Circular from Col du Sénépy to Pierre Plantée

Date of your route : Apr 25, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

For me, this is the most beautiful of all the walks. The views are breathtaking throughout. The climb is always gentle. At this time of year, there are plenty of flowers growing right next to patches of snow. You can extend the walk by heading to the summit of Senepy, or make it easier by skirting the ridges – there’s a very good path that allows you to do this.

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Date of your route : Jan 04, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Great hike in winter conditions (fog, strong winds and frosty landscape). We set off from Les Merlins and followed the trail to the Col du Sénépy, a route through the mountain pastures which must be magnificent in good weather. We were still treated to the phenomenon of hoarfrost covering the vegetation, creating a lunar landscape, with occasional rays of sunshine piercing the leaden sky of black clouds. The shades of colour were extraordinary. At the pass, we skipped the summit because the wind was too strong and the view was blocked. We turned right to cross the Grand Lau plateau and reach the summit of the standing stone. A break in the clouds allowed us to admire the view of the Laffrey and Pierre Chatel lakes. Then we descended towards Les Merlins via the beautiful shelter of the Treize Bises and returned to our car park. Despite the conditions, we enjoyed this route and I recommend it (I think it must often be exposed to the elements, so you need to take something with you to cope with this).

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Date of your route : Oct 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant hike that takes us through the mountain pastures. A route that is easy to follow amid magnificent scenery, with the added bonus of autumn colours at this time of year. After the Col du Sénépy, be careful to find the small path that climbs upwards.

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thank you very much for your message! I will amend the text as you suggest.
Kind regards
JL

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Date of your route : Sep 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We know Senepy quite well, having been there many times in all seasons, starting from Les Signaraux. This side has a mountainous character, especially in winter when everything is frozen and there is a cold wind... On the other hand, the route starting from Les Merlins is a little different because it is more in the "agricultural" world of the mountain pastures. It is extremely peaceful and relaxing. The route is well described by the author (whom we thank), but we would suggest adding to points 6 and 7, "at the grove, do not turn right onto the cattle tracks that lead to the start of a forest track that leads nowhere, but continue in the same direction until you cross the indicated path that leads, at the entrance to the forest, to a turnstile with signs for Les Treize Bises."

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Date of your route : Mar 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike with breathtaking views! It was a bit windy, even on a beautiful spring day. We climbed up to Pierre Plantée by mistake; we didn't see the trail and headed for the grove at the top, but the view was worth it. To get back on the trail, we followed the pink posts marking the snowshoe trail.

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Date of your route : Dec 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant route with a pleasant atmosphere (although quite windy, as mentioned elsewhere) and magnificent panoramic views. Following "the" path through the Sénépy meadows (particularly on the ridges of Serre de la Combette) is not always easy, but it is manageable.

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Date of your route : Nov 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I would like to point out an error in the description. At point 1, the sign indicates Champ Morand and not Pré Rambeau. In fact, the Pré Rambeau sign is on the way back, between the hut and the car park.
Furthermore, this lovely route is exposed to the north wind, which was strong on Sunday. From the Senepy Pass onwards, good visibility is required.
It is worth climbing up to Pierre Plantée for the view. The vegetation was covered in frost.
In my opinion, this route can be done on snowshoes.

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thank you, Vincent, for the information about the first sign. Indeed, my notes say the same as yours => error corrected in the description!

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Date of your route : Nov 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

- The sign at point 1 is marked "Champ Morand" and not "Pré Rambeau"
- There may be fewer hunters' cars on the direct path from Les Merlins to Ecurie Bayard

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