From Bouvante le Haut to the Ambel Farm

(S) In Bouvante le Haut, from the square where there is a large fountain, head towards the Blache farm. After passing the Blache farm, climb up following the sign for "Gampaloux" (^GRP® red and yellow markings).

(1) Go round the Roc de Serve on a path that is initially stony and steep.

(2) Pass through the tiny hamlet of “La Charge”; the path, which starts in the woods, becomes grassy and crosses meadows.

(3) The buildings of Gampaloux are on the left, at the edge of the path, which continues to climb to join a forest track heading towards the Col du Lion. Cross two forest tracks.

(4) Once you reach a tarmac road, take the path opposite that descends into the forest to cross the "Pré Michel". After crossing another forest track, the path goes through a very dense and rather unusual nursery. There are markings for a winter snowshoe trail here. Do not follow them. Follow the yellow and red markings. The path ends in a clearing which leads onto the road heading towards the Col de la Bataille.

(5) Walk past the Auberge du Grand Échaillon, where you can top up your water supplies. Cross the road and take the path on your left, which climbs slightly. Cross the meadow, passing behind the ONF refuge which is by the roadside. Take the forest track to the right, then the fork to the left and quickly the path to the left which runs along the edge of the Bois des Issertons. Follow this pleasant path until you rejoin the road you left at the inn.

(6) The road bends to the left. Follow it to reach the path that crosses the Ravin de Pissenible. The climb is quite long and fairly steep.

(7) Once you reach the Pas de Chovet, at the top of the path, turn left onto the forest track (towards the Col de la Bataille). You will have the Forêt de Léoncel on your left and, on your right, a barbed-wire fence separating you from the edge of the Rochers de la Sausse. You’ll reach the road, which you follow, then take the Col de la Bataille tunnel, unless you choose to go round it on the left by taking the path that climbs up and offers a lovely view of the Combe Toulau.

(8) Cross the road carefully after passing the pass, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of both sides of the valley. Take the forest path on the right, marked in red and white (^GR®93), to walk alongside the Roc de Toulau. This easy path offers superb views of the Gorges d’Omblèze. Gentian flowers grow on the mountainside. Pass a forest path that climbs to the left to reach the Pas du Gouillat.

(9) Then take the path on your left that crosses the woods to reach the Ambel plain. As soon as you leave the woods, you will see the unmanned Ambel Farm. It is possible to stay there overnight, in both winter and summer.

Water points: at the Auberge du Grand Echaillon and at the Ambel farm.

In summer, the Ambel farm is very busy and, despite its ample capacity, is likely to be fully booked. You can either head to the Gardiol refuge (1.13 km) or the Tubanet refuge a little further on (1.87 km), or bring a tent to camp around these refuges (camping is not permitted elsewhere).

Dogs are prohibited from the Ambel plateau and forest every year from 31 March to 15 October.

The Ambel Plateau circuit.
La Tête de la Dame (3.5 km).
The Resistance monument at the Gardiol refuge (1.3 km).