Trek around Chambeyron Mountain Range (1) Fouillouse - Refuge du Chambeyron

de fr

First stage around the Chambeyron Mountain Range which, after a steady climb, takes you to the shelter with the same name. You'll end up in a breath-taking setting, at the foot of Brec de Chambeyron.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Trek around Chambeyron Mountain Range

Details

n°105400
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.25 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 753 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 11 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,625 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,872 m
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

refuge et brec
the refuge from the Couletta pass
Sunset over Lac Premier, Chambeyron Refuge
Sunset over the Brec du Chambeyron

Description of the walk

Starting at Fouillouse. Access from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye on the D25. After 3 or 4 km, near Pont du Châtelet, take the small road to the right, which after a few bends, leads to Fouillouse. Just before the hamlet, the car park is a bit higher to the left of the road.

(S) Go through the hamlet heading east and passing the cemetery.

(1) A few dozen metres after the last houses, take the trail heading to the left, due north which rises over the road (sign for "Refuge du Chambeyron"). The trail turns off to the left maintaining a north-west direction.

(2) At a junction just outside a wooded area, turn right at an acute angle. Head north-east with a few twists and turns within a landscape which gradually gets lighter.

(3) Turn right heading east. There are no more trees and the landscape is more mineral. It's a windy trail but keeps to an overall eastern direction.

(4) Directly below a mound of rock to the left, you'll get to a small pass and a view point over Lac Premier and Refuge du Chambeyron (easily spotted due to its blue metallic coating). Head down to the shelter.

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 1,872 m - Fouillouse
  2. 1 : km 0.76 - alt. 1,914 m - Start of the Refuge du Chambeyron trail
  3. 2 : km 1.55 - alt. 2,070 m - Crossroads
  4. 3 : km 2.91 - alt. 2,283 m
  5. 4 : km 5.76 - alt. 2,579 m
  6. E : km 6.25 - alt. 2,614 m - Refuge du Chambeyron

Notes

In Fouillouse: stage gîte.
Refuge du Chambeyron: shelter open from April to September. Phone. : 04 92 84 33 83.
No water sources apart from the stage shelters and gîtes so bring water supplies.

Worth a visit

In Fouillouse, notice the inscription on the cemetery pediment: Passants, songez que nous avons été ce que vous êtes et que vous serez ce que nous sommes, Passers-by, remember you are what we once were, and you will become what we are now". Food for thought during your hike...

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
lionel20600
lionel20600

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike with no particular difficulty. The climb is a little steep at the start to reach a plateau, where you will discover the refuge and the first lake. You can continue the route to other lakes (well signposted).
Parking at the start is limited, so don't arrive too late.

Machine-translated

caristef
caristef

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

Be careful, the climb is steep as soon as you turn left out of the village. And it's a long climb before an easier final section. The path is rather monotonous for my taste, but the lake below the refuge is magnificent.

Machine-translated

lepap
lepap

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very pleasant hike, shorter than I thought (2.5 hour climb). Very friendly welcome at the Chambeyron refuge, even though I had booked just 2 days before. The evening meal was a bit basic but good... The next day I climbed the Tête de la Frema, just in time for my 70th birthday on 16 August, so it was a good deal! I was delighted with this magnificent outing and came back down via the magnificent Pas de la Coulleta! Then back to the Fouillouse car park and campsite at St Paul sur Ubaye.
PS: Could Visorando suggest some well-known hikes with suitable circuits (in addition to those organised by members)?

Machine-translated

Nathalie oliver
Nathalie oliver

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent hike over two days, as we pushed on to the summit of the tête de la frema and returned via the pas de la couletta. A hike of almost 32 kilometres, given the length of the circuit. It was sublime. Quite steep at times, so don't carry too much. The climb to the refuge is quite long but the scenery is incredible.
The view is superb and well worth the effort. The lake of nine colours was still a little frozen but in no way takes away the beauty of the place .
Great hike 👌

Machine-translated

ojeannot
ojeannot

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We weren't really trained, but my wife and I managed to get up to the refuge (admittedly in 4 hours, instead of the 2.5 hours it took us at Fouillouse).

I even made it as far as the Lac des Neuf Colours.

After a night at the refuge, we returned by the same route.

Machine-translated

Miette1851
Miette1851

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike. After a fairly steep start, the path continues more gently.
The Lac des Neuf Couleurs is easily accessible from the refuge, as is the Col de la Gypière.

Machine-translated

lesignal
lesignal

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

lovely hike from the little village of fouillouse with a small grocery shop selling good produce
it's a good climb, starting out in the forest and then there are no more trees.
Follow the signposted route without trying to take the paths that go straight up.
the scenery is sublime
Once you arrive at the refuge, you can quench your thirst and continue on to the Lac des 9 couleurs, a 1-hour climb that is not very difficult but well worth the effort.

Machine-translated

Miette1851
Miette1851

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb circuit extended as far as the Lac des neuf couleurs.

Machine-translated

Netra
Netra ★

In other words: easy route, pleasant walk, along the way the villages of Saint-Nôtre and Fouillouse.

Machine-translated

380000volt
380000volt

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 19, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Gemakkelijke route, aangename wandeling, onderweg de dorpjes st ours en Fouillouse

Machine-translated

marite49
marite49

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

nice family course
Easy for a beautiful mountain lake
marmots guaranteed
To be recommended

Machine-translated

daniel0683
daniel0683

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The climb is a little steep at first, but after the first hour it becomes easier. Magnificent views of the small lake and the brec de Chambeyron.
Highly recommended.

Machine-translated

ULMNimes
ULMNimes

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very nice hike, perfectly suited for children to discover the mountain and the refuge, with very competent staff at the refuge and a delicious meal. From the refuge, access to the Lac des neuf couleurs.

Machine-translated

Cedeka
Cedeka

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 07, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A short hike to the Chambeyron refuge.
This CAF hut is now looked after by Marie, who is keen to welcome and advise passing hikers.
From the hut, you can access pointe Chauvet or tête Fréma for the day and enjoy a magnificent view of lake premier!

Machine-translated

chtidu04
chtidu04

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

nice 2-day hike

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Trek around Chambeyron Mountain Range

Visorando Member
Autour du Chambeyron
↔58.28 km ↗+3,999 m ↘-4,201 m ◔5 days ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Reaching over 3000 metres in altitude, Aiguilles de Chambeyron and Brec de Chambeyron form an impressive mountain range halfway between Queyras and the Moncantour. This hike offers a trek with no techincal difficulty, with passes over 2700 m in altitude and a summit of over 3000 m. Set in an outstanding landscape and for the most part within a high mountain setting.

Walking Tour of Brec Chambeyron

Visorando Member
Le Tour du Brec Chambeyron
↔19.83 km ↗+1,447 m ↘-1,449 m ◔8 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
A loop around Brec de Chambeyron, leaving from the hamlet of Fouillouse.

Walking Tête de la Fréma

Visorando Member
Tête de la Fréma
↔20.40 km ↗+1,256 m ↘-1,255 m ◔9h 25 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Hike to a very accessible 3,000-metre peak on the border, offering a beautiful panoramic view of Italy and the high peaks of the Ubaye. The route is enhanced by visits to several lakes, including the Neufs Couleurs lake nestled in its basin at the foot of the Fréma, Brec and Aiguille de Chambeyron.

Walking Short cultural hike above the hamlet of Fouillouse

Visorando Member
Petite randonnée culturelle au-dessus du hameau de Fouillouse
↔3.56 km ↗+199 m ↘-200 m ◔1h 35 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
This easy and varied circular walk will allow you to discover the landscapes and peaks of the upper Ubaye Valley. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit some defence posts, remnants of the Second World War. Before starting the walk, at the entrance to the car park, read the information panel about the Fouillouse stronghold and the battle of June 1940. On the way back, you can take a short break in the hamlet of Fouillouse to enjoy a tartlet and a cold drink.

Walking Lac des Neuf Couleurs below Brec de Chambeyron

Visorando Member
Lac des Neuf Couleurs sous le Brec de chambeyron
↔15.23 km ↗+969 m ↘-970 m ◔7h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Hike leading to the Lac des Neuf Couleurs surrounded by the Aiguille de Chambeyron, the Brec de Chambeyron and the Tête de la Fréma, just a stone's throw from the French-Italian border.The hike includes high-altitude lakes, rivers, waterfalls, animals depending on the time of day and your luck (marmots, chamois, etc.), scree slopes, and more.

Walking Trek around Chambeyron Mountain Range (2) Pointe de Chauvet and Lac Noir

Visorando Member
Pointe de Chauvet et Lac Noir à partir du Refuge du Chambeyron
↔5.47 km ↗+679 m ↘-679 m ◔3h 30 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
A climb to the highest point of this hike around the Chambeyron mountain range, at over 3000 metres in altitude. A summit offering an unobstructed view over Queyras and the neighbouring mountain ranges. A downhill route allowing a well-deserved rest by a lake.

Walking Trek around Chambeyron Mountain Range (3) Refuge du Chambeyron - Maljasset

Visorando Member
Du Refuge du Chambeyron à Maljasset par le Colle dell'Infernetto
↔17.13 km ↗+748 m ↘-1,452 m ◔8 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
The most demanding stage of the hike during which you'll go through at least 4 passes at over 2700 metres in altitude. Beautiful scenery all along the way! The "Lacs Marinet" offer the opportunity for refreshments before the final descent.

Walking Circular from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye to Fouillouse

Visorando Member
Boucle de Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye à Fouillouse
↔12.24 km ↗+567 m ↘-576 m ◔5h 05 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
An easy circular loop that takes you from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye to the hamlet of Fouillouse, alternating between river and forest in absolute tranquillity.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.