along the slope below the summit of Vacivier, then descend towards a small saddle. Climb up the grassy ridge to the north, then head for the summit of the Pic du Gazon, marked by its cairn.

(7) Descend back down to the refuge.

(4) Turn left onto the^GR®58to the Col de la Lauze.

(1) Descend back down the same route you took on the way up to the car park (S/E).

I’ve made a video, complete with the names of the peaks, which shows the route and the atmosphere of the walk.
What can I say about this route?
It’s a route along trails that presents no difficulty other than its length. For this reason, it’s a good idea to spend the night at the refuge and enjoy the sunset, which bathes the ridges in a beautiful evening light.
However, although the path is level and well-trodden, it crosses steep slopes above the Guil Valley. Please ensure you keep a close eye on children.