The Ballroom of the Coiffées

de fr

Discover a spectacular geological site formed by the erosion of sedimentary layers of fluvial-glacial origin. The hike is short but challenging and offers magnificent views of the Durance valley.

Details

n°126167
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.57 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 470 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 466 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,306 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 839 m
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Demoiselles Coiffées
The Demoiselles Coiffées
From the summit of Mont Colombis
XXL fairy chimney

Description of the walk

Start

The hike starts at the car park located in a hairpin bend on the D53 just before arriving, from the Durance valley, in the village of Théus (Hautes-Alpes).

The entire circuit is markedPR® (yellow).

Leave the car park and cross the ford. The path climbs to the left and continues winding its way, crossing the stream several times via small footbridges. After about a kilometre, you will begin to see the first formations of Demoiselles Coiffées (also known as Cheminées de Fées) on the left and right of the path.

Continue and, as the path becomes steeper after about a kilometre, you will have to climb a few steps before reaching the D53a (please note that the IGN map incorrectly indicates D33a).

(1) Turn left and continue on the D53a until you reach the picnic area behind a viewpoint overlooking the "Salle du Bal des Demoiselles Coiffées" and the Durance valley.

(2) Descend towards Théus following the D53a. Stop at the car park to admire the Salle du Bal des Demoiselles Coiffées.

(3) Take the path on the left about 300 metres after the second hairpin bend in the road. Follow the signposts carefully (they are very visible) as this path crosses others before joining the D53a at a bend.

(4) From there, follow the road. It continues downhill in hairpin bends, crosses Théus and takes you back to the car park.

The hike is over.
.
.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 840 m
  2. 1 : km 2.58 - alt. 1,306 m - Arrival on the D53a
  3. 2 : km 2.71 - alt. 1,288 m - Picnic area - Les Demoiselles coiffées de Théus
  4. 3 : km 3.7 - alt. 1,207 m - Leave the road
  5. 4 : km 4.57 - alt. 1,071 m - Return to the D53a
  6. S/E : km 6.57 - alt. 840 m

Notes

Hiking boots and drinks.
.

Worth a visit

The Serre-Ponçon Dam
.
.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 40 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
quencez
quencez

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

a lovely walk with a parish specific to Brittany view of the village on the way down and beautiful lady's slippers. No major difficulties with a steady climb

Machine-translated

Robert75
Robert75

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

First, we drove up to the ballroom (photos).
Then we returned to the actual starting point and enjoyed a very pleasant loop.

Machine-translated

Libersart
Libersart

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb route with magnificent views.

Machine-translated

YannickV
YannickV

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Photographers, set off at least an hour before the sun rises above the ridge of the valley and you will have low-angled light with shadows on the Demoiselles. Otherwise, in full sunlight, your photos will be hopelessly flat.
At point 4, be sure to take the easy path down through the pine trees, which will lead you to other Demoiselles. Enjoy the fragrance and coolness at the same time.
What a terrible idea to make us walk along a tarmac road in full sunlight!
The views from the lookout points overlooking the site seemed pretty mediocre after discovering the Demoiselles at the foot of the hill.
A magnificent walk with a real point of interest, not that physically demanding if you take it slowly.

Machine-translated

Pmolt
Pmolt

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The climb is a bit strenuous, as indicated, but the views and proximity to the magnificent waterfalls are well worth the effort. The return trip by road allows you to discover the lower viewpoint (the upper one at the exit of the gorge is overgrown) which is very well laid out, and to explore the village of Theus with its information panels before returning to the car park. The only downside was that we were attacked by two dogs running loose between the upper and lower viewpoints on the road, dogs "defending" the property of Mr Jean-François Astier. It's a shame that you can't feel safe even on a country road!

Machine-translated

philipperob
philipperob

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The start is not bad with quite a few fairy chimneys, but the return trip on the road is not very interesting.

Machine-translated

bader
bader

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike completed on a warm day, beautiful views, short hike

Machine-translated

renatosanta1952
renatosanta1952

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

a beautiful, easy hike accessible to everyone! Thank you!

Machine-translated

RandO2171
RandO2171

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 21, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb loop trail allowing you to discover this natural site – the Demoiselles from below and above.
The return via the "Champ long" trail completes the discovery and avoids the uninteresting and long descent on asphalt.

Machine-translated

Britanicus100
Britanicus100
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2015
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in 2015 with a climb up Mont Colombis, followed by a visit to the Demoiselles Coiffées rock formations.
I made a video that shows the ballroom and describes the atmosphere of our trip.
Here it is:https://youtu.be/JHLz8KXJIiA

Machine-translated

rumax
rumax

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike with majestic views.
I agree with 1Babs: "Don't take the road to finish the hike as it's not very interesting and it's tarmac, but take the yellow-marked trail on the left which goes back into the forest and joins up with the start of the hike later on".
A good place to eat just after the hike, serving local produce, is "Le Balcon de Thèus", where the owner sometimes enjoys playing Mozart on the piano.

Machine-translated

ardechom
ardechom

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 11, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

One of the most beautiful sites for fairy chimneys. Impressive density per square metre.
Magnificent 360° panorama from Mt Colombis.
Thanks to the author of the description.

Machine-translated

1Babs
1Babs

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike along a well-marked trail with beautiful wild sites to discover. Three-quarters of the trail is in the woods. Don't take the road at the end of the hike, as it's not very interesting and paved, but instead take the yellow-marked trail on the left that goes back into the forest and eventually rejoins the trail where the hike began.

Machine-translated

1Babs
1Babs

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike with beautiful wild sites to discover. Three quarters of the route is through woodland.

Machine-translated

Axellia
Axellia

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 28, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike done with two children aged 8 and 11 (good walkers). The first part is a steady climb for 1 hour and 20 minutes, but the landscape is magnificent and changes constantly along the way. A real spectacle. The view from the top is breathtaking! Don't stop at the first viewpoint (at the end of the trail); continue down to the beautifully landscaped area. The descent to the village is easy and pleasant.

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Les Demoiselles Coiffées from Théus

Association / Club / Walk leader
↔7.70 km ↗+523 m ↘-525 m ◔3h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Théus (Hautes-Alpes)
Beautiful views of the Salle de Bal des Demoiselles Coiffées

Walking The Saint-Pierre Chapel and the discreet demoiselles coiffées of Théus

Visorando member
La Chapelle Saint-Pierre et les discrètes demoiselles coiffées de Théus
↔7.26 km ↗+481 m ↘-480 m ◔3h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Théus (Hautes-Alpes)
There is a lovely view of the Remollon plain during the climb, followed by a wild descent after the Saint-Pierre Chapel.

Walking The statue of the Angel and the Pas du Lièvre at Notre-Dame du Laus

Visorando member
↔5.95 km ↗+357 m ↘-350 m ◔2h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Étienne-le-Laus (Hautes-Alpes)
A circular loop starting from Notre-Dame du Laus, which begins with a Way of the Cross leading up to the statue of the Angel. Offering beautiful views of the Avance Valley, the sanctuary and the surrounding peaks, the route includes a few passages that are sometimes too steep for young children.

Walking From Col du Tourrond to Notre-Dame du Laus

Visorando member
Du Col du Tourrond à Notre-Dame du Laus
↔9.67 km ↗+445 m ↘-440 m ◔4h 00 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Jarjayes (Hautes-Alpes)
A circular path in the forest above the sanctuary of Notre-Dame du Laus offers numerous views of the Avance Valley, Notre-Dame du Laus, Céüze, Bure, Charance, Gleize and the peaks of Champsaur, all the way to Mont Guillaume. No particular difficulty.

Walking Tour de la Viste

Visorando member
Tour de la Viste
↔18.45 km ↗+902 m ↘-899 m ◔7h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Rousset (Hautes-Alpes)
La Viste is a peak overlooking the Serre-Ponçon dam. Walking around it offers beautiful views of the lake, as well as the surrounding mountains (Ecrins massif, Ubaye) and the Durance valley. Please note that this hike should only be undertaken in good weather, with no risk of storms, as it involves fording numerous streams. In addition, a short section on a very steep slope, which is actually easy, may cause discomfort for those prone to vertigo.

Walking Circular Col Lebraut above Lake Serre-Ponçon

Visorando member
Boucle du Col Lebraut au dessus du Lac de Serre-Ponçon
↔11.31 km ↗+676 m ↘-677 m ◔5h 10 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Rousset (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful hike that begins at the deep Saut de Roland waterfall before climbing up the riverbed. The ascent to Col Lebraut, initially shaded, gradually opens up to reveal the majestic mountains. The descent from Crête des Esteves offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the sparkling lake. At Les Hyvans, on the edge of the lake, the setting invites serenity and the large wooden tables provide the ideal setting for a convivial picnic. The climb to the Ruines du Villard begins with a lunar passage through black marl. Upon arrival at Rocher Chabrand, the view of the beaches of Bois Vieux and the Serre-Ponçon Dam is simply remarkable.

Walking Route of the Bournas de Jarjayes via Grand Bois

Visorando member
↔11.23 km ↗+331 m ↘-325 m ◔4h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Jarjayes (Hautes-Alpes)
A varied route linking the meadows of Jarjayes to the dense forests of Grand Bois via Les Bournas. Along this circular route, there are numerous viewpoints overlooking the Gap basin, offering a succession of panoramas that make you want to stop and admire the landscape. Part of the route runs through the forest, providing welcome shade on summer days.

Walking From La Bréole to Lake Serre-Ponçon

Visorando member
De la Bréole au Lac de Serre-Ponçon
↔7.27 km ↗+304 m ↘-301 m ◔2h 55 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Bréole (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Unforgettable views of the lake at the confluence of the Durance and Ubaye rivers.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.