Balcon de Rouanne circular loop

From the east of the villageof Ancelle, take the Chemin de Rouanne (signposted ‘canyon’, ‘via ferrata’, ‘Rouanne valley’) to reach the valley floor (4 km). Cross the bridge over the Rouanne. The small tarmac road becomes a wide track, with several fords to cross.
The track isn’t in perfect condition but remains passable in a standard passenger car (minibuses can make the ascent). Park in the Rouanne Haute car park (terminus).

(S/E) With your back to the car park, turn right onto the Col de Combeau path, heading west. After 100 m, you’ll reach a track.

(1) Follow the track which climbs to the right, heading due north. Pass to the right of a renovated sheepfold, then cross a stream. Wind your way up through the mountain pastures (you may come across herds: watch out for guard dogs).

(2) Take the path on the left, heading north-east towards the Col de Combeau, and leave the track. After a few wide hairpin bends, you’ll reach the crossroads at a place called Serre du Milieu.

(3) Turn right, heading north-east, towards the Col de Combeau and Les Autanes.

(4) Turn right, heading east, to continue along the Balcons de Rouanne route towards Peyron Roux. Cross the streams of the Torrent de Peyron Roux, then go round the Peyron Roux mountain via its northern slope. Reach the Peyron Roux path junction.

(5) Continue straight ahead and wade across the Torrent du Jas Cerisiers and its tributaries. You will reach another junction of paths.

(6) Continue along the path straight ahead, heading south-east, ignoring the path leading up to the Col de Rouannette.

(7) Cross the Torrent de la Grande Lauze. Continue along the ledge.

(8) Carry on straight ahead, heading west, and leave the path leading up to the Col de la Coupa on your left. Begin a short descent via a few hairpin bends until you reach the junction for the Col de Chorges.

(9) Follow the track straight ahead for about 150 m, leaving the path towards the Col de la Pourrachière on your left.

(10) Leave the track and take a small, inconspicuous path on the right, which runs alongside it below, passing beneath the Rocher de la Chabane, and leads to the Sources de la Rouanne. Join the Chemin de Rouanne (track) and follow it down for a further 400 m until you reach another path starting on the right.

(11) Take this small path, heading east, for a more pleasant alternative descent, before rejoining the track.

(12) Cross the track just after the hairpin bend to continue along the path opposite, heading north-west. Pass beneath the Serre du Clot des Naïs.

(13) Turn right to head down towards the Torrent d’Ancelle. Cross the wooden bridge and head for the Rouanne Haute car park (S/E).

No water sources along the route, apart from streams – but be careful as there are herds of livestock (untreated water).

The route offers very little shade until the descent from point (10): best tackled in mild weather and ensure you have adequate sun protection.

There is a picnic table and dry toilets at the end of the forest track (S/E).

The access road is a stony track for about 5 km, generally in good condition and passable by passenger car with caution.

There are several alternative routes available to shorten or extend the walk!
- Shorter alternative: at point (2), continue along the path to the right (heading east) to reach point (5) directly.
- Longer alternatives:

• Col de Combeau and the Autanes from the point (4).
• Col de Rouannette and Grande Autane from the point (6).
• Col de la Coupa from the waypoint (8).
• Col de la Pourrachière from the checkpoint (9), with descent via Serre la Grange.

Cluse Waterfall near the via ferrata (S/E).

Ancelle is a mountain resort village in the Hautes-Alpes, at an altitude of around 1250–1350 m, focused on mountain tourism, agriculture and rural heritage. The village retains its typical rural character, with its hamlets, pastoral traditions and history linked to the mountains.
It is a lovely base from which to explore hiking trails, discover the local heritage and enjoy small-scale, authentic Alpine landscapes.

Nearby:

• the Rouanne via ferrata.
• the mountain pastures and peaks of the Autanes.
• the Champsaur bocage and its traditional agricultural landscapes.