La Condamine (La roche-des-Arnauds) walks

The easiest route to explore the Bure massif in summer, ascending via the ski resort’s chairlifts (open one day a week in July and August only). The plateau offers a lunar landscape with the observatory’s satellite dishes, and in clear weather, the view from the Pic de Bure is extraordinary. The route is described here starting from La Joue du Loup, but there is a similar route starting from SuperDévoluy. Please note: this route is only accessible during the summer opening period of the ski lifts!

Most of the route follows theGRP® Tour du Dévoluy trail markedGR®94. For the return journey, rather than going back the same way, you can vary the route by returning via Small Pass and Le Charvet. This is an off-trail route. This alternative route must be taken in good visibility and requires the ability to use a map and compass, which is essential for off-trail hiking. The view from Le Chauvet over Le Dévoluy is magnificent.

Setting off from the village of Le Saix is an alternative to starting from Veynes station. This stage leads to Lake Peyssier and continues the trek. It offers a variety of attractions: a ridge walk, a bird’s-eye view of the Gouravour Gorge, unique views of the Buëch Valley and the Dévoluy massif, a walk through the former hamlet of La Péguière, a visit to the site of Clausonne Abbey and a walk across the Peyssier plateau. An easier alternative route to reach Lake Peyssier is via the forest track from the village of Le Saix, passing through the Gouravour Gorge; it takes 1 hour to climb to Clausonne Abbey.

This link via the Col des Aiguilles involves an ascent facing the Aiguilles de Lus. The descent into the wild Aiguilles valley offers a glimpse of the slopes of the Joue du Loup resort.