diggi

A traverse leading to an exposed ridge from which you can reach the summit of the Pic des Ruines de Luvie and enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Dévoluy peaks. Below, limestone formations resembling ruins stretch out, forming impressive vertical slabs and erosion chimneys . This wild landscape is also home to the Bois du Chapitre, an ancient beech forest listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , as well as a rich variety of mountain wildlife in the Cirque de Chaudun, notably mouflons and chamois.

The easiest route to explore the Bure massif in summer, ascending via the ski resort’s chairlifts (open one day a week in July and August only). The plateau offers a lunar landscape with the observatory’s satellite dishes, and in clear weather, the view from the Pic de Bure is extraordinary. The route is described here starting from La Joue du Loup, but there is a similar route starting from SuperDévoluy. Please note: this route is only accessible during the summer opening period of the ski lifts!

A well-marked circular route that allows you to observe beautiful geothermal features up close, linking the two medieval villages of Sasso Pisano and Monterotondo Marittimo. This valley is said to have inspired Dante Alighieri when writing ‘Inferno’. The first part of the route climbs without any particular difficulty through a continuous succession of fumaroles. The walk takes you through ever-changing landscapes, with a myriad of colours and shapes, over ground that is often scorching hot, sometimes shrouded in steam, and accompanied by the sound of bubbling water and escaping gas. Once you reach the highest point of the circular route, the route continues towards Monterotondo to see more ‘biancane’ and allows you to enjoy the sweeping panorama stretching all the way to the Maremma coast. The descent back to the village of Sasso then takes place in the shade through chestnut groves.

Starting from Santa Maria Novella station, this city walking route allows you to explore Florence on foot, linking the main monuments and squares of the historic centre. The walk invites you to enjoy Florence’s heritage at a leisurely pace, taking in the city’s iconic sights as well as some of its less-visited spots. It offers the chance to alternate between cultural discoveries, a leisurely stroll and breaks in neighbourhoods that are less overrun by tourists.

A pleasant circular walk around the Torrent de la Muande, in the Séveraissette valley at Molines-en-Champsaur. Almost entirely shaded along its entire route, this walk is particularly suitable during the summer heat. The climb is fairly gentle and pleasant as far as the Cabane de Londonnière. The footpath crosses several small streams before reaching the ruined hamlet of Sellon at the bottom of the valley. The return route takes you past the enchanting site of the Cabane de Suzaire, where huge boulders in the forest lend the place a unique charm, before descending beneath the Baisses de la Juberne. A walk that allows you to discover one of the prettiest valleys in the Champsaur!

This relatively easy, scenic route offers magnificent views of the cirque and the Rouanne mountain pastures. You really feel cut off from the rest of the world here! The route is flexible, as there are several paths that allow you to extend or shorten the walk without any particular difficulty.

From the Maison Forestière des Sauvas (in the commune of Montmaur), a short family circular route through the forest, beneath the imposing south face of the Bure plateau and its vast scree slopes.The gentle gradient makes this walk suitable for children, even young ones.

A circular route leading to the Guizière ridges whilst avoiding the overly exposed sections of the Greysinière ridges.Starting at the Col de Gleize keeps the elevation gain to a minimum, whilst offering exceptional views of the Ceüze, Bure, Dévoluy, Écrins, Embrunais, Ubaye (Montagne de la Blanche) and Monges mountain ranges.

A circular route allowing you to discover the beautiful waterfalls of La Gerle and Rabou, starting from La Roche des Arnauds. In the heart of the refreshing Petit Buëch valley, the route is partially signposted and features footbridges to cross the torrent.

From La Roche des Arnauds, this route takes you up Pic Chauve via the Crête des Rortres, then down via the Col des Sérigons, with a stop at the Grotte du Pertuis (bring a torch) before returning via the Ravin de la Mèque.Apart from the section along the ridge, the route runs mainly through woodland, with a few clearings offering views of the landscape. Pic Chauve overlooks the upper valley of the Petit Buëch and offers beautiful panoramic views.

An easy route, suitable for all ages, which follows the Colle di Val d’Elsa – Poggibonsi cycle path, built on the site of a former railway line linking the two main towns of the Valdelsa. The outward journey follows the River Elsa and winds through the Tuscan countryside, dotted with benches and information boards at the most picturesque spots. The circular route offers beautiful views of the vineyards, cypress-dotted hills, sun-drenched olive groves and, in season, fields of sunflowers.

The Sentierelsa is a nature trail offering the chance to observe the flora and fauna of the River Elsa, particularly the many birds that find refuge there. This walk is also a journey through history, revealing evidence of the relationship between people and the river: the ‘gore’ (artificial canals) that once supplied Colle Val d’Elsa’s paper industry, the locks, an 18th-century mill, and the medieval bridge that allowed pilgrims and travellers to cross the river from the 11th century until the early 19th century.This family-friendly route follows the river and then crosses it several times via fords built on large boulders fitted with rope handrails.The route is renowned for its cool, shaded ‘enchanted spots’, and those where you can swim on hot summer’s days. Alternative routes form a circular route towards the town centre, but the return trip along the riverbank remains the most enjoyable option.

A circular route around the medieval village of Colle di Val d’Elsa following the route of the Via Francigena (VFI-091). You first cross through the medieval village to follow the River Elsa along the Sentierelsa, then takethe alternative route to Quartaia (VFI-091_1) to return via the surrounding countryside. Although the route is a little long, it remains easy as it is fairly flat, and the atmosphere is quite friendly thanks to the many pilgrims walking the route.

From the Maison Forestière des Sauvas (in the commune of Montmaur), this round-trip route is the easiest way to climb the Tête Plumée and then the Pic Chauve via the Col des Sérigons.The route runs mainly through woodland, with a few clearings offering views of the landscape, all the way to the Pic Chauve, which overlooks the upper valley of the Petit Buëch and offers stunning panoramic views.

A short walk to discover the proudly standing keep of La Rochette.The route mainly follows tracks and paths, with the exception of the access to the second arch, which is via a sloping ledge requiring you to nimbly weave your way through a forest of box trees and climb up a rocky ledge with a few movements similar to rock climbing.

A lovely walk along the Gap balconies. From the Lac des Jaussauds picnic area, the route descends along the route of the old (and never completed) Gap–La Mure railway line, including a crossing of the Buzon viaduct, recently converted into a cycle route.It then climbs back up to the Réserve des Manes, passes the Peyre Ossel boulder, and follows the Canal de Gap to the Réserve Georges Serres, offering beautiful panoramic views of the Gap region.

A short, scenic and refreshing countryside route on the outskirts of Gap. From the V64 cycle route, you’ll discover the Peyre Ossel boulder and cross the Buzon viaduct. This easy route then returns via the refreshing streams of the Oursatas and the Buzon, and is suitable for children. Magnificent views of the Gapençais region and picturesque paths through woods and fields round off this pleasant route.

Starting from the Veynes lake, this circular loop climbs and circles the Eygaux plateau. Accessible for much of the year, it offers beautiful views of the Val d’Oze and the surrounding mountains. The Eygau de Véras site offers sports trails (mountain biking, running, hiking), which is a good complement to the Iscles lake leisure centre.

A circular route starting from Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne, mainly on the GRP® Tour du Buëch Variant, around the small summit of Piarards which overlooks the Grand Buëch valley. After a gradual climb through the Durbon forest, the return route passes through the Col de la Bécha to descend to the hamlet of Baumugne, made famous by Jean Giono's novel "Un de Baumugnes".

A circular route starting from Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne, following the GRP® Tour du Buëch and the GR®94 to reach the charming hamlet of Vaunières, passing through peaceful landscapes and offering beautiful mid-mountain panoramas. Please note! As the path between Fontarasse and the Chemin de Vaunières is closed, you must take the small tarmac road ‘Chemin de Vaunières’ rather than the Fontarasse path.

A circular walk in the heart of the Agnielles Gorges, combining the atmosphere of a canyon, woodland, scenic views and heritage, passing close to the old abandoned village of Agnielles. The route combines a spectacular walk along the Gorges Road, flanked by high limestone cliffs, followed by a return through the woodland via the Combe Noire Forest Road.

From the village resort of Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, this route allows you to explore the Libouze plateau, passing by some beautiful viewpoints, including the ‘Casso’, which offers a 180° panorama of the Champsaur, the Puy de Manse and the Dévoluy range. You’ll be able to enjoy beautiful scenery alternating between meadows, deciduous forests and larch groves, with the peaks of the Champsaur as a backdrop.

A circular route passing through three passes: the Col des Gières, the Col des Manges and the Col d’Aune. Mainly following shaded and fairly easy forest tracks, the route takes you through a wide variety of landscapes, from the mixed forest of Aune to the mountain pastures of Maniboux, all on the edge of the Dévoluy. As a bonus, there’s a beautiful panoramic view of the Crête des Bergers (Bure Massif) and the Petit Buëch Valley.

A short circular route near the centre of Gap, passing by the impressive Viaduc de la Selle (55 m high and 200 m long), an engineering structure on the railway line between Briançon and Veynes, then by the Aurouze family oratory on the small mountain of Pic Ponçon. This viewpoint offers a beautiful panorama of the Gap mountains and beyond: Céüze, Bure, Charance, Chaillol, Le Sirac, Les Autanes, Chabrières, as far as Morgon and the Alpes de Haute-Provence.

A short but technical walk, offering the chance to discover the Durbonas Torrent (which rises in the mountain of the same name) and the magnificent Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God. The ascent is steep but offers fine views of the ‘marmites’, beautiful basins carved into the limestone by the Durbonas Torrent.The return journey is more leisurely, along a lovely, open track offering views of the Buëch and Dévoluy peaks, passing in front of the Orthodox monastery.

A circular loop in the shape of a butterfly for a return trip from Glaise to Agnielles, alternating between ascents and descents through the forest, passing through five mountain passes with magnificent scenery that changes with every bend. In order: the Col de Berthaud, the Col de la Chapelle and then the Col de Gaudissart, returning via the Col de l’Angélus and the Col de Glaise. A wonderful way to explore the Pays du Buëch, between the Alps and Provence.

Located in the natural site of the Gorges d'Agnielles, the cliff trail winds its way along panoramic ledges accessible by stairs that cross rocky outcrops, offering magnificent views from two lookout points. Equipped with interpretive panels, this trail is accessible by a staircase suspended from the cliff and crosses the cave with five entrances. The trail is easy except for those who are apprehensive about steep paths.

A magnificent circular route passing through three passes with Mediterranean vegetation. Sheltered from the wind and well exposed to the sun, this hike allows you to discover the heights of Veynes with beautiful views of the Buëch valley, even if some aerial passages can be impressive at the edge of ravines. It gives a good overview of the Veynois National Forest and the complex relief of the Buëch mountains. Starting from the small town of Veynes, this hike is easily accessible without a car!

A short walk above Gap, around the lake in the hamlet of Corréo (a water reserve for the Gap Canal, which is used for irrigation). This route offers pleasant scenery at the foot of the Charance and Céüse mountains.

A route, partly circular, offering remarkable panoramic views of the surrounding peaks: the Pierre Longue ridge and the Tête de Vente-Cul overlook the Petit Buëch valley (Céüse, the Rabou valley and Charance), whilst the Col de Conode offers a view stretching between the Tête de la Clappe and the southern face of the Bure massif, which you gradually approach. The aim is to reach the Fontaine de Bure (1,920 m), at the foot of the east face of the Pic de Bure and the Dent d’Aurouze.

A pleasant little walk above Gap, between the pine and oak forest, then along the Drac Canal. Without any difficulty, it offers a beautiful view of Céüse and the mountains south of Gap, including the Lure mountain.

A pleasant walk in the Sapet National Forest, at the foot of Piolit (2,464 m), which marks the end of the Embrunais transport layers. The Piolit ridge offers superb views of the Embrunais, Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Gap valley, Dévoluy, Champsaur and the Écrins massif.

A lovely, fairly easy and not very long family walk. Part of the route is through woodland and along paths in the fields, but it offers beautiful views of the Gapençais and Champsaur peaks.

A circular loop starting from Notre-Dame du Laus, which begins with a Way of the Cross leading up to the statue of the Angel. Offering beautiful views of the Avance Valley, the sanctuary and the surrounding peaks, the route includes a few passages that are sometimes too steep for young children.

A refreshing route leading to the Cabane des Pierres, entirely through a beautiful coniferous forest: the Grand Bois de Poligny. This charming little spot allows you to discover the Champsaur, sheltered at the foot of the great peaks.

This route takes you from vegetation (the first part is through a beautiful coniferous forest) to rock (the final ascent is over scree). At the pass, you look out over the Cirque de Chaudun (south side) where the Petit Buëch river has its source, but although you can see Ceuze, the view is mainly towards the Écrins peaks.

An easy, family-friendly round-trip hike to admire the Cascade de la Biche, some thirty metres high, which flows over a volcanic rock formation formed by the solidification of a lava flow. In a wild and spectacular setting, the water cascades down superb basalt columns. Starting from the Maison de la Réserve, the route climbs gently up the bottom of the Chaudefour Valley before ascending through the woodland towards the waterfall. This secret and magnificent valley is a listed natural site, enclosed by the steep slopes of a glacial cirque. The path is shaded, sometimes muddy, with a few small streams to cross. To reach the foot of the waterfall, the final section becomes steeper and rockier.

A pleasant and accessible circular route starting from the Refuge de la Banne, allowing you to reach the 1,512 m altitude of the Banne d'Ordanche. The summit offers a remarkable panorama, from the Cantal massif to the plateaus of Corrèze and the Dômes mountains.The return journey is via the western slope, passing by one of the sites of the Horizons summer art exhibition. It is possible to do only the round trip from the refuge to the summit (see variations).

A pleasant circular walk, starting from the hamlet of Le Pessy (Murat-le-Quaire, above the spa town of La Bourboule). The route passes through magnificent beech forests before reaching the summer pastures and high-altitude meadows of the Banne d’Ordanche. This volcanic peak, rising to 1,512 m, offers exceptional views: from the Cantal mountains to the Corrèze plateaus, all the way to the Dôme mountains.

Les Planes d'Hostoles is known for its gorges, natural pools where you can cool off in summer. Theaccess paths are well maintained and mostly easily accessible. Access is regulated: there is a charge and booking is compulsory (see the Practical Information section).

A circular route around the village of Montagut, where the first foothills of the Alta Garrotxa already offer some examples of Romanesque architecture. From the centre of Montagut, climb up to the church of Sant Eudald de Jou and then on to the oratory of Planselloses. You then descend towards the Pont del Llierca (where you can swim), passing under the Puig de l'Espigoler and Puig Sacreu, before returning to Montagut along the river.

Between Olot and Santa Pau, this route takes you to three of the most visited sites in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park: the Santa Margarida volcano, the magnificent Fageda d'en Jorda beech forest, and the Croscat volcano.

Climb one of the Champsaur peaks from the Laye ski resort, enjoying the cool forest, rocky ravines and earthy slopes. The initial loop gives way to a round-trip climb. The final section is on a beautiful ridge with steep slopes on either side.

A varied route linking the meadows of Jarjayes to the dense forests of Grand Bois via Les Bournas. Along this circular route, there are numerous viewpoints overlooking the Gap basin, offering a succession of panoramas that make you want to stop and admire the landscape. Part of the route runs through the forest, providing welcome shade on summer days.

An unpretentious loop in the Gapençais region, starting from the hamlet of Treschâtel and passing through the village of Rambaud, along footpaths, tracks and small roads. Not a very shaded route, ideal for a short walk during the cold season.

The steep right-hand slope of the Séveraissette valley is home to the path crossing the Col de l’Ardouère, which winds boldly through the rugged terrain of a complex and magnificent landscape. When spring snow lingers on the Col de Font-Froide, the south-facing route offers a good alternative for enjoying the panoramic views over the post-glacial Peyron-Roux valley. From the beech and fir forest to the barren rocks of the pass, you’ll pass through all the vegetation zones found on Alpine slopes. And near the summit, you might spot a rock partridge. Be warned! Whilst the ascent via the eastern slope remains accessible after an idyllic start, despite the steep gradient and the need to cross torrents, the descent via the western slope features exposed, even vertiginous, sections where the slightest slip could prove fatal.

The final destination of this almost round-trip itinerary, the Col de Font Froide offers an exceptional view of the Écrins massif. In the distance: Barre des Écrins, Pic Coolidge, Ailefroide, Les Bans... And nearby: Pic de Colle Blanche, Brèche de l'Homme Étroit, Tête de Mal Cros, Pointe des Moutières, Pic de Parières, Aiguille de Morges. Far below: the Navette valley in Valgaudemar. A high mountain atmosphere is guaranteed on this pass, which is accessible via a footpath!

An ascent through mountain pastures and alpine meadows to the pass and then the summit of the Palastre, a renowned viewpoint over the Champsaur valley. The rest of the loop towards the pass between the Pic du Clot Lamiande and the Pointe Prouveyrat is not well marked, but the view of the Vallon du Tourrond is worth the detour. Note that the southern exposure of the slope is offset on the descent by streams and waterfalls that refresh this long route, which is best suited to experienced walkers.

Set amongst the rocks and the Sapet forest , this circular route takes you to the Chapeau de l’Évêque promontory , offering a fine view of the entrance to the Valgaudemar, the foothills of the Dévoluy, the Drac valley and the western part of the Ecrins massif. Only a short section requires you to use your hands to reach this small summit, also known as the Pic du Glaizil.

Between the famous Col du Noyer and the Col la Saume, the small peak of the Tête du Tourneau offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Écrins, the Drac valley and the foothills of the eastern Dévoluy. Starting from the village of Le Noyer, and despite a short stretch along the pass road, this route allows you to extend the delightful Dominique Villars Botanical Trail (named after the leading botanist for the Alps).