Le Cuchon from the Auches campsite

(S/E) Opposite the entrance to the Auches campsite, go up the Route de Saint-Léger (D13) on the left for about 100 m.

(1) Just before the junction with the Route des Faix, take the track on the right. Continue to a fork and turn left, downhill. The track then reaches a fork; continue uphill to the next fork and take the path that climbs to the left until you reach the relay antenna.

(2) Just before this, the path becomes a track again and descends to a crossroads. Follow the woods.

(3) At the F.F.V. information sign, continue right, uphill, on a good track through the woods (Bois du Fustier).

(4) Pass under the Cuchon chairlift.

(5) At the start of the Tanchit chairlift, before reaching a flat area in a clearing with three directions, take the left-hand track which descends, then follow the right-hand track which climbs.

(6) Take the path between the two trails, which starts in the woods at the same level and passes under the Champets ski lift until you reach a cabin.

(7) Take the path on the right, along the side of the hill. At the beginning of the season, it may be overgrown with plants. The climb continues along the side of the hill until you overlook the stream. Then begin a winding climb on a well-marked dirt path. Join the path coming from the Aiguille, which arrives from the right (elevation 2165).

(8) Continue to the right, climbing and following the ridge, until you reach the ridge below the Petite Autane.

(9) Continue to the right, skirting the rocky escarpment on the east side, then join a good path, sometimes on the ridge, sometimes slightly below it, to reach the escarpments of the Dents.

(10) The path passes between the escarpments and joins the north side. A tricky passage with a handrail then begins. Beware of vertigo! You will come out at the top of the Cuchon chairlift, in a hollow.
Go past it to enjoy a beautiful view of the entire valley and the surrounding peaks.

(11) To the south of the basin, follow the path back towards La Rouanne, heading south-west for 50 m, then turn left north-east. This path then heads south-east and gradually widens to become a stony track which you follow, generally south, without difficulty, until you reach the Chemin de la Rouanne, about 500 m below.

(12) Take it on the right and descend until you reach the paved road.

(13) Follow it to the right, heading west.

(14) At the first crossroads, continue left, then right onto the D13, and return to the campsite (S/E).

Always be careful and plan ahead when hiking. Visorando and the author of this page cannot be held responsible for any accidents or inconveniences that may occur on this route.