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Park in the centre of the village of Le Vernet.
This walk is signposted in the village. It’s best to follow it in the direction indicated, as the descent to Le Vernet is quite steep; going uphill would be difficult.
(S/E) Follow the tarmac road towards Col Mariaud, marked with yellow signposts. You’ll come to a junction.
(1) Ignore a path on the right – this will be the return route. Continue straight ahead until you reach a Y-junction.
(2) Turn right onto a dirt track which leads to Col Mariaud.
Along the way, you’ll find a few information boards about the area.
(3) A small hut and picnic tables.
From the hut, take the path that starts at the far end and climbs towards the ridge. Follow it along a narrow track that runs along the southern side of the Barre des Béliers, where you’ll find Mediterranean plants (including lavender).
In early July, the track becomes a little overgrown in the meadow leading down to the Col de Grisonnière.
(4) Option: you can climb up to the summit of Prisonnière opposite.
Alternatively, continue due west along the path that descends diagonally across the meadow; this is also poorly marked at the start of the season and passes through a carpet of very varied flowers. There are two tracks. Take the lower one and look out for the yellow markings on the trees.
(5) Pass a plaque (fixed to a tree) in memory of Marc Baratelli. Continue diagonally to a small rocky outcrop, then descend straight down (bend your knees well, as the slope is steep) to the Cabane du Berger.
The track is almost lost, as the heavy spring rains have washed away most of the path, but you can easily spot the yellow markings on the trees or rocks, or by following the track on the Visorando app.
(6) Cross it, keeping an eye out for any livestock, and join a wide dirt track which you follow until you reach the small tarmac road taken at the start of the walk.
(1) Return to the village (S/E) by turning left onto it.
Visorando Member
Easy 
