Le Piolit via Rouanne Haute, Col de Chorges, Col de la Pourrachière

At the west end of Ancelle, head east towards Rouanne Haute and stay on the right bank of the Ancelle / Rouanne torrent. The road soon gives way to a well-maintained track that is accessible to all types of vehicle, although a good ground clearance is always preferable. At the end of the track, park in the large car park.

(S/E) Head towards the torrent and cross it using the footbridge.

(1) At the Les Paras sign (alt. 1660 m), turn left towards Le Piolit.

(2) At Clos des Naïs, at marker 1836, turn right.

(3) At the Cabane crossroads, at marker 2012, take the track completely to the right.

(4) At the Plaine crossroads (alt. 2040 m), turn left towards the Col de Chorges.

(5) On the bend, we left the track and continued due south through the alpine pastures, as there was a lot of snow. The direction of the pass is obvious and you never lose sight of the path that clings to the foot of the cliff.

(6) At the Col de Chorges, at 2249m, the panorama opens out over the Durance valley and Lac de Serre Ponçon. Turn right.

(7) Leave the return path on the right and continue straight ahead to conquer the majestic Piolit (hill 2464).

(8) Take advantage of the 360° panoramic view and retrace your steps back to the previous junction.

(7) Go left along the path below the ridge line. Continue along this path until you reach the Col de la Pourrachière (elevation 2173).

(9) Turn left and head down the Haute Selle valley.

(10) There is a spring at the Cabane de la Selle. Continue along the track.You can cut the short loop by following the Courou stream, which has a lovely little waterfall.

(11) Pass by an area of rockfall scattered across the meadow.

(12) At the Bois des Mendas sign (alt. 1760 m), turn right towards Serre la Grange and Rouanne Haute.

(13) Leave the track on your left and continue straight ahead.

(14) Cross the Torrent du Courou and follow the track as far as the Les Paras sign.

(1) Continue straight ahead along the opposite route to the car park (S/E).

In high summer, take plenty of water as most of the walk is not shaded.

Water source at the Cabane de la Selle (10).

Cascade de la Cluse near the Via ferrata (S/E).