Valpréveyre Campsite – La Monta Campsite

(S) Walk along the edge of the campsite beside the tributary of the Bouchet, heading south-east. Stay on the left bank of the stream.

(1) Turn left and begin a steady climb through the forest. Leave the forest, continue through mountain pastures and reach a junction near the Bergerie sous Roche, visible on the right.

(2) Continue straight ahead, east-southeast, climbing. The path becomes increasingly stony and steep, with a final section of sharp hairpin bends leading up to the Col d’Urine.

(3) Descend on the other side, over scree where the markings are sometimes unclear. Further down, the path levels out and becomes easier to walk on, sometimes across long grassy stretches. Then the slope steepens and the path turns south-south-east. Descend through the forest via numerous hairpin bends until you reach a junction.

(4) Turn right onto a track, pass a mountain refuge on the left and head towards a farm-restaurant.

(5) Leave the main track and, just after the restaurant’s terrace, turn right onto a path that runs behind some small buildings. Begin the climb after passing some sheep pens. The climb is steady and very scenic through the woodland on a well-marked path with numerous hairpin bends. Gradually, the forest thins out and the path becomes steeper before a final push to reach the Col Lacroix (cross; the ruins of a former customs officers’ hut).

(6) Descend on the other side and you’ll immediately reach a Fork in the road.

(7) Take the path on the right and walk past the ruins of the Refuge Napoléon. Descend steadily down the valley before entering the forest. Continue down the winding path.

(8) Cross a stream on the right, turn left and head down to join the D947 road.

(9) Follow the road to the right. After about 150 m, just before a mountain refuge, turn left onto a track.

(10) Just before a bridge, turn right and arrive at the La Monta campsite (E).

Water: (S/E), (2), (5) and (E).