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Champsaur walks
Le Saut du Laïre
Discover the Marmottes de Prapic.
This easy, gentle hike is ideal for all the family. As well as the valley's magnificent scenery, it's also an opportunity to meet marmots almost without fail.
Orcières-Merlette - Discover the lakes in the Estaris area
A beautiful loop that allows you to admire beautiful mountain lakes.One criticism might be that it gets quite busy during the holidays and at weekends (mountain biking, skiing and maintenance vehicles).
Please note that there may be guard dogs present.
Along the Tourond
An easy loop that follows both banks of a pretty torrent, with a possible stop at the Tourond refuge.
With a bit of luck, you may be greeted by a few marmots.
You can extend the walk to the Pisse waterfall
Le Vieux Chaillol from Chaillol 1600
This is a long hike to reach the Pic du Vieux Chaillol (3,163 m), a landmark peak in the southern Hautes-Alpes landscape.
Please note that the elevation gain is only 1,530m and not 1,706m as stated on the information sheet.
The Balcony of Champsaur
A balcony walk offering magnificent views of the plain at the entrance to the Champsaur.
Les Bassets via the Saut du Laïre
Loop starting from Prapic, passing through the Saut du Laïre to reach Les Bassets on the heights of Prapic.
The Crupillouse Lakes
In July, head for the Crupillouse lakes: small high-altitude lakes that are still frozen, alternating between earth and stone. The trail crosses three streams and snowfields and sometimes climbs in tight switchbacks from 1,400 to 2,600 metres.
Watched over by chamois, the arrival at the lakes is a reward for the fairly long climb.
The thawed sections were magnificent colours.
Champoléon Valley
A peaceful exploration of the upper Champoléon valley, on either side of the Drac de Champoléon or Drac Blanc torrent in the heart of the Champsaur Massif, to the Pré de la Chaumette refuge on the edge of the Écrins National Park.
⚠️ 15/09/2025: Left bank impassable due to a landslide. The route is a return trip 1-4-3 to the refuge on the GRP®. Please read the notices carefully.
La Pinouse
A lovely hike in the hills above Ancelle offering views of the Dévoluy and the Petite and Grande Autane mountains. For walkers, this is a good warm-up walk at the start of the week to prepare for longer routes.
The wooden roof tile torrent from Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes
In the heart of Champsaur, this hike is beautiful but also very exotic, as it climbs up the wooden roof tile torrent valley in an atmosphere reminiscent of a Spanish canyon.
Mal Cros Canal starting from Chaillol 1600
Hike along the remains of the Mal Cros Canal, starting from Chaillol 1600. This canal supplied water for irrigation in the area from a glacier above the Champoleon valley (Drac Blanc).
The six lakes of Orcières-Merlette, including Les Estaris
This hike has been suitable for all ages since 2020. Using the chairlifts (Drouvet 1 and 2 for the outward journey and Roche Rousse for the return journey) makes it easy. The six large lakes are visited on the way down. A variant towards the Col de Freissinières is possible. The landscapes are magnificent, especially at the starting point at the top of Drouvet. The lakes are all very beautiful and diverse.
The Col du Palastre
A pleasant circuit in Champsaur, allowing you to discover a small peak overlooking the Drac valley.
The Grand Tour of Coste Belle
A lovely hike to discover an ancient village in ruins, offering panoramic views of the Champsaur valley.
Tour de Planure
The Tour de Planure is a hike that starts at the bottom of the valley, following the Tourond torrent, and ends in a magnificent cirque where you can discover a pastoral environment in a high mountain atmosphere.
Roc Diolon
Summit at 3,071 m overlooking the Grands Lacs des Estaris and the resort of Orcières-Merlette.
La Montagne de Moutet from Notre-Dame de Bois-Vert
In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area.
It offers views of the Champsaur and Gapençais valleys.
The Col des Terres Blanches
From Dormillouse to Prapic via the Col des Terres Blanches.
The Cabane de Tante Yvonne (Aunt Yvonne's cabin!)
This is a walk where you'll find shelter right in the heart of mountain pastures and where you can enjoy a friendly meal ... in very pleasant surroundings.
Short tour of Chaillol
A short, easy circular loop around Chaillol, starting from Chaillol village, suitable for families. Passes over the Canal Malcros.
Le Piolit via Rouanne Haute
A splendid hike with a difficult route that will take you to the Col de Chorges. Climb Piolit and enjoy its 360° panorama, then descend via the Col de la Pourrachiére.
From Piolit (2,464 m), there are views to the south over Lake Serre-Ponçon and Mercantour, and to the north-east, north and north-west over the peaks of Champsaur, Dévoluy and Ecrins.
Caution: do not attempt this route too early in the season, as there is still a lot of snow due to the exposure. See § practical information.
Le Cuchon
This summit is a classic in the village of wooden roof tile in Champsaur.
Col du Cheval de Bois circular via Lac de Prelles
This fairly easily accessible pass is located at the bottom of the Champoléon valley. You can make a circular loop by taking a little-used path that climbs parallel to the Prelles waterfall, passes by the small Lac de Prelles lake before reaching the Col du Cheval de Bois pass. Then descend via the marked trail that passes by the Refuge du Pré de la Chaumette.
The Peyron Roux Cabin
Family hike through the woods to the beautiful Peyron Roux forest cabin. When you arrive, you'll feel like you're standing in front of the seven dwarfs' house... the dark larch forest has a lot to do with it!
Lake Roaffan via Mallarua and Torrent des Courts
A balcony walk with views of the Champsaurin bocage, the Chaîne du Faraut, the Banc du Peyron and the Petit Chaillol mountain.
Notre-Dame de Bois Vert - Les Farelles, via Clot de Ventecul
A walk in the Notre-Dame de Bois-Vert forest, on the mountainside with a magnificent view of the Champsaur valley and its typical bocage landscape.The Notre-Dame de Bois-Vert sanctuary is a true haven of peace!
Dominique Villars discovery trail
Following in the footsteps of botanist Dominique Villars, this trail, marked with information panels, allows you to discover the incredible diversity of the Champsaur vegetation.
La Grande Autane circular
Long and difficult hike offered here as a circular route, first through mountain pastures then up steep slopes to the summit.
It can also be done as a round trip, which is shorter but involves a tricky descent to the Col de Combeau.
As a circular loop as described, the landscape and views are different and the slope is easier.
It's up to you.
The Three Passes: Valette, Gouiran, Vallonpierre
Route on the Tour du Vieux Chaillol andGR®54trails. It takes you around the Puy de la Chaumette under the south face of the imposing Sirac.
Col la Saume
A hike accessible to all, from 7 to 77 years old! Without difficulty, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the Champsaur valley and its bocage. The Devoluard fauna can be abundant, for the enjoyment of young and old alike!
The pass road is closed during winter (check for information).
Dormillouse - Prapic route
A superb 2-day route in the Écrins National Park, linking two characteristic villages:
- Dormillouse, a Vaudois hamlet, completely hidden in the Freissinières valley.
- Prapic, on the edge of the Orcières Merlette resort, which has retained its authenticity.
The abandoned village of Méollion
Visit to a village in ruins. Only two houses remain, the shepherd's house and the ONF's free lodge. Unfortunately, access to the village is not recommended in winter (see the description for more information).
However, hiking in winter on the right bank of the Torrent du Méollion is very pleasant as it takes you through some beautiful landscapes.
Route du Pic Queyrel and double arch route
This hike in the Champsaur is marked by curious geological formations in the sandstone.
It is worth taking your time and looking up.
The double arch is a little off the main route, so you have to go out of your way to find it, but it's well worth the detour.
The Balconies of Roannes
The hike is entirely along the ridge, below the Petite and Grande Autane. It offers beautiful views of the Col de Roinette, La Coupa and its pass, La Pointe de Fleurendon and, in the background, Le Piolit and Les Crêtes de Bonaparré.
Pic Queyrel via the Col du Viallet
On this hike, nature is the artist, offering us geological formations carved into the sandstone, each one as astonishing as the next.
Not to mention Pic Queyrel with its extensive panorama from the horizontal ridge line that connects the two high points.
At the end of the hike, you can discover the remains of the Malcros Canal. A somewhat crazy project which, from 1881 to 1923, supplied water to the valleys from a... glacier.
The summit of Le Cuchon
This peak overlooks the Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes ski resort. It is home to the top stations of the resort’s ski lifts. However, the ascent described here starts from Ancelle.A snowshoe hike following the summer trail, which is marked in yellow. These markings are visible on the trees in winter, but not on the rocks.
Fressinières Pass (Col)
From Prapic to Dormillouse via the Fressinières Pass.
Please note: the height difference is only 1200 m.
The Londonnière Hut
Starting from Molines-en-Champsaur, this circular route takes you to the Cabane de Londonnière via a mountain trail, then ends with a gentle descent along a forest path beside the Muande torrent.
Col de la Pisse from Chaillol 1600
A hike mostly along a balcony path in a sort of cirque, before reaching the foot of the Vieux Chaillol with a lovely panorama. This hike also offers the chance to discover the remains of the Malcros Canal. A somewhat crazy project which, from 1881 to 1923, ensured the water supply to the valleys from a... glacier! Despite the elevation gain, the route involves ascending and descending fairly gentle and very even slopes.
Circular Three Croix from Bénévent-et-Charbillac
A family walk in the forest in the middle of Champsaur, offering beautiful views of the neighbouring mountains.
The Aiguille de Cédéra via its south face
An original way to reach the western shoulder of the Aiguille de Cédéra via a forgotten path on part of the ascent, then climb up the suspended mountain pasture to finish on the south-west ridge.
The summit is optional for those who enjoy traversing scree slopes.
The old village of Méollion, a loop via Serre Borel
Opposite the famous Tourond Valley, the charming Méollion Valley takes you along old mule tracks to a ruined mountain pasture and an old village abandoned at the beginning ofthe 20th century. A refuge for resistance fighters in 1943, the ruins of Méollion are a feast for the eyes!
Saint-Philippe, starting from Ancelle Castle
A snowshoe hike over varied terrain, starting in the Pré Matheron meadow, followed by a route through the undergrowth where you create your own path by weaving through the forest until you reach the junction with the ridge line. There, the landscape opens up towards the south.
The Cirque de Larcisse
A challenging and rugged hike beneath the ridges of Banc du Peyron and Moussière.
Grand tour of Golf Bayard to the Drac Canal
A beautiful circular loop around the Col Bayard oxygenation centre, very varied and without any significant elevation gain, offering 360-degree views and breathtaking vistas of the Champsaur.
Col du Cendrié from Les Infournas
A hike mainly through woodland, becoming steep towards the end, offering views of the Champsaur valley and Vieux Chaillol.
Le Vieux Chaillol from Les Borels
Overlooking the Champsaur valley and the southern Valgaudemar, the Vieux Chaillol offers a fantastic rocky setting and a dazzling panorama of a large group of mountains: Dévoluy, Vercors and Écrins. The view even extends as far as Mont Ventoux and the Lure mountain.
The ascent to the Col de Côte Longue is made from the east, starting from the Champoléon valley.
This hike is reserved for experienced and trained mountain hikers.
The summit of the Arche
Starting from the hamlet of Moissière, a beautiful hike that begins in the forest before ending on the ridges and the summit, offering an unforgettable panorama of Lake Serre Ponçon, Gap and the Champsaur Valley.
Crupillouse Lakes and Col de Parières
We’re making the most of the August holidays to head up to the Crupillouse Lakes and then continue on to the Col de Parières. The route crosses several streams, but once you reach the first lakes, the view is superb. We continue on to the Col de Parières, where we can admire all the lakes below. We’ll do the round trip in a single day.
Val d'Estrèche
A hike through the wild Estrèche valley which, as you ascend, allows you to spot chamois on the left bank, in the pastures of the Upper Estrèche Valley, and ibex in the area known as Les Vallons. It continues with a short circular loop at around 2,200 m offering a panoramic view of the cirque: what remains of the Mourre la Mine Glacier, the Pointe des Moutières, the Tête Virante, the Choucières Vertes, the Puy des Baumes, etc.
Comment from a user on 19 June 2025:>The Champoléontown council has issued a municipal by-law prohibiting hikers from accessing the Valestreche trail from 1 June to 25 July and from 5 September to 30 October. This by-law has apparently been in force every year since 2024. Presence of a herd with guard dogs.