Mont Pelat - Allos via Le Cimet

(S) Begin your descent to the previous intersection, following the path you came up.

(1) Take the path on your left marked by a yellow cross on the ground and climb briefly to reach Lac du Trou de l'Aigle at an altitude of 2,672 metres.

(2) At the huge cairn before the lake, take the path on your left which overlooks and runs alongside it. This path is not very visible and is covered in scree. Take care on the climb leading to Pas de la Grande Barre (2,782 m), which offers a view of both sides: Lac du Trou de l'Aigle behind you and the Grande Cayolle valley opposite.

(3) This passage is very challenging: only attempt this descent if you are an experienced hiker. Take the time to carefully analyse the terrain before descending. Begin the descent, taking care to avoid rocks and scree. Descend via the piles of rocks on your left below. Further down, the path is marked by cairns.

(4) Once below the pass, follow the cairns again through this chaotic maze of rocks. The path becomes increasingly clear and accessible. Continue along the path that winds around the mountain on your left and continue to an intersection where you will find the GR®56 marked in white and red.

(5) Turn left for another climb to the Petit Col de Talon (2,678 metres).

(6) Turn right towards Cimet. Follow the cairns below the ridges to the summit. There are no particular difficulties, except that you are walking close to the ridges and on small, slippery stones. Stay alert during the ascent and descent. Reach Le Cimet (3,020 metres), the highest point of your two-day circular. Behind you, you can see Mont Pelat and the Pas de la Grande Barre, which you crossed earlier.

(7) Enjoy the 360° view and turn back to the Petit Col de Talon marker.

(6) Head right towards Lac du Cimet. You are now back on the GR® trail. Continue to the intersection before Cabane du Cimet.

(8) Continue on your left, as the path on the right is blocked by a white and yellow cross. Follow the GR® trail, which is lined with the numerous Cimet waterfalls, and pass in front of the hut.

(9) Descend the natural steps on your right. Take care on the descent, as the path is crossed by waterfalls and streams. Continue along the path overlooking the Bouchier riverbed before entering the undergrowth.

(10) Pass the signpost at the entrance to the undergrowth indicating Allos at 3 o'clock. Continue on the GR® and pass in front of the Maison Forestière du Talon: altitude 1,925 m.

(11) At the signpost located about twenty metres further on, take the path on the left marked Allos. Continue on the GR®. The white and red markings will then turn yellow.

(12) Cross the wooden footbridge to change sides of the river. Looking back up, you will see the Cascade du Pich waterfall. Begin the final, very gentle climb.

(13) Pass through a wooden fence, then a second one, which will mark the end of the ascent of this two-day circular. Continue along the path and you will come to another signpost indicating Allos.

(14) Continue on your right directly onto the forest track.

(15) Pass the "Bois de Vacheresse " signpost and continue straight ahead. You will reach the "Carrefour de la Ferme des Bois" signpost.

(16) Keep going in the same direction until you reach the signpost for "Piste de la Vacheresse".

(17) Leave the forest track and take the path on your right.

(18) Pass the "Allos - Office du Tourisme" signpost and take the path downhill on your right (slightly in the opposite direction). Walk along the left side of the chalets and you will come to a tarmac road at a crossroads.

(19) Turn left, then take the stairs on your right indicated by a signpost. Repeat this two more times, following the roads and stairs, keeping in the same general direction.

(20) Turn left before going down the fourth wooden staircase in front of you, marked with a yellow cross. Then turn right and go down more wooden steps to rejoin the tarmac road (Avenue des Mélèzes). Turn left onto the road.

(21) Leave the tarmac road one last time by taking the stone steps on your right, marked with a sign for the Tourist Office. At the bottom of the steps, cross the tarmac road and take the path to the left of the rubbish bins. Walk downhill until you reach the main village road and take the alleyway in front of you to return to the car park (E).