The Pic du Tourond

At Chaillol 1600, park in the large car park by the Clot Chenu chairlift, which is always free in summer.

(S/E) Follow the track northwards to a junction.

(1) Leave the track and climb off-trail, initially parallel to the chairlift, then veering left to rejoin the track at an altitude of 1,758m.

(2) Take the^GR® opposite, which climbs northwards towards the Col de la Pisse, as indicated on the sign. After a 100m climb, the path branches off sharply to the right. Just after passing through a gate in a fence, you’ll find the^GR® junction^.

(3) Leave the^GR® which heads north-north-west and continue along the correct path, which runs along a ridge and crosses several valleys (in particular the Ranc and saltire ravines).

(4) At the first fork, ignore a path descending to the right. At the second, ignore the path on the left which climbs to the Col de la Pisse and continue eastwards to another fork.

(5) Ignore the path that heads off horizontally to the right and continue along the path that climbs steeply in switchbacks. The horizontal path to the right will be our route back.

(6) Arrival at Col de la Vénasque (signpost). The summit of Pic du Touron is clearly visible to the north, a peak that had previously been hidden by a secondary summit. Begin the descent for about a hundred metres (a single hairpin bend) to avoid boulders that would be difficult to cross.

(7) Head off-trail, finding your own way up a slope of rocks and scree without any real difficulty. Everyone can climb the slope as they see fit; personally, I recommend following the slabs, which are very easy to climb using traction. Reach the summit.

(8) Pic du Tourond, an ideal spot for a picnic. The descent follows the same route. You can veer slightly to the right, as the descent is made easier by very stable rocks (see track). Head back to the Col de la Vénasque and continue the descent along the path taken on the ascent.

(5) When you reach this fork, leave the ascent path and take the well-marked path on the left, which runs almost level. This path is no longer maintained, so take care on some slightly damaged sections. It is, however, perfectly visible.

(9) At a place called Les Charmelies, you can take a well-marked track southwards to a viewpoint overlooking the whole valley. Then retrace your steps and continue along the descent path which leads to a wide track.

(10) Turn left. When you come to the Sellette ski lift, you can cut across the fields (see track) to reach our clearly visible starting car park (S/E).

Between waypoints (3) and (4), the path is wide and very well marked. Nevertheless, take care when crossing the valleys as early in the spring you may find patches of snow (particularly in the Ravin du Ranc), and where there is water, the path can be slippery. In the height of summer, these sections are dry.
Remember to take enough water; in summer, much of the hike takes place in direct sunlight with no drinking water sources.
If you see snowfields on the final ascent to the peak from the Col de la Vénasque (late spring), it is advisable to turn back.

I recommend visiting the Champsaur and Valgaudemar, regions where agriculture has not been displaced by tourism.