The “Peuple des Oiseaux” panoramic trail in Réallon

Head to the Réallon ski resort via the D609. Park in the large car park at the snow stadium (at the end of the departmental road).

(S/E) From the car park, head up to the snow front, passing the tourist office, heading north then north-east, cutting under the Courtier ski lift towards the houses to go round them.

(1) Turn left to follow the Drovers' Road des Oucanes up to the end of the road. Follow the path that continues from there, which marks the start of the “Le Peuple des Oiseaux” trail (wooden bird sculpture).

(2) Take the path on the left, heading north, to join the GR®50 “Tour du Parc National des Écrins” (also^{the GR®} de Pays Tour du Lac de Serre-Ponçon). Follow it to the left, heading west. Continue along the “Sentier Panoramique” to the Aigue Noire ski lift.

(3) Once past the base of the ski lift, the path turns north. Pass by a summer chalet, then cross the clearing dotted with larch trees and rabbit hutches on the hillside.
Continue until you descend to the Posette junction and reach the Vaucluse Forest Road.

(4) At the junction, leave the track on the right (Les Mallets) and take the one opposite (Vaucluse, la Pourrachière) for 80 m. Leave this to head down the grassy path, slightly to the right, heading north-west.

(5) You will then rejoin the GR® route, which runs alongside a stone wall, then continues to the Bessuilier ravine, which you must cross to reach the hamlet of Vaucluse. Pass between the first two chalets to reach the forest track above.

(6) Take the dirt track on the left, heading south-west, to cross the Bessuilier ravine again and return to the junction of the paths.

(4) Continue along the forest track opposite, heading east, to the Les Mallets junction.

(7) Take the track climbing to the right, heading south, towards the resort. Cross the Ravin d’Aigue Noire and continue until you reach the junction with the GR®50, shortly after the pylons.

(8) Take the path climbing to the right, heading north-west. A shortcut passes in front of a large information board before joining the panoramic path.

(2) Take the path on the left to reach the resort buildings and the drovers' road.

(1) Cross the resort to reach the car park (S/E).

Water point and shops at the resort, during opening periods (summer and winter).

Much of the route runs along a balcony above the Réallon valley, offering some lovely views of the village.
Take your time to walk this circular path in the shade of the trees, to enjoy the views, the wooden play areas and the “nests” (informative panels about birds with QR codes to access a library of bird songs).

Alternative route: you can avoid returning via the forest road at point (6) simply by turning back at point (5).
Although the track beyond point (4) is less pleasant than the out-and-back path, it features information panels on the “Bird People”.