Tour of the Bois de Saint-Hippolyte

de fr

This forest hike does not present any major difficulties. It is suitable for all experienced hikers. It can be done in all seasons, but I prefer autumn because of the colours of the larch trees. After the first snowfall, it is also possible to do this route on snowshoes. However, be careful of the often exposed slopes, which are prone to avalanches.

Details

n°13890
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.76 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 721 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 716 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,220 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,523 m
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Photos

Aiguille Rouge
The Aiguille Rouge
Plateau des Thures
First snowfall

Description of the walk

The starting point is at the picnic area on the right, next to the D994 road, about 100 metres after the Pont de Fanager bridge, 3 km after Plampinet in the direction of Névache.

(S/E) Follow theGR®57northwards. The well-marked trail climbs steadily for 30 minutes to reach the Notre-Dame de Bon-Rencontre Chapel.

(1) Follow the D1 for a few metres, then cross it and continue along theGR®57for about 2000m. You will come to a fork in the road marked by signposts.

(2) Turn left towards "Chalets des Thures" and follow the path (GR®57) which climbs northwards. You will reach a fork.

(3) Leave the path that climbs to Aiguille Rouge on your right and continue to follow theGR®57westwards. The path descends gently. (Be careful in winter, as this area is prone to avalanches). After about 1,500 metres, just before Chalets des Thures, you will reach the junction ofthe GR®57andGR®5. There is no need to go all the way to the chalets.

(4) Turn left to follow theGR®5, which descends rapidly towards the south.

(5) Near a fairy chimney, leave theGR®5and follow the yellow-marked trail that branches off to the left. Follow the trail as it descends rapidly towards the south.

(6) Cross a wide path near the hamlet of Roubion and continue straight ahead to reach the Saint-Hippolyte Chapel.

(7) Reach the D994 road and cross it. Follow theGR®5for a few metres, then leave it to continue on the path that follows the road eastwards. Return to the D994 and follow it for 300 metres to reach the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,523 m - Picnic area near the - Clarée (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 0.84 - alt. 1,696 m - Chapel of Notre-Dame de Bon-Rencontre
  3. 2 : km 1.93 - alt. 1,855 m - On the left, head towards "Chalets des Thures".
  4. 3 : km 4.04 - alt. 2,215 m - Fork in the road, left
  5. 4 : km 5.49 - alt. 2,079 m - Fork in the road, left
  6. 5 : km 6.51 - alt. 1,903 m - Fairy chimney, on the left
  7. 6 : km 8.73 - alt. 1,619 m - Wide path, opposite
  8. 7 : km 9.06 - alt. 1,592 m - D994
  9. S/E : km 10.76 - alt. 1,523 m - Picnic area

Notes

__The descent between (3) and (4) can be dangerous in winter as it is exposed to avalanches.
__
Bring high-top shoes, walking sticks and plenty of water.

There are no water sources on the route, except possibly in summer at the Chalets des Thures (if the shepherd is present...).

You can enter the Notre-Dame de Bon-Rencontre Chapel, which is always open and provides shelter in case of bad weather.

Worth a visit

Névache is 2 km from the start. A visit to this typical village is a must.

From Névache, follow the road for about ten kilometres to discover the Haute Vallée de la Clarée (magnificent panoramas, waterfalls, etc.).

All the villages you pass through from Briançon are worth a visit, especially to admire the many sundials.

After the Col de l'Echelle, the road takes you a few kilometres to the Vallée Étroite (a possible starting point for hikes in the Mont Thabor area) and the small town of Bardonnèche in Italy.

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.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Chicots
Chicots

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, sustained climb. Very beautiful scenery.
For hikers who are afraid of heights, a 5-metre section between points 3 and 4 would benefit from a handrail for reassurance!
At point 5, the GR has been modified and now runs along the left bank instead of the right bank: so follow the GR! (see photo)

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emmaamandine
emmaamandine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Route en forêt throughout the hike.
The descent from Les Thures to Cheminée de Fée point no. 5 is stony.
The path on the left bank is very pleasant.
Very beautiful hike. Very nice weather.
Anne Marie and Claude

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pasleb
pasleb

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very beautiful hike

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slinky
slinky ★

Hello ALAmar4946,

Thank you for this information.
I hope that the author of this route will be able to correct the departure time.

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ALAmar4946
ALAmar4946

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2014
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

There is a problem with the starting point. There is no longer a picnic area, as foresters have cut down many trees and it is not easy to spot the GR trail. After the Bon Rencontre chapel, there are no more problems. The arrival at the foot of the Aiguille Rouge is impressive, but at this point it is preferable to continue on to the Col des Thures and Lake Chavillon, where you can admire Mont Thabor and the three peaks of the Three Kings.

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titibou
titibou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 28, 2013
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I was lucky enough to do it with snow still on the top of the hike, a big start and then nothing but fun.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.