La Croix de Rougny, return via the ridges

Date of walk : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A superb hike, but one that requires attention.
Either you watch where you're going, or you look at the scenery. Not both at the same time 😁.
We were lucky enough to see some vultures.
The last 2 kilometres of descent on the ridges are indeed more challenging but it's fine if you pay attention.

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We made the same mistake. You have to stay on the crest even if it's tempting to defend a little

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Date of walk : Jul 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A sublime hike, difficult but superb!
A beautiful start on the terrace, then we leave the official trails for the entire hike.
Straight climb up to the Rougny cross (which is broken, by the way), with magnificent vultures flying above us.
Then nothing but ridges, absolutely superb!
Exposure, so avoid if you are prone to vertigo.
A difficult hike where you have to be careful throughout, walking sticks are highly recommended for safety.
Be careful around stage 7. Stay at the top of the ridge and reach the metal cross in the rock via the top of the ridge.
At one point, we descended two metres and found ourselves on crumbly rocks. We retraced our steps for 20 metres to get back on the path at the top of the ridge and reach the metal cross embedded in the rock. From there, it's easy going.
Apart from this mistake we made, there are no really technical sections. You often use your hands for support along the route and need to be sure-footed.
Pure enjoyment!

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Date of walk : Aug 07, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very beautiful hike in three parishes specific to Brittany. Magnificent view.
I would recommend doing it in the opposite direction to make the steep section above the Col de l'Eterpat easier, but there's no problem doing it as described.
The path is clearly marked everywhere, except for this steep section. Stay on the ridge and pass the small cross.
Some sections on the ridge, as on the lower trail, require caution. A misstep can lead to a dangerous fall, as is often the case when hiking. Nothing more.
Not recommended for people prone to vertigo, that's all.
No climbing skills required!
We did not climb up to Gargas.
Thank you for the idea for this route!

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Date of walk : Jul 24, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very beautiful hike with absolutely magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
One small downside, as some have mentioned, is that two or three short sections along the ridge, some of which are very short, are quite dizzying. You need to be wearing very sturdy footwear. We are all aged 70 and over, and a few years ago this probably wouldn't have been a problem for us. However, we feel it is important to point this out.

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Date of walk : Jul 28, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very high peaks not recommended for those who are afraid of heights. It is best to have some climbing experience. Do not attempt in bad weather. Do not venture out alone. Wear suitable footwear. If you are experienced, there are no major difficulties.

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Date of walk : Jul 14, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A short tricky section on the ridge
Not recommended if you are afraid of heights

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Date of walk : Jul 03, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

What a shame to describe this sublime hike as "very difficult" and thus discourage hikers who are put off by this label. I wouldn't even classify it as "difficult", but rather "moderate".The views are exceptional throughout, on all sides. Why issue such warnings, which are almost "dramatic" from 5 to 7? If you watch your step, this section is within the reach of any average hiker who is used to the mountains. Highly recommended hike: superb!

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Date of walk : Oct 06, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I did the Cross hike on 18 September
I was on a pilgrimage to La Salette and it was an opportunity for me to discover this place. I only went as far as elevation 1908; I did not go to the cross.

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Date of walk : Aug 24, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

It was crowded at the end of August, and the mountain atmosphere was somewhat spoiled by the frequent loudspeaker announcements from Notre Dame de la Salette, which was not particularly aesthetically pleasing in this magnificent natural amphitheatre.

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Date of walk : Sep 16, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A superb route, but very tough on sensitive knees and ankles. From the first cross onwards and all the way to the finish, it's more of a rough track over rocks than a path. However, it's well worth the effort, as the 360° panoramic views are magnificent and it's so peaceful! Just the sound of crickets chirping and sheep bells ringing in the distance... very pleasant!
For your information, with the Gargas extension, the total distance is 9.95 km

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Date of walk : Sep 02, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful ridge route.
Not many people on the trail, even on a beautiful Sunday in September.
Did not do the Gargas due to a late start at around 1 p.m.

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It's nice to hear that someone from Gap enjoys this hike; I'm from Gap myself.
Perhaps one day on the trails of the Hautes-Alpes.

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Date of walk : Sep 10, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Magnificent panorama! An orientation table at the summit of Gargas.

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Date of walk : Aug 01, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

We didn't climb to the top because my partner suffers from vertigo. Nevertheless, it's a very beautiful walk in good weather, worth it just for the view of the site of LA SALETTE. The site itself is also very pleasant to visit.

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