The Croix de L'Alpe from La Rente

A round trip to this promontory offers a unique view of the entire Ubaye Valley, from the bell tower of Méolans-Revel to the Pas de la Reyssole.
Please note: at (5), the markings become difficult to read and the passage itself is technical.

Details

1319101
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.89 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 933 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 929 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,602 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,680 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The start is from La Rente on the D209 between Le Sauze and Le Super Sauze. Park in one of the car parks along the road.

Yellow markings.

(S/E) At the foot of the restaurant "Les Deux Mazots", take the path on the left that runs perpendicular to the road. Continue slightly uphill to reach the stream valley after the Source de la Soudane.

(1) Heading north then east, you will reach the Alp chairlift, passing a hut and a fountain.

(2) The path then splits in two. Take the left fork, passing between the mountain restaurant and the Dôme ski lift departure point. Continue along the path, passing under the Bergerie de l'Alpe. Shortly afterwards, the path makes a sharp right turn. Take the path that continues straight ahead to reach the Bergerie de l'Alpe.

(3) Continue along the path, climbing steadily to reach Col Bas.

(4) Take the marked path on the left and follow the ridge towards the summit at 2,605 metres.

(5) As you approach the summit, the markings become difficult to read and the passage itself is technical. It is useful here to use your hands to help you through this passage. Continue along the ridge and through a small valley towards the Croix de l'Alpe.

(6) The return journey is via the same route to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,680 m - Car park at La Rente
  2. 1 : km 1.4 - alt. 1,852 m - Stream
  3. 2 : km 2.89 - alt. 2,051 m - Arrival at the Alpe chairlift
  4. 3 : km 3.27 - alt. 2,089 m - Alpe sheepfold
  5. 4 : km 5.23 - alt. 2,497 m - Col Bas
  6. 5 : km 5.72 - alt. 2,598 m - Summit of the Alpe mountain
  7. 6 : km 5.95 - alt. 2,585 m - Croix de l'Alpe
  8. S/E : km 11.89 - alt. 1,680 m - Car park at La Rente

Notes

(1) There is a clearly visible fountain near the hut located about a hundred metres away.
The start of the hike crosses pastures where animals are kept, and the path is freely accessible to hikers and mountain bikers.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 7 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 17880564
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We went hiking during the last week of August and hardly saw anyone. It was wonderful!
The route starts gently in the shade of the trees (we set off around 8am), then continues along a narrow path that winds its way up to the low pass. Magnificent views over the valley. As mentioned on the map, take care on the last section between the low pass and the cross, which is quite exposed.

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pincemaille
pincemaille

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful 5-hour hike with 950 m of elevation gain.
The section at point 5 is a little technical and requires the use of your hands, but it is well marked and signposted. Exceptional views.

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rplg83
rplg83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike, with the challenging Enchastrayes peak as an added bonus, and stunning views of Cimet and Pelat.
Tricky passage on the first peak before the cross, well marked.

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rplg83
rplg83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike, with the challenging Enchastrayes peak as an added bonus, and stunning views of Cimet and Prélat.
Tricky passage on the first peak before the cross, well marked.

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henrigole
henrigole
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent hike with superb panoramic views.

  • A small note regarding the point (5)

As you approach the summit, the markings become difficult to read
The trail is clearly marked all the way to the summit, and the passages between the rocks are well indicated with yellow markings. The so-called "technical" passage does require the use of your hands, but it is not difficult or exposed.
Traffic: None. A beautiful summit for those who enjoy solitude.
Dominique.

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aldubois
aldubois

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike for Father's Day , full of flowers everywhere, and we didn't encounter a single person
Best done in June for the flowers...
Thank you

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hutinel
hutinel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A fabulous hike that I have done several times. There are numerous variations – from Enchastrayes, for example, which are just as beautiful.

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