Coul d'Amont and Cabane de Chouvet circular loop from Le Poët

On the RD 994E, pass through Vallouise towards Pelvoux and, at the entrance to Le Poët, look out for the wash house and the Chapelle Saint-Pancrace on the right. Park wherever you can.

(S/E) In the small square, look out for the Route de la Lauza heading uphill. Follow this road, which is tarmac at first and then dirt, pass a wooden cross, and continue straight on until you reach a crossroads.

(1) Look out for the path on the left, below, which crosses the stream; this will be the return route. For now, continue straight on along the scree, then cross the stream and climb up to the first chalets at Coul d’Aval. Continue along the path which climbs through the forest to finally reach the chalets at Coul d’Amont.

(2) Follow the path to a junction with the Tête d'Amont path and the Cascade de la Pissette.

(3) Turn left, heading north. Follow the flat, balcony-like path to the next junction.

(4) Ignore the path that goes straight on, climbing to the Col de la Condamine via the Rocher de la Guilla. Turn left onto the path that descends and continue to the next junction.

(5) Leave the wide path that descends. Take the path on the right that runs flat. Walk across the flat ground through the forest dotted with large boulders until you reach a junction with the path that climbs to La Condamine.

(6) Turn left, heading west, and descend, taking care to spot the start of the path on the left at the next, very inconspicuous, junction.

(7) Then leave the path that goes straight down. Head down to the left on the path, which is a bit steep at first, then easier, until you reach a small flat area where the Cabane de Chouvet is located.

(8) Continue descending for 60 m to the next junction.

(9) Turn right onto the path that descends to another junction.

(10) Ignore the path coming from the right. Descend left along the winding path to the junction at elevation 1549.

(11) Turn left onto the flat path. Join a dirt track, lined here and there with chalets. Continue along the track, heading south, until you reach a junction near a wooden chalet.

(12) Ignore the track branching off to the right. Follow the track branching off to the left, south-east, then south. Follow it down, ignoring the numerous side paths. Pass through a series of hairpin bends until you reach a junction near the stream.

(13) Ignore the track on the right that descends along the right bank of the stream. Continue left along the path that descends to the stream, to cross it as best you can, and reach the initial junction of the circular route.

(1) Turn right, following the route back in the opposite direction to the outward journey, to the car park (S/E).

• (S/E) Fontaine au Lavoir and (8) Cabane de Chouvet.
• Bring binoculars for the many viewpoints and panoramic views.

• At the junction (3), there is the option of a return trip (south-east) to see the Cascade de La Pissette up close.
• Option to extend the circular route: at the junction (4), head towards the Rocher de la Guilla and, at the junction with the path climbing to the Col de Vallouise at an elevation of 2359 metres, take the path on the left (west) that descends and rejoins the junction (6).
• If you want to shorten the route: at the junction (5), continue down to the left until you reach the junction (9) and in 5 minutes you will reach the Cabane de Chouvet (8).