The RTM dams on the Torrent des Vachères

A hike that allows you to discover France’s first experimental site run by the ONF’s Mountain Land Restoration Service (RTM). The first dam built to curb erosion caused by the torrent dates back to 1868 and, following its success, this example was replicated throughout France. Along the trail, you’ll find fun, interactive explanations in hidden caches. This is the Sens’Actions Trail. A delight for young and old alike.

Details

24780654
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 1.69 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 0h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 83 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 83 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,064 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 980 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Follow the Route des Orres (D40), pass through the village of Baratier, then look out for the road on the right heading towards Le Camping Les Airelles. Pass the campsite and, at the next junction, ignore Valubaye and turn left. Continue along the road and, at the next junction in a hairpin bend, turn left onto the track and follow it to its end. Park in the car park at the foot of the power station.

(S/E) Look out for the path on the right that climbs uphill, follow it, and pass in front of thefirst dam. Take a moment to look at the dam and search for the cache. Continue along the path and discover the caches, passing under a penstock to reach a footbridge.

(1) Before crossing it, continue straight on to see another dam, then retrace your steps, cross the footbridge and turn right. Climb a little, then take the path on the left, and at the crossroads turn left onto the downhill track. Continue until you cross a wooden bridge. After the bridge, take the path on the left, still going downhill, and follow it to the penstock.

(2) Leave the track and take the path on the left. Descend to the EDF building, staying on the track the whole time. You will reach a final dam. Take the track on the left which crosses the Torrent des Vachères. Then take the track on the left which leads back to the power station car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 995 m - Power Station car park - Vachères (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 0.72 - alt. 1,055 m - Footbridge
  3. 2 : km 1.26 - alt. 1,016 m - Carrefour de la Conduite Forcée
  4. S/E : km 1.69 - alt. 995 m - Power Station car park

Notes

No drinking water along the route.
Avoid this trail during high water levels.
The trail is mostly in the shade.
Take your time on the trail; allow a good two hours.
The route is marked with yellowPR® signs.

Worth a visit

The Sens'Action Trail.
The village of Baratier

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Flopy 58
Flopy 58

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little walk with the little ones – you do need to keep an eye on them in certain spots, as they’re a bit tricky but very well signposted. A bit of a treasure hunt. A very pleasant walk. Thanks for this circular route where you can see several reservoirs

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CathyF
CathyF

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk along the stream with all those weirs. Good explanations and a fun game for those visiting with children. Not very busy at this time of year (late March). It’s a shame that some people have chosen to take the explanations from the caches; they’re spoiling the fun for future visitors. It’s sad and shows a lack of respect for those who created this game. However, it’s worth doing again later in the season when the vegetation is in full bloom.

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chtimi
chtimi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very easy, with lots of little waterfalls and a suspension bridge. There’s a discovery trail along the route for children.

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lamotodufredo
lamotodufredo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

It’s really interesting, with all its weirs and the little suspension bridge.
There’s a children’s activity trail along the route.
So there are lots of families on the route.

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