Pin Pourri from Beuil

Park near the Chapelle Saint-Ginié south of Beuil, on the side of the road opposite the fire hydrant.

White and red markings for the GR®52

(S/E) From the 16th-century chapel, follow the path downhill between the old houses to the Ciriei road and reach the crossroads at marker 59.

(1) Turn left onto the road towards the Col de la Couillole. After a hundred metres, the road disappears, giving way to a track for a few metres, then a magnificent path through a coniferous forest overlooking the Ruisseau du Vallon de la Couillole. Continue to marker 101.

(2) Continue and, at the crossroads at marker 100, turn right at 180°, quickly reaching Col de la Couillole, marker 51.

(3) Leave the GR® here, turn right and follow the track for about 50 metres across fields, clearly marked by the passage of agricultural vehicles or 4x4s. At the crossroads at marker 51a, leave the track and continue on the path to the right. Reach a three-way junction at a place called l'Arghias, where there is a square wooden post one metre high.

(4) Keep to the right, continue up a gentle slope and you will come out into a clearing. Turn right and a few steps further on you will reach the summit of Pin Pourri, the highest point of the hike (altitude 1826 m).

(5) Follow the track downhill through the mountain pasture to reach a sheepfold.

(6) Turn right and take the track that winds its way through old houses. Finish this descent with a few hairpin bends and reach marker 63.

(7) Turn right towards Beuil. Note that markers 64 and 63 are about 30 metres apart. Follow the yellow markings, passing in front of the houses in the hamlet of Mantélé. Continue to a large building on the edge of the Chemin de la Mouta.

(8) Turn left, then at the hairpin bend, turn 180° to the right. Continue along this wide path until you reach the crossroads at marker 60.

(9) Take the path on the right, at a 90° angle, and you will soon reach the crossroads marked 59, which you passed on the way there.

(1) Turn left and retrace your steps to return to the Chapelle Saint-Giniés car park (S/E).

Hiking poles and boots are recommended.

(1) Water source.
(3) Col de la Couillole: a place regularly used by amateur and professional cyclists.
(5) Pin Pourri: this summit is a bare mountain reserved for alpine pastures. Don't look for the Pin (the tree), which is rotten; there isn't one, but enjoy the beautiful views of the Alps and, on the right, Mont Mounier.

If you encounter a herd of cattle, give it a wide berth.

(S/E) Beuil: the historic intramural trail is worth exploring.