The Parpaillon Tunnel from the Grand Vallon via the Col de Girabeau

On the D40 towards Les Orres, turn left just after the bridge over the Torrent de Vachères, at Les Ribes. Follow the forest road up to the Grand Vallon. After 4.2 km, cross the Pont Clos, the wooden bridge over the Torrent de Vachères. The start point is 660 m further on. As spaces are limited at the starting point, you can park at the Pont Clos car park or find a space that doesn’t obstruct traffic from there.

(S/E) At Serre de l’Orivette, take the path which climbs up through the field and then continues into the woods.

(1) Take the path on the left, which is just visible before the shepherd’s wooden hut, so as not to disturb the peace and quiet. This path passes to the left of the old stone-built hut, a little further up. Once you’ve left the wetland, the path splits: take the left-hand branch, which heads towards the scree.

(2) Follow the wide path downwards, then, about twenty metres further down, take a drovers' road to the right. Your destination is the tunnel visible at the far end. To avoid having to go up and down the valley, follow this drovers' road, which passes the automatic weather station visible in the distance.

(3) Once you reach the tunnel, retrace your steps along the route you took on the way there to return to the car park (S/E).

Duration

* Return trip to the Col de Girabeau: 3 hours 30 minutes (ascent: 2 hours 30 minutes).

* Full route to the Parpaillon Tunnel: 5 hours 30 minutes round trip.

Conditions

Snow often lingers late into the season in the Parpaillon valley. On the ascent to the Col de Girabeau, herds and guard dogs are present from June to October.

Wildlife

With a bit of luck, you may spot some chamois. There are plenty of marmots throughout the valley.