Orpierre - Trescléoux

(S) Depart from the village square in Orpierre. Head west to take the Grande Rue, below the terrace of the Le Portail restaurant. Through the medieval streets of the old village, follow the red and white markings of the GR®946.
Interesting note for the rest of the route: this GR® will be followed until Trescléoux.
At the village exit, take the path overlooking Orpierre to the north. Continue uphill on this beautiful path to gain height and enjoy splendid views of Orpierre and its famous cliffs. Arrive at the Suillet crossroads.

(1) Follow the path to the left towards Trescléoux, taking a beautiful ridge offering fabulous views of the Rocher de Beaumont, the Buëch Valley and the peaks of Dévoluy and Écrins. You will reach the Col de Garde crossroads.

(2) Continue along the track on the right, descending towards the east. You will reach a clearing with a crossroads of paths.

(3) Leave the track and take the path on the left, walking partly on splendid black marl. At a place called Le Riable, you will find the Chemin de Garette à Trescléoux.

(4) Take it on the left and you will quickly reach Pied de Garde, today's stop. (E)

Or continue towards Trescléoux for alternative accommodation if this lodge is full.

Hike in the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park, ideally in April-May-June and September-October. In summer, it can be very hot in the Baronnies Provençales, and in winter, some paths may be impassable or snow-covered.

Set off each day with a good supply of water, as most fountains are not checked and some may have a very low flow rate in all seasons.

Please note on arrival at the Mont-Garde lodge. If the lodge is not available, there are guest rooms in the village of Trescléoux, about twenty minutes away. For more information, see below:
(E) Trescléoux:
- Mont Garde lodge (E) a good kilometre before the village,
- or La Clé de Sol guest rooms in the village