La Fontaine de Bure via the Tête de Vente-Cul and the Col de Conode

Head to La Roche-des-Arnauds via the D994, then follow signs for the village centre. Continue on the D418, following the signs for ‘Les Roux – Les Baux’, for just under 2 km. At the large hairpin bend, turn left onto the Route Forestière de Matacharre (a dirt track but suitable for vehicles), which climbs gently north-westwards. After about 1.5 km, you’ll see two large cairns on the right, marking the start of a clearly visible path. Park in one of the few spaces to the right of the track.

It is also possible to avoid driving onto the track by parking to the right of the road, in the large hairpin bend to the right, and then walking up the Route Forestière (RF) de Matacharre.

(S/E) Pass between the cairns to join the steeply ascending path, heading north-east, and climb up the ridge via numerous hairpin bends. Reach the Cuchon from the south, and continue along the ridge to the Tête de Vente-Cul. At the summit, admire the panoramic view and the large cairns.

(1) Continue along the path as it descends north-westwards to reach the nearby pass of the same name. Take the track heading north-north-east to reach the Col de Garcinel via a gentle slope.

(2) Carry on along track D8, which descends due north to Forest Road D7 at the Col de Conode, at the junction at Clot de Piarrou (elevation 1,624).

(3) Turn right, heading north, to climb the D7 track to the Col de Conode.

(4) Continue along the track for about 50 metres, then quickly turn off onto the small path on the left, heading north-west, at the edge of the forest. You will now leave the GRP® 94 Tour du Dévoluy. Cross the summit of the Bois de Loubet beneath the larch trees, and pass to the north of the Sommet des Templiers. Cross several ravines, passing through a mix of woodland, meadows and black earth. You will arrive at a grassy area at the foot of the large scree slope on the eastern face of the Bure plateau.

(5) Cross the Grangette de Conode stream and turn right, heading east, then north-east. Then make a wide left-hand bend, heading west, at Serre La Croix. Reach the Fontaine de Bure, at the foot of the scree. The spring forms a small pool, which is channelled to supply the herds’ drinking troughs.

(6) Turn back to return to the fork in the tracks at Clot de Piarrou (elevation 1624).

(3) Carry on straight ahead, south-west, to descend the track and reach the junction with the Matacharre track.

(7) Continue the descent straight ahead, heading south, until you reach a hairpin bend.

(8) Take the path straight ahead, heading south-south-east, which descends through the trees, cross the Eau Douce ravine, then emerge onto the Matacharre Forest Road.

(9) Follow the track down to the left, heading south-south-east, to return to the car park (S/E).

There are no reliable water sources along the route (the Fontaine de Bure is not equipped for drinking water). There are drinking fountains at the Matacharre Forest House and in the village of La Roche-des-Arnauds. Ensure you carry a sufficient supply of water, particularly in summer.

Please note: the condition of the Matacharre forest road may vary depending on the season and rainfall. Vehicles with low ground clearance may find it difficult to reach the starting point.

The Serre la Croix area is an excellent spot for a picnic break: relatively sheltered from the wind, it offers sweeping views of the Pas de Follet, the Sommet des Casses, the Dévoluy ridges, the Pic de Bure and the Dent d’Aurouze.

At the (4) Col de Conode (which rises to an altitude of 1,789 metres – a figure that is sure to bring to mind a famous date in French history), you can:
- reach the Gîte des Sauvas (ONF lodge) by taking the GRP® 94 Tour du Dévoluy via the Col de Matacharre (signposted west).
- climb to the Sommet des Templiers (1,962 m) by following the path on the left heading north-west (approximately 800 m round trip – elevation gain 170 m).

From (6) the Fontaine de Bure, an unmarked route reserved for experienced walkers leads to the Pic de Bure via the south-east face. Caution: this route includes steep, unstable and potentially dangerous sections.

There are no facilities (water points, toilets, designated rest areas or catering) along the route. The nearest shops, restaurants and services are in La Roche-des-Arnauds.

Accommodation is available at the Matacharre forest site (Sauvas forest lodges) subject to prior booking.

The route offers little shade between the Col de Conode and the Fontaine de Bure; avoid walking during the hottest part of the summer.

From the Tête de Vente-Cul, the view stretches across the Céüse massif, the Petit Buëch valley, the Rabou valley, the Charance plateau and, on a clear day, over a large part of the Gapençais peaks.

(6) The Fontaine de Bure is a small spring forming a natural pool at the foot of the impressive eastern cliffs of the Bure plateau. Its water is channelled to supply the drinking troughs for the herds grazing on the mountain pastures in the area.

The Pic de Bure (2,709 m), the easternmost peak of the Dévoluy massif, dominates the route. Since the 1970s, its vast summit plateau has been home to the former IRAM astronomical observatory, recognisable by its large antennas visible from many Alpine peaks.

Near the point (7), the Matacharre forest site is home to two renovated ONF lodges (sleeping 6 and 12) in the heart of the Sauvas state-owned forest. Overlooking the Rif de l’Arc, this secluded spot is hidden away in the vast forests on the southern slope of the Bure Massif.

The village of La Roche-des-Arnauds boasts several examples of rural heritage characteristic of the Gapençais region, notably fountains, bread ovens and a church whose origins date back to the Middle Ages.