The Cabane des Pierres circular from the Chapelle Saint-Étienne de Poligny

From the N85 road between Gap and Grenoble, take the D17 through the village of Poligny, then the D817 west towards Le Noyer. Pass the hamlet of Les Forestons to reach the Chapelle Saint-Étienne (3 km). Park in the chapel car park (Route de Saint-Esteve).

(S/E) Take the forest track south, following the yellow markings towards Col de Chétive.

(1) Stay on the left track, heading south-southwest, until you pass a house in the woods.

(2) Continue slightly to the right and follow the yellow markings until you reach a crossroads.

(3) Turn left towards Rageoux - Cabane des Pierres and continue for 50 metres. Then take the path on the right that goes uphill and continue climbing until you reach the junction with the GR®93.

(4) Turn left towards Cabane des Pierres - Col de Chétive and follow the GR® for at least 1 km. Cross the Torrent du Rageoux on the rocks and then leave the woods to reach the hamlet of Les Pierres.

(5) Continue left towards Cabane des Pierres (alternative route in practical information).

(6) Descend the track to the left, heading north-west, to reach Cabane des Pierres in its meadow.

(7) Pass to the left of the hut and continue along the path, which veers slightly to the left, to descend to the chapel, heading due north. The path joins others on the right. Continue due north until you reach a sharp left turn.

(8) Take the path that descends into the forest, still heading north, and continues almost straight ahead until you reach the fork in the path from the outward journey.

(2) Follow the same route as on the way up to reach the car park at the Saint-Étienne Chapel (S/E).

Picnic tables and fire pits are provided in the clearing at the start (Clots des Moures).

The water from the fountain is not tested and there are nowater sources along the route.

The Cabane des Pierres offers shelter (not locked), with a wood stove and a table.

The wooded section is very pleasant in the heat of summer.

Longer variants:

- Ascent of the Col de Chétive: from the crossroads (5), it is possible to reach the pass via a rocky ascent and descent through a scree slope. The small final ridge and the pass offer beautiful views of the Écrins peaks (elevation gain 720 m, total time 4 hours).

- And from the Col de Chétive, it is then possible to reach the Sommet du Chamois via a steep but obvious path (920 m elevation gain, total time 5 hours). The panorama there is magnificent.

The village of Poligny is known for its imposing, dark forest, where conifers grow alongside deciduous trees. Criss-crossed by an extensive network of paths, it is ideal for mushroom picking.

Le Veyre de Saint-Étienne has three monuments: the Chapel of Saint-Étienne or Saint Estève (Occitan), the Oratory of Sainte-Geneviève de Brabant and a fountain. Located on the edge of the Poligny forest, this clearing is surrounded by a mountain cirque offering views of the Col du Noyer and the entire Champsaur valley. Very pleasant in summer, it is a picnic area equipped with tables and barbecue facilities.

The Chapel of Saint Étienne has been a sacred place since the 6th century AD. The first and only church on the Poligny and Noyer plateau, dedicated to Saint Étienne, was built on the edge of the Roman road. Built in the Romanesque style with a cul-de-four choir, the building is topped by a bell tower, known as a "panelle" in Champsaur, which houses a bell.

In 1930, a beautiful fountain with a circular basin was erected, topped by a group of cherubs holding a vase.

And in 1936, Antoine TAIX completed the site with an oratory in honour of Geneviève de Brabant. This Romanesque-style stone building is topped by a statue of the saint holding her son (Drogan) close to her. The benefactor, born in 1852 in La Fare, emigrated to California and made his fortune there.

This large space is called the "Clots des Moures" (land of the dead) because, according to the "legend of the meadow", a labourer who tried to plough this land a long time ago was splattered with blood. Legend has it that this is where "stillborn" children, the unbaptised, or those born to unknown parents, a few lawless vagrants, atheists and all those who rejected religion were buried. It was said that this was why nothing could grow in this place and that the land should not be touched.