Cabane de Rubren walks

A very long day criss-crossing the border. But what breathtaking scenery! And you won’t be bothered by the neighbours... there’s little chance of coming across other two-legged creatures. But perhaps some ibex, vultures, including (apparently) a pair of bearded vultures.

Quite a long stage but a steady route. A climb up to Col de Mary then a long downhill hike all the way to the shelter, in Chiaperra, Italy.

Return to Queyras by crossing the Col Girardin via a path that starts off quite steep but then levels out before ending with large hairpin bends that finish at the pass. This is followed by a long descent past the lakes, which reflect the famous Font Sancte, the highest point in Queyras.

The passage between the two departments of Alpes de Haute Provence and Hautes Alpes is via the famousGR®5, which supports theGRP® of the Tour de la Font Sancte on this section.

Here, the names change from white to black with great dexterity. Indeed, the passage from Queyras, Refuge de la Blanche, to Ubaye is via the Col de la Noire. Original, isn't it?

This fifteenth stage crosses the Escreins massif (not to be confused with the Écrins massif) and, via the Ubaye valley, enters the Chambeyron valley. From the Refuge de la Cime, the route—off the GR®5—crosses the Torrent du Mélezet valley and climbs up the Pré Girardin valley via the ski runs; then, on the plateau, it skirts the rocky ridge overlooking Lac Miroir, reaches the lake and rejoins the GR®5. The route climbs up the valley between the shoulder of the Pic des Heuvières and the Crête de Coste Belle, passing the small pass of Sainte-Anne and then the lake of the same name before reaching the Col Girardin. It descends towards a basin, where the Torrent des Séchoirs has its source, and follows it. Clinging to the side of a steep slope, it joins the D25 road in the upper Ubaye valley and continues downstream, alternating between the road and paths close to the river. It leaves the D25 for the Fouillouse road, passes the vertiginous Pont du Châtelet, a tunnel and, via a path, reaches the hamlet of Fouillouse.

Fifth stage with the recommended ascent of Pain de Sucre.

The fourth stage takes you towards the Italian border, offering beautiful views of Mont Viso.

This route largely followsGRP®® markings (Tour du Chambeyron). A safe option, yet still spectacular.Spectacular, because the route constantly alternates between stark, steep and rocky terrain and lush, rolling and reassuring landscapes.Safe, because it is fully signposted and even offers alternative routes to avoid the most difficult sections in the event of bad weather.

Via the Grand Canal, now completely disused, a long crossing opposite the Grande Tête des Toillies, ending at the Refuge de la Blanche and then at the observatory car park.