From Rif du Sap to Navette via Le Chapeau

Start from the Rif du Sap car park, 6 km upstream from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar. Access possible by shuttle bus (see below).

(S) Descend into the hamlet on a steep path.

(1) Cross the footbridge over the river. Follow the signs for La Lavine on the right.

(2) Second footbridge (in poor condition in 2025, but passable). Cross the footbridge and turn right. Begin a fairly gentle climb under the trees on a narrow path on the mountainside. Avoid the numerous shortcuts, which damage the path and ultimately do not save any time. Continue climbing in switchbacks until you reach the Cabane du Pré de l'Ours.

(3) At Cabane du Pré de l'Ours, continue uphill, turning left at the crossroads towards La Lavine. Cross the Ruisseau de l'Herbiou. From here, the path becomes steeper and slippery. Reach the Cabane de la Lavine.

(4) Start climbing again to the right on a ridge overlooking the Lavine hut: the path is not very visible. You will reach a crossroads with a signpost.

(5) At the signpost, take the horizontal path on the left towards Navette. In front of you is an impressive cirque; it's hard to believe that you're going to go around it while staying at roughly the same level. It's possible , but there are several extremely tricky sections.

(6) Begin the climb to the summit of Chapeau, zigzagging widely to the right. You will reach a small junction with a signpost.

(7) Take the path on the right towards the summit, following the direction of the Navette.

(8) At the summit, bear right down the ridge, as if you were heading back towards the path you came up. Then head left along the side of the ridge and descend along a narrow ridge. You will reach a point where a false path starts straight ahead and disappears.

(9) Ignore it and follow the main path downhill on the left at an acute angle until you reach another fork.

(10) Continue downhill on the Crête de la Côte Grasse.

(11) Before a small hill, turn left at an acute angle and descend down the side via a long series of hairpin bends to reach a wide track near the bridge before the hamlet of Navette.

(12) Head right to reach the car park (E).

Herds of livestock present.

Be careful, there are many tricky and slippery sections. Only for those with sure footing! Absolutely not recommended in wet weather.

Take care when crossing the footbridge at (2).

Access to the start (S): by car or valley shuttle bus in summer.

From the finish (E): leave a car, otherwise either walk to La Chapelle (3 km, path on the right bank via Les Oulles du Diable) or hitchhike (easy, frequent stops in summer).