Les Infournas walks

At the gateway to the Massif des Écrins, near Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur, this superb loop hike begins with a gentle ascent through a magnificent larch forest. Along the way, the lush green vegetation accompanies you to the foot of the Col du Cendrier, where the slope gradually levels out. The effort is rewarded by a wide panoramic view of the Massif des Écrins.The traverse of the Crêtes du Barry adds a welcome technical touch, giving the route an extra touch of character. The return, via the Pas and then the Col de l'Escalier, is on a pleasant, flowing path.A beautiful hike, where the spring flora comes into its own with every step.

A hike mainly through woodland, becoming steep towards the end, offering views of the Champsaur valley and Vieux Chaillol.

A varied countryside walk with spectacular views over the Champsaur and the Dévoluy. Unfortunately, there are a few tarmac sections, but these roads are very quiet. The route passes the Trois Croix viewpoint and the curious Chapelle des Pétètes, also known as the Chapelle Saint-Grégoire.

A family walk in the forest in the middle of Champsaur, offering beautiful views of the neighbouring mountains.

Family hike through the woods to the beautiful Peyron Roux forest cabin. When you arrive, you'll feel like you're standing in front of the seven dwarfs' house... the dark larch forest has a lot to do with it!

Starting from Molines-en-Champsaur, this circular route takes you to the Cabane de Londonnière via a mountain trail, then ends with a gentle descent along a forest path beside the Muande torrent.

The steep slope on the right bank of the Séveraissette valley is home to the trail crossing the Col de l'Ardouère, which winds boldly through the rugged terrain of a complex and grandiose landscape. Be careful! While the climb up the eastern slope is accessible, the descent down the western slope has some exposed, even vertiginous sections where the slightest slip could be fatal.

The final destination of this almost round-trip itinerary, the Col de Font Froide offers an exceptional view of the Écrins massif. In the distance: Barre des Écrins, Pic Coolidge, Ailefroide, Les Bans... And nearby: Pic de Colle Blanche, Brèche de l'Homme Étroit, Tête de Mal Cros, Pointe des Moutières, Pic de Parières, Aiguille de Morges. Far below: the Navette valley in Valgaudemar. A high mountain atmosphere is guaranteed on this pass, which is accessible via a footpath!

A pleasant circular walk around the Torrent de la Muande, in the Séveraissette valley at Molines-en-Champsaur. Almost entirely shaded along its entire route, this walk is particularly suitable during the summer heat. The climb is fairly gentle and pleasant as far as the Cabane de Londonnière. The footpath crosses several small streams before reaching the ruined hamlet of Sellon at the bottom of the valley. The return route takes you past the enchanting site of the Cabane de Suzaire, where huge boulders in the forest lend the place a unique charm, before descending beneath the Baisses de la Juberne. A walk that allows you to discover one of the prettiest valleys in the Champsaur!

A balcony walk with views of the Champsaurin bocage, the Chaîne du Faraut, the Banc du Peyron and the Petit Chaillol mountain.

A challenging and rugged hike beneath the ridges of Banc du Peyron and Moussière.

A walk in the Notre-Dame de Bois-Vert forest, on the mountainside with a magnificent view of the Champsaur valley and its typical bocage landscape.The Notre-Dame de Bois-Vert sanctuary is a true haven of peace!

In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area. It offers views of the Champsaur and Gapençais valleys.

This circular walk allows you to discover one of the Champsaur’s treasures: one of the few remaining preserved bocage landscapes. As you follow the educational information boards, the trail winds its way through hedgerows, canals and sunken lanes…

A hike mostly along a balcony path in a sort of cirque, before reaching the foot of the Vieux Chaillol with a lovely panorama. This hike also offers the chance to discover the remains of the Malcros Canal. A somewhat crazy project which, from 1881 to 1923, ensured the water supply to the valleys from a... glacier! Despite the elevation gain, the route involves ascending and descending fairly gentle and very even slopes.

A balcony walk offering magnificent views of the plain at the entrance to the Champsaur.

This hike will allow you to discover all the contrasts of the Champsaur mountains, from the pleasant fields of Chaillol and the mountain forests with deciduous and coniferous trees to the high-altitude pastures and the stony summit at over 2,700m.

This is a long hike to reach the Pic du Vieux Chaillol (3,163 m), a landmark peak in the southern Hautes-Alpes landscape. Please note that the elevation gain is only 1,530m and not 1,706m as stated on the information sheet.

On this hike, nature is the artist, offering us geological formations carved into the sandstone, each one as astonishing as the next. Not to mention Pic Queyrel with its extensive panorama from the horizontal ridge line that connects the two high points. At the end of the hike, you can discover the remains of the Malcros Canal. A somewhat crazy project which, from 1881 to 1923, supplied water to the valleys from a... glacier.

Hike along the remains of the Mal Cros Canal, starting from Chaillol 1600. This canal supplied water for irrigation in the area from a glacier above the Champoleon valley (Drac Blanc).

This hike in the Champsaur is marked by curious geological formations in the sandstone. It is worth taking your time and looking up. The double arch is a little off the main route, so you have to go out of your way to find it, but it's well worth the detour.

A refreshing route leading to the Cabane des Pierres, entirely through a beautiful coniferous forest: the Grand Bois de Poligny. This charming little spot allows you to discover the Champsaur, sheltered at the foot of the great peaks.

This route takes you from vegetation (the first part is through a beautiful coniferous forest) to rock (the final ascent is over scree). At the pass, you look out over the Cirque de Chaudun (south side) where the Petit Buëch river has its source, but although you can see Ceuze, the view is mainly towards the Écrins peaks.

A short, easy circular loop around Chaillol, starting from Chaillol village, suitable for families. Passes over the Canal Malcros.

Following in the footsteps of botanist Dominique Villars, this trail, marked with information panels, allows you to discover the incredible diversity of the Champsaur vegetation.

A wild hike between Ecrins and Dévoluy. Off-trail highlights include pastures, mouflons and a 360° view stretching from the Obiou to the Parpaillon, taking in the great massifs of the Écrins. You’ll look down over the Chaudun cirque and its history.

Climb one of the Champsaur peaks from the Laye ski resort, enjoying the cool forest, rocky ravines and earthy slopes. The initial loop gives way to a round-trip climb. The final section is on a beautiful ridge with steep slopes on either side.

A short walk following the discovery trail around the fortified castle of Saint-Firmin.

A hike accessible to all, from 7 to 77 years old! Without difficulty, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the Champsaur valley and its bocage. The Devoluard fauna can be abundant, for the enjoyment of young and old alike! The pass road is closed during winter (check for information).

At an altitude of 2,000 metres, ruined huts and an enclosure emerge from the ground. These stone shelters, built on a vast natural site, are well worth a visit. The remains of these dwellings transport us back to the forgotten history of a former pastoral past, where it is good to let your imagination run wild, following in the footsteps of those who came before, exploring their history and way of life.

A wild path leading to a lovely viewpoint over the lower Valgaudemar and Champsaur valleys. The return route via the Cabane de la Salette is well worth the detour.

An enriching hike to discover the traditions and history of this small valley. Follow a path along the stream to reach Prentiq (near the old houses), a haven of wild beauty with traces of pastoral life. Discover a hamlet where only two huts remain, along with ruins and dry stone walls that bring to mind the traditions of yesteryear. On the way back along the track, you will be treated to beautiful views of the valley.

A wild trail leads you up a gentle slope following the Prentiq valley to the Cabane du Sellar. Surrounded by mountains, this place is a true haven of peace, where only the sounds of nature welcome you.

A beautiful circular loop around the Col Bayard oxygenation centre, very varied and without any significant elevation gain, offering 360-degree views and breathtaking vistas of the Champsaur.

This refreshing walk on the Col Bayard takes you into the heart of a plateau dedicated to sports enthusiasts at an altitude of 1,300 metres! A fairly gentle and varied route, with paths through the woodland, shaded trails and small hills with a slight elevation gain. Breathtaking views over the Champsaur.

A lovely circular route offering a varied 360° view, with little elevation gain.

Pic de Gleize, Pic de Chaudin and Pic de l'Aiguille: three peaks and three panoramas with beautiful views of Dévoluy, with the forgotten domain of Chaudin at its feet, Les Écrins, Champsaur and the Gap conurbation.

A short circular loop to reach a very wide viewpoint over Champsaur, Dévoluy and Gapençais.

A short circular loop that leads to the second part, on the ridges of La Greysinière, with some tricky sections. Can be done in addition to another walk from the Col de Gleize car park.

Route around Pic de Gleize, passing by Pic de Gleize to reach the mountain pastures, offering beautiful views of Champsaur, Dévoluy and Bassin Gapençais.

From the Col de Gleize, climb towards the Pic de Gleize, then descend towards the ruins of the village of Chaudun and climb back up to the Col de Gleize.

A climb to the Pic de Gleize from the pass of the same name and a descent via the Chaudun circular trail to enjoy a beautiful route with little elevation gain but lots of rockfall.

Discover the village of Chaudun and its history. Walking along the patrol path, you realise how difficult it must have been for the inhabitants to survive there at the time, in a village isolated from everything else in a hostile environment, especially in winter.

A round trip to this village at the foot of the Montagne de Chaudun.

A circular route leading to the ridges of La Greysinière with exposed sections, but offering exceptional views of the Ceüze, Bure, Dévoluy, Écrins, Embrunais, Blanche and Monges mountains. Starting at Col de Gleize helps to minimise the elevation gain.

Much of this hike takes place on a ridge with aerial passages, offering numerous panoramic views.

A circular route leading to the Guizière ridges whilst avoiding the overly exposed sections of the Greysinière ridges.Starting at the Col de Gleize keeps the elevation gain to a minimum, whilst offering exceptional views of the Ceüze, Bure, Dévoluy, Écrins, Embrunais, Ubaye (Montagne de la Blanche) and Monges mountain ranges.

From the Sebeyras Lakes, the route will first take you to the Col de Pétarel. From there, you will descend towards Saint-Maurice-en-Valgodemar. You will then follow the old transhumance paths to reach the Six Cabanes, then climb the Col de Menoux to Lauvet.

A small summit with a 360° view over the Champsaur countryside and the surrounding peaks. Editor’s note added on 12/09/2021: there is an issue in the second half of the walk; a round trip seems preferable: see the comments at the bottom of the page

A short walk around the hamlet of Les Faix, starting in the Ancelle valley. You cross the village and then climb to the higher ground for superb panoramic views of the Dévoluy, the Champsaur and the Rouanne valley.

In the heart of Champsaur, this hike is beautiful but also very exotic, as it climbs up the wooden roof tile torrent valley in an atmosphere reminiscent of a Spanish canyon.

A superb hike in the magnificent Valgaudemar massif, starting from the charming and picturesque hamlet of Brudour. The well-signposted route is easy to follow and features numerous remarkable landmarks along the way.From the very first steps, we are immersed in a sea of tall, green, fresh and lush grass. The path then runs alongside the rushing Brudour torrent, whose roar cheerfully accompanies our progress.Once on the ridge, the view is breathtaking. The surrounding mountain ranges reveal themselves in all their splendour. A hike that is both straightforward and spectacular, perfect for filling your lungs with fresh air and your mind with unforgettable memories.

Easy walk, 2/3 in the shade and 1/3 with beautiful views over the vast Drac valley and surrounding mountains.

This family-friendly loop follows the torrent to the Romanesque bridge of Les Oulles and continues with a visit to the bubbling giant's pots, the "Oulles du Diable".

A beautiful alpine hike leads to Le Chapeau, a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Valgaudemar valley and the peaks of Olan and Cime du Vallon.

Above La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, after the hamlet of Les Portes in the pastoral valley of Navette, the Buffe torrent cascades down a 400-metre cliff.

A snowshoe hike over varied terrain, starting in the Pré Matheron meadow, followed by a route through the undergrowth where you create your own path by weaving through the forest until you reach the junction with the ridge line. There, the landscape opens up towards the south.

A beautiful loop in the Valgaudemar valley above the Pétarel Lakes.

Lakes of breathtaking beauty in a mineral setting, with magnificent views of the Valgaudemar peaks.

Near La Chapelle-en-Vagaudémar, in the hamlet of Les Portes, a quick detour takes you to the Navette torrent and, beyond the Roman bridge, to the Oules du Diable with their bubbling giant's kettles.

A magnificent hike in the Navette valley. You are invited to discover beautiful heritage sites, bearing witness to a vibrant way of life up there in this hanging valley. And, on the way back, let yourself be surprised by the torrent as it flows through the heart of the rock.

Magnificent walk between the Pont des Oules du Diable and the Cascade du Buchardet waterfall.

A classic hike in Ancelle, starting near the village centre and climbing up the north side, through cool woodland. Can easily be done in reverse to enjoy the cool air on the way back.

A walk that allows you to appreciate the lovely setting of the village of Ancelle, nestled at the end of the Plaine de Lachaup, with beautiful views over the village. You start by following the Rouanne (or Ancelle torrent), then follow a lovely ridge path overlooking Ancelle before tackling the only difficult part of the walk: the climb to the antennas before reaching the Plateau de Libouze and its lake. You then descend back into the Plaine de Lachaup via the Ancelle leisure centre and return to the village.

A climb to the summit overlooking the village of Wooden Roof Tile and the ski resort of Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes. The circular offers beautiful panoramic views of Dévoluy, Champsaur and the Rouanne valley.

This summit is a classic in the village of wooden roof tile in Champsaur.

This peak overlooks the Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes ski resort. It is home to the top stations of the resort’s ski lifts. However, the ascent described here starts from Ancelle.A snowshoe hike following the summer trail, which is marked in yellow. These markings are visible on the trees in winter, but not on the rocks.

A lovely, easy snowshoe walk with very little elevation gain, which makes it very pleasant. You walk along the Rouanne stream, often through woodland, but are regularly treated to lovely views.

This is a lovely, very pleasant snowshoe circular route, particularly along the stream. You walk partly through the undergrowth but still enjoy lovely views, especially around the mountain pasture. We did it in early March and there was still plenty of snow.

A lovely hike in the hills above Ancelle offering views of the Dévoluy and the Petite and Grande Autane mountains. For walkers, this is a good warm-up walk at the start of the week to prepare for longer routes.