Circular Puy Maurel route via the Col de l'Ange and the Pas de Lièvre

Twenty-five minutes’ drive from Gap; parking is only available at the entrance to the village. Depending on the time of year, this village is a place of pilgrimage and can get quite busy.

(S/E) Head up towards the top of the village to the right of the Basilica of Notre-Dame du Laus. You’ll reach a junction where a sign describes the various possible routes.

(1) Turn right onto the gently sloping path down to the bridge, which you must cross, and continue to the signpost.

(2) Leave the road and take the path on the left towards "Oratoire de l'Ange - l'Hermitage". The shell on the sign indicates that this is a section of the Way of St James. The direction "Col de l'Ange" is also correct. Indeed, the statue is located at the pass.

(3) Turn right; the statue stands a few metres further on at the Col de l'Ange. You will reach a crossroads.

(4) Turn left towards Puy Maurel, as indicated on the signpost marked “la Morfondière – 1120 m”. Follow this forest track, which offers numerous views of the snow-capped mountains depending on the season. You will reach a crossroads.

(5) Continue straight on to climb up to Puy Maurel.

(6) The structure is protected by a fence, but a path runs around it. Although the summit of Puy Maurel is wooded, two clearings offer views of Céüze and the Avance valley. On the descent, the splendid panorama is more visible than on the ascent.

(5) Turn right as you descend from the summit. The poorly marked path runs along the edge of the field to the left of it. After a flat section, the path descends steadily along the ridge, becoming slightly steeper as it reaches the Pas du Lièvre.

(7) Turn right for a gentle, steady descent to the signpost “Charamère – 1085 m”.

(8) Turn left towards Notre-Dame du Laus. Cross the D211 twice and rejoin it at an oratory.

(9) Turn left and head towards the village via the Chemin de la Plaine. At the junction with the Grande Rue, turn left, then immediately right, pass the Notre-Dame du Laus guesthouse and turn right to reach the car park (S/E).

(4) A return walk (20 mins) is possible to the Chapelle de l'Hermitage by turning right.

A place of pilgrimage; if you’re curious, visit their website