Circular Ibex loop via Puy Jaumar and Puy du Cros

Park in the village of Monêtier-les-Bains in the small car park on Chemin des Preynas.

(S/E) Take the dirt track that enters the forest between the houses.

(1) Turn right towards Puy Jaumar. Continue straight on along a path that climbs gently along a ridge with views over the valley. In spring, the cherry trees are in bloom!

(2) Continue along the path to the right towards Puy Jaumar and Puy du Cros. Cross the Torrent de la Moulette then follow the path as it begins to wind its way up through the forest and over the rocks. Reach the Sainte-Elisabeth Chapel at Puy Jaumar. You can see the ruins of an old hamlet and enjoy the view of the valley from the cross.

(3) Stay on the path which turns left towards Puy du Cros, cross the Torrent de la Moulette again via the pretty wooden bridge and continue along the path which climbs to Puy du Cros.

(4) You will come to a hamlet with old and new buildings, as well as the Saint-Alexis Chapel. Enjoy the splendid view over the valley and don’t forget to look towards the mountain behind to spot the ibex, who particularly love this spot, especially in spring! This is the place where you’ll find dozens of ibex. Continue along the path to the right after the shepherd’s hut, heading towards the Rocher des Chiens and the Puy Chevalier. Cross a lovely balcony-like plateau and follow the Cime des Conchiers, which lies at your feet.

(5) To your left and above the valley lies the Rocher des Chiens at an altitude of 1,890 m. Continue straight on towards Puy Chevalier along the Balcon de Serre-Chevalier path. You’ll come to a small chapel with a fountain.

(6) Turn right onto the path that winds its way up through the forest, surrounded by typical Alpine flora: you are now in the Guisane National Forest. Cross the Torrent de Saint-Joseph and continue straight on along the main path.

(7) At the crossroads, keep left to reach a mountain pasture with cows or sheep, depending on the season. You can see the Lautaret in the distance.

(8) Continue left along the path that descends to reach Monêtier-les-Bains. Stay on this path as it winds down into the valley to the left; you’ll find yourself on a lovely balcony with the valley below and a stunning view! Look around to see if there are any ibex or marmots! You’ll reach a farm with an enclosure.

(9) Continue along the dirt track that passes beneath the Chapelle Sainte-Anne and turn left to cross the stream. Then cross the Torrent Saint-Joseph and reach a three-way junction.

(10) Leave the wide dirt track and take the Sentier des Baignoires opposite, which slopes steeply to the left and runs along the top of the village. Continue straight ahead.

(1) Turn right and return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Two water points: at Puy du Cros and after Rocher des Chiens.

Look out for the rich variety of wildlife!