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Observatoire du Pic de Bure walks
The Pic de Bure via the Combe d'Aurouze and the Combe de Mai
Visorando Member
8.76 mi
+4,573 ft
-4,560 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Montmaur (Hautes-Alpes)
The Dévoluy massif offers a striking contrast of colours between the pure blue of the sky and the ochre of the rocks in its trio of peaks (Obiou, Grand Ferrand, Pic de Bure).
Warning! The descent via the Combe de Mai, from (4) to (1), is prohibited outside the winter months for the first few hundred metres. See the prefectural decree on the protection of the Plateau de Bure biotope.
Pic de Bure from Super Devoluy and return via the Combe Ratin
11.99 mi
+4,432 ft
-4,436 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy (Hautes-Alpes)
Pic de Bure, one of the three giants of Dévoluy, is technically the most accessible but includes a section with a cable.
You will arrive in a lunar landscape, among the observatory's satellite dishes. In good weather, the view is extraordinary. There may be a few herds on the plateau.
A more recent route also offers the option of starting from the Joue du Loup resort.
Plateau and Pic de Bure via the Joue du Loup chairlift
8.05 mi
+2,037 ft
-2,867 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Agnières-en-Dévoluy (Hautes-Alpes)
The easiest route to explore the Bure massif in summer, ascending via the ski resort’s chairlifts (open one day a week in July and August only). The plateau offers a lunar landscape with the observatory’s satellite dishes, and in clear weather, the view from the Pic de Bure is extraordinary.
The route is described here starting from La Joue du Loup, but there is a similar route starting from SuperDévoluy. Please note: this route is only accessible during the summer opening period of the ski lifts!
Pic de Bure via the Coste Belle Caves
11.83 mi
+6,053 ft
-6,024 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy (Hautes-Alpes)
A unique route to the Bure Plateau through the geological features of the Dévoluy massif. This alpine hike offers an unusual route through the Coste Belle Caves, before following the ridges.La Baume Noire adds a highlight to the return route through the Vallon de Corne.
This hike is reserved for experienced mountain walkers with a keen sense of direction.
Walks near Observatoire du Pic de Bure
Col des Aiguilles - Return circular via Le Chauvet
7.94 mi
+2,743 ft
-2,723 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Agnières-en-Dévoluy (Hautes-Alpes)
Most of the route follows theGRP® Tour du Dévoluy trail markedGR®94.
For the return journey, rather than going back the same way, you can vary the route by returning via Small Pass and Le Charvet. This is an off-trail route.
This alternative route must be taken in good visibility and requires the ability to use a map and compass, which is essential for off-trail hiking.
The view from Le Chauvet over Le Dévoluy is magnificent.
Lachaup – Les Amayères
12.04 mi
+4,262 ft
-5,033 ft
9h 15
Difficult
Departure from Agnières-en-Dévoluy (Hautes-Alpes)
Through the Charnier valley at the foot of the Grand Ferrand, then via Pointe Feuillette, the final stage of this route.
La Jarjatte - Lachaup
8.40 mi
+3,140 ft
-2,434 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Lus-la-Croix-Haute (Drôme)
This link via the Col des Aiguilles involves an ascent facing the Aiguilles de Lus. The descent into the wild Aiguilles valley offers a glimpse of the slopes of the Joue du Loup resort.
From Col des Guérins to Tallard
Association / Club / Walk leader12.56 mi
+482 ft
-2,812 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Sigoyer (Hautes-Alpes) (Hautes-Alpes)
A short, all-downhill stage towards the Durance valley, as far as Tallard. You can make a detour via Sigoyer and rejoin the route via the D19.
This route runs partly through woodland, with the Durance valley and the peaks of the Écrins and Ubaye massifs as a backdrop. A glimpse of Montagne Saint Maurice above Valserres, a stage on the ITAC route.
Les Amayères - La Jarjatte
8.55 mi
+2,805 ft
-2,762 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Lus-la-Croix-Haute (Drôme)
Discover a beautiful peak on the border between Trièves and Le Dévoluy, Pointe Feuillette.
From the village of Le Saix to Lake Peyssier via the Col de Combe Escure
6.66 mi
+2,320 ft
-719 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Le Saix (Hautes-Alpes)
Setting off from the village of Le Saix is an alternative to starting from Veynes station. This stage leads to Lake Peyssier and continues the trek.
It offers a variety of attractions: a ridge walk, a bird’s-eye view of the Gouravour Gorge, unique views of the Buëch Valley and the Dévoluy massif, a walk through the former hamlet of La Péguière, a visit to the site of Clausonne Abbey and a walk across the Peyssier plateau.
An easier alternative route to reach Lake Peyssier is via the forest track from the village of Le Saix, passing through the Gouravour Gorge; it takes 1 hour to climb to Clausonne Abbey.
Up the Gap Canal: from Pont de Frappe to Les Ricous
6.71 mi
+328 ft
-489 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Chabottes (Hautes-Alpes)
A lovely, idyllic walk with virtually no elevation gain, easy and shaded. Ideal for families. You can walk part of the route and turn back, or tackle it in short sections. Of course, it’s possible to do this walk in the opposite direction.
The canal is always covered, so you can’t see the water.
Please note that between the start and point 2 there is a steep descent through the woods.