Col de Rouannette - La Coupa, from Archinard

In summer, take the D944 and climb to Serre Eyraud (on the right at Les Ricous, before the Champoléon valley). Then take the Route d'Archinard (eastbound) to the hamlet.
In winter, it is better to go through the village of Orcières and follow the signs for "Les Audiberts/Archinard" on the D475. Descend to the bottom of the valley and cross the Drac Noir to climb up to the hamlet of Archinard. Park in the car park before the houses.

(S/E) Cross the hamlet, heading south, and take the track reserved for shepherds and farmers. The small road turns into a pleasant track on the left bank of the Torrent d'Archinard.

(1) At the crossroads, continue along the path on the left that runs along the hillside, ignoring the path that climbs to the right. Cross a wooden bridge over the torrent and you will immediately come to a crossroads.

(2) Continue up the valley on the right-hand path, heading south-west. You will reach a three-way junction just after crossing the Torrent du Barle.

(3) Take the left-hand path to continue following the valley floor on the right bank: there are signposts at the start of the path. Climb up through the beautiful larch forest alongside the stream. The path turns into a trail.

(4) Cross the Archinard stream again via a simple footbridge and climb up the left bank.

(5) Continue by passing under the sheepfold (altitude 1941 m). Head for the bottom of the valley and pass under the rocky outcrop. Continue climbing, heading south-west then south. At an altitude of around 2050 m, head south-west again, following the well-marked path through the mountain pasture, which becomes steeper as you approach the Col de Rouanette.

(6) Do not cross over to the other side, but take the path that climbs to the left, heading south. Follow the ridge to reach the summit of La Coupa: 200 m elevation gain over approximately 800 m.

(7) At the summit, enjoy the panoramic view of Merlette, Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the Écrins peaks.

Descend via the same path to the car park at the start in Archinard (S/E).

This route is also suitable in winter for ski touring or snowshoeing.

Caution! Hiking is not recommended early in the season, as snowfields remain on the north-facing slopes for a long time.

- Do not attempt to reach the Cabane de Rouanette (sheepfold) in summer, but pass below it instead. This is to respect the peace and quiet of the shepherds and not to disturb any patou dogs.

The Col de Rouannette offers beautiful views of the Vallon de Rouanne (wooden roof tile), the Autanes and the Dévoluy. The summit of the Coupa offers a panorama of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the peaks of the Écrins.

Shorter alternatives:

• Stop below the Cabane de Rouannette (shepherd's hut) and then turn back (320 m elevation gain, total time 2½ hours).
• At the Col de Rouannette, do not climb to the summit of La Coupa and turn back (800 m elevation gain, total time 5 hours).

Longer variants: from the pass, you can also easily switch to the other side to make an original circular in the Rouanne Valley: Rouanne Haute car park 7.7 km - 2 hours 15 minutes.
You can also reach the Grande Autane via the ridges and return via the summit of the Recula or the shoulder of the altitude 2563 to the east: 1250 m elevation gain - 7 hours off-trail.