Les Cloches de Barles and the summit of Chine via the Forest

When you arrive south of Barles, head towards the village of Le Forest, accessible via a small, narrow, winding road. Once at the foot of the village, park in the car park on your left (4 to 5 cars).

(S/E) 20 metres from the car park, follow the sign for "Cloches de Barles", cross the picturesque little hamlet, then arrive at the first hairpin bend.

(1) Ignore the road that branches off to the left and the one that branches off to the right, continue straight ahead and you will come to a crossroads.

(2) Continue straight ahead until you reach a second crossroads (elevation 1351).

(3) Keep going until you reach a third junction (elevation 1524).

(4) Continue straight ahead on the main track until you reach a fork.

(5) Do not turn right; continue straight ahead towards the pass.

(6) At the crossroads, take the marked route on the left. Head between the Deux Cloches and cross the stream to reach the Baran pasture. Look up and locate the metre-high posts with yellow markings at the top. You will arrive at the Col des Cloches (elevation 1734).

(7) Turn left and continue the "strenuous" climb up the Grande Cloche, which offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views.

(8) Descend to Col des Cloches.

(7) Then continue opposite, along the ridge towards the Petite Cloche. Tackle the particularly steep climb to the summit from the west.

(9) At the summit, take a short break. Continue northwards along the ridge, which presents no technical difficulties but can be (very) impressive. Arrive at the perpendicular of the Cabane des Prés (very visible).

(10) Descend towards the Col de Baran, cross the torrent and reach the Cabane des Prés.

(11) The three springs are buried and it seems difficult to refill your water bottles there. After eating, head north again, following the ridge until you reach the crest that leads to the Chine plateau (no technical difficulties, but it's a steep climb at the end). Once on the plateau, continue north-northwest along the ridge to the summit of Rabanu (altitude 1952).

(12) Continue straight ahead on the path that descends steeply to the Croix de Veyre (altitude 1886).

(13) Turn right and walk about 100 metres along the GR®6 trail heading north. Leave the GR® trail and join the clearly visible track heading due east. Follow it to the Chine sheepfold, then take the Chine road back to the hamlet.

(14) You will arrive near an accessible spring where you can refill your water bottles (please note that there is no information about the quality of the water). Continue east on the track to the Jas Vieux at an altitude of 1779 metres.

(15) Do not continue along the ridge; instead, take the path that branches off to the left, heading due east. Follow it to the Bergerie de Chine, go around it on the right, then take the Route de Chine, which leads back to the hamlet. You will arrive at a right-hand bend

(16) It should be possible to cut across the long hairpin bend by taking the track heading due east (unmarked). Continue along the track and rejoin the very first hairpin bend passed on the way out.

(1) Turn left in the opposite direction to the outward journey and rejoin the (S/E).

The hike is long with very little shade, so bring enough water.

(14) Location of an accessible spring where you can refill your water bottles. Please note that there is no information about the quality of the water.