La Grésière loop via the Combe de Mayt

Park near the chapel.

Recommended alternative. To reduce the distance travelled, which can be reassuring in case of heavy traffic in the mountains: start from the upper car park of the Via Ferrata (2). This shortens the route slightly and requires you to bring your own water, as you will be bypassing the villages of Giers and Le Courtil and their fountains. In this case, when you arrive at (1), do not cross the Souloise river!

(S/E) Join the D117 road and follow it carefully to the left in a south-south-easterly direction. Pass Giers and then join the D17. Turn left.

(1) Continue to the right and climb the road that runs alongside the Via Ferrata des Etroits.

(2) At the top car park of the Via Ferrata, leave the road and turn left towards the north-east. Walk along the Gorges du Rif (yellow PR® markings). Go up the Rif and turn right at the end of the path to join the GR®93 (white and red markings).

(3) Turn left. Follow the GR® down into the Combe la Mayt until you reach a road (D517).

(4) Turn left and follow the road to the lower car park of the Via Ferrata, where you will find the Pont de Giers bridge.

(1) Turn right and follow the outward route to the hamlet of Le Courtil (S/E).

If you are not going on the Via Ferrata or climbing, no equipment is necessary.
Fresh water flows freely from the Courtil fountain or in the village of Giers (now twinned villages).
Accommodation is available (lodges) in the small pass and Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy.

(S/E) Don't miss the fountain, the chapel
- Brasserie "Interstellaire du Dévoluy" in Le Courtil, to quench your thirst.
- The Via Ferrata des Etroit. Please note that special equipment is required. Following the road, you will get a good view of it, which may whet your appetite.
- The climbing site along the Rif. Again, this is not something you can improvise. (35 routes, all levels).
- The village of Saint-Étienne.