La Petite Autane and the Rouanne balconies

From the village of Ancelle, take the Rouanne track and drive to the very end of the valley (4 km). The small tarmac road becomes a wide track, with several fords along the way. The track isn’t in perfect condition but remains passable in a standard passenger car (minibuses manage to get up there).
Park at the Rouanne Haute car park (end of the road).

(S/E) From the car park, set off to the left along the Col de Combeau path, heading west. Follow the ‘Petite Autane’ signposts. After about a hundred metres, follow the track that climbs to the right, heading due north. Pass to the right of a renovated sheepfold, then cross a stream. Climb up a few hairpin bends until you pass under a cross; shortly afterwards, you’ll reach a fork in the road.

(1) Ignore the path branching off to the right (balcony) and continue the climb to the left. The path winds in wide hairpin bends up the hillside until it reaches another junction.

(2) Then continue to the right, climbing towards the Col de Combeau. Follow several hairpin bends and reach a junction.

(3) Carry on straight ahead along the path leading up to the Col de Combeau. Make several hairpin bends and reach the pass.

(4) Turn left towards the Petite Autane, heading south-west. Follow the ridge line (the eastern ridge of the Petite Autane). The path becomes steep but remains clearly marked with yellow markings and cairns. Take care: the ridge has a few steep sections that require caution. You will reach the Tête du Seigneur (cairn).

(5) Descend on the other side, staying on the ridge, to the Col du Seigneur.

(6) Continue westwards and follow the ridge up to the summit of the Petite Autane.

(7) Turn back and return via the same route to the Col de Combeau.

(4) Then turn right (north-east) towards the Balcon de Rouanne. Descend via numerous hairpin bends to a junction you passed on the way up.

(3) Turn left, heading due east, towards the Balcons de Rouanne. Pass beneath the Grande Autane and cross several streams. Head south, then east-north-east, to reach a junction before the Torrent du Jas Cerisier.

(8) Then take the path on the right, which winds downwards. You’ll reach the clearing by the alpine chalets.

(9) Continue to the right along the path running along the hillside. Cross a stream, then return to a junction you passed at the start of the walk.

(1) Continue straight on (west) and descend via a few hairpin bends to the Rouanne Haute car park (S/E).

Grazing area where herds may be present, particularly near the Col du Seigneur (4), which may require you to go further to the right along the ridge.

There are some very steep sections on the ridge between the Col de Combeau (4) and the Tête du Seigneur (5).

On a clear day, the view from the ridge (between (4) and (7)) offers a sweeping panorama of the Champsaur and the Écrins.