Col de Rouannette – La Coupa, circular route

From the east of the village of Ancelle, take the Chemin de Rouanne (signposted ‘Via ferrata’, ‘Bienvenue dans la vallée de Rouanne’). Follow the road to the very end of the valley (4 km), crossing the bridge over the Rouanne; the small tarmac road becomes a wide track, with several fords to cross.
The track isn’t in perfect condition but remains passable in a standard passenger car (minibuses manage to get up there). Park at the Rouanne Haute car park (end of the road).

(S/E) With your back to the car park, head right along the Col de Combeau path, heading west. After 100 m, follow the track that climbs to the right, heading due north. Pass to the right of a renovated sheepfold, then cross a stream. Climb up a few hairpin bends to the junction below the hamlet of Serre du Milieu.

(1) Continue to the right along the track running along the hillside below the summit of Peyron Roux. Cross the Torrent de Peyron Roux and continue along this track.

(2) Leave the track leading to the sheepfold and head left up two sets of hairpin bends to the next junction at the 2046 mark.

(3) Take the Balcon de Rouanne path to the right and cross the Jas Cerisiers torrent. Follow the Chemin du Balcon for about 800 m. Ford one of its tributaries and, immediately afterwards, you’ll come to another junction of paths at an elevation of 2128.

(4) Head left up the winding path and continue to the Col de Rouannette.

(5) From the pass, head right, due south, following the ridge, to reach the summit of La Coupa.

(6) Head back down the same path to the junction at elevation 2128 that you passed on the way up.

(4) At the junction, this time continue along the Chemin du Balcon to the left.
Cross the Torrent de la Grande Lauze and continue along the ridge path to reach the junction with the path leading to the Col de la Coupa at elevation 2114.

(7) Carry on straight ahead, leaving the path that climbs to the Col de la Coupa on your left. Begin a short descent via a few hairpin bends to the junction for the Col de Chorges at an elevation of 2012.

(8) Take the track straight ahead (or the small path on the right that runs alongside it; the two join a little further on), leaving the path leading to the Col de la Pourrachière on your left. Head towards the Sources de la Rouanne, passing beneath the Rocher de la Chabane. Continue due north until you reach a fork at an elevation of 1836.

(9) Leave the track by taking the path on the left just after the hairpin bend (elevation 1836). Pass beneath the Serre du Clot des Naïs.

(10) At the junction just before the Torrent d’Ancelle, take the path on the right to cross the Rouanne and return to the Rouanne Haute car park (S/E).

Caution! This walk is not recommended too early in the season, as snowfields persist for a long time on the north-facing slopes.
There are several water sources along the route, including two springs, but be careful as there are herds of livestock.
There is a picnic table and dry toilets at the end of the forest road (S/E).

The access road is a gravel track suitable for vehicles for the last 5 kilometres, but it is in fairly good condition.

There is very little shade along the route until the descent to the point (9).

Alternatives:
- shorter route: do not climb to the Col de Rouannette (4) or to the summit of La Coupa (elevation gain 600 m, total time 4 hours).
- Longer route: continue to the Col de la Pourachière by turning left at (8) onto the path that climbs (elevation gain 1200 m, total time 9h).

La Cluse waterfall near the via ferrata (S/E).

Ancelle is a mountain resort village in the Hautes-Alpes, at an altitude of around 1,250–1,350 m, focused on mountain tourism, agriculture and rural heritage. The village retains its typical rural character, with its hamlets, pastoral traditions and history linked to the mountains.
It is a wonderful base from which to explore hiking trails, discover the local heritage and enjoy small, authentic Alpine landscapes.