The Rouanette Pass from Archinard

In summer, take the D944 and climb to Serre Eyraud (on the right at Les Ricous, before the Champoléon valley). Then take the Archinard road (eastbound) to the hamlet.
In winter, it is better to go through the village of Orcières and follow the signs for "Les Audiberts/Archinard" on the D475. Descend to the bottom of the valley and cross the Drac Noir river to climb up to the hamlet of Archinard. Park in the car park before the houses.

(S/E) Cross the hamlet, heading south, and take the track reserved for shepherds and farmers. The small road turns into a pleasant track on the left bank of the Torrent d'Archinard.

(1) At the crossroads, continue along the path on the left, which runs along the hillside, and ignore the path that climbs to the right.
Cross a wooden bridge over the torrent to reach the crossroads.

(2) Continue up the valley on the right-hand path, heading south-west. Cross the Torrent du Barle and you will immediately reach a fork.

(3) Take the left-hand path to continue following the valley floor on the right bank. There are signposts at the start of the path. Climb up through the beautiful larch forest alongside the stream. The path turns into a trail. Cross the Torrent d'Archinard again via a basic footbridge.

(4) Continue straight ahead, passing under the sheepfold (altitude 1,941 m). Head for the bottom of the valley and pass under the rocky outcrop. Continue climbing. At around 2,050 m, head south-west again, following the well-marked path through the mountain pasture, which becomes steeper, until you reach the Col de Rouanette.

(5) At the pass, enjoy the panoramic view of the Rouanne valley (wooden roof tile), the Autanes and the Dévoluy. Descend via the same path to the car park at the start in Archinard (S/E).

This route is also suitable in winter for ski touring or snowshoeing.

Be careful! Hiking is not recommended too early in the season, as snowfields remain for a long time on the north-facing slopes.

Do not attempt to reach the Rouanette hut (sheepfold) in summer, but pass below it instead. This is to respect the peace and quiet of the shepherds and not to disturb any sheepdogs.

The Col de Rouannette offers beautiful views of the Rouanne valley (wooden roof tile), the Autanes and the Dévoluy.

Shorter alternative: stop below the Rouannette hut (sheepfold) and then turn back (320 m elevation gain, total time 2½ hours).

Longer variations:
- From the Col de Rouannette, walk to the summit of La Coupa and back along the ridge (1,000 m elevation gain, total time 6 hours). La Coupa offers panoramic views of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the Écrins peaks.
- From the pass, you can also easily switch to the other side to make an original circular in the Rouanne valley. Rouanne Haute car park: 7.7 km - 2 hours 15 minutes.
- You can also reach Grande Autane via the ridges and return via the summit of Recula or the shoulder of the altitude 2563 to the east: 1250 m elevation gain - 7 hours off-trail.