Oules du Diable, Cascade du Buchardet and Cabane de l'Aup

On 1 June, the footbridge after the waterfall to the Aup hut had not yet been installed. In my opinion, it is not possible to cross the very stormy torrent.

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We did this walk at the end of June, but following the heavy rains in the spring, the paths were slightly modified. However, this didn't pose any problem for following the walk, apart from the presence of the patous, who defend the flocks of sheep.

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Be careful at the start of the season! In this fine month of May, this hike is anything but accessible: the scenery is magnificent, with the peaks glistening with snow; we followed the signposted route: the difficulties began after passing the Buchardet waterfall (make the detour, the view up close is impressive). Crossing the river was tricky, as there was no footbridge, but a long, thin plank, wet in the middle by the rushing torrent. The fall would be severe (photo)! The worst was further on: after an attempt to reach the cabane de l'Aup (wisely interrupted shortly before arrival because of an avalanche cone), the descent path on the left side of the torrent, and before the Fouronnière, was brutally cut off by the overflow of the torrent de la Charonie; descending into the torrent bed, swollen by the melting snow, and climbing up the other bank was a dangerous adventure. It should also be noted that the descent from the bridge on the right bank of the torrent is impossible because the path was swept away by the floods in autumn 2023, but at least there is a sign indicating this, and the path upwards takes you down to the Oulles bridge!

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The summits were sparkling thanks to the previous night's snowfall.
We had to turn back at point 5: the torrent could not be crossed (we saw a piece of footbridge emerging from the torrent).
The recent rainfall has damaged several sections of the forest track (left bank) and the path (right bank), particularly between the Pont des Oules and Fouronnière. On the right bank, where sections of the path had been destroyed by the water, we made our best progress on the steep slopes above the torrent, clinging to tree branches (and grass!).

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One of my best hiking memories, the landscape is magnificent. I did it in November 2022, and the autumn colours, the light and the snow-covered peaks made it a truly grandiose experience!

At that time of year, the footbridges were removed, but there's still a safe and dry way to cross the torrents. Only 1 other hiker encountered during the day.
We hiked in the opposite direction at the start, up to point 3 (sentier des Oulles), to avoid the road and a forest track of little interest, and then back in the same direction.

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Starting from the village of La Chapelle, we hiked in the wrong direction, returning along the same path that runs alongside the torrent in the forest to avoid having to return to the road. No major difficulties.
Passing through the ruins of the village of Navette. The waterfalls are incredible. You can also go to the foot of the waterfall, great!
We pushed on to the hut, hoping to come across a few marmots, but.... not. As a result, we didn't find it very interesting.

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A hike that's in my top ten! Like the previous hiker, we climbed up the small path on the left bank, without meeting many people, but with the torrent below us, which was welcome on this hot day at the end of August. We didn't get too close to the hut, as the shepherd wasn't there, but a minimum of discretion is required... Back along the right bank, in the shade of the forest, perfect... But the path is busier. Crossing the abandoned hamlet of Navette was impressive. Of course, we walked alongside the Oulles du Diable, and chose the option of returning via La Chapelle rather than going straight down. It was a medium difficulty, as the path was very steep, narrow and a bit of an ankle-burner at times...

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We climbed all the way up the left bank of the torrent, in the cool of the morning, and came back down the right bank, in the shade of the forest. The Oules are remarkable.
No particular difficulty.

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Very nice hike, but very poor reception on arrival at the Aup hut. The shepherd couldn't bear to see hikers passing in front of his house or looking at the landscape. It's very regrettable to be welcomed like this in such a setting. I've been hiking for a long time, but the shepherds in the cabins are usually more welcoming.

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Superb...

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This is an easy hike for everyone if you stop at the Buchardet waterfall, and a longer one if you go as far as l'Aup. The presence of water throughout makes this a very pleasant hike, with the Oulles du diable, the waterfall and the torrent all along the way. I was disappointed, however, by the lack of marmots towards l'Aup. Flowers and rhododendrons make this hike even more beautiful.

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A lovely hike to warm up before moving up the range....
It's best to finish at the Oulles du diable..... to end this hike with a fireworks display .

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It's better to do the opposite: go up the Houlles path and come back down the road. We found it nicer to go up the path, which is shady and quiet.

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Short, pleasant walk with no particular difficulty

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This hike was done with sporty children aged 9, 8 and 4 years1/2 but starting from the Fouronnière car park (route: Fouronnière - cabane de l'Aup - cascade du Buchardet - Oulles and return to the car park by road). Duration approx. 5h30 with breaks and the escapade to the basin of the Buchardet waterfall.

We chose this route (back via the waterfall and Les Oulles) to have shade in the afternoon, as there is no shade on the other side or on the section between point 5 and the hut.
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There is little risk of getting lost - there is only one path. There is no difficulty except for the last few metres on the path to the waterfall basin, which are a little tricky (small, crumbly, slippery stones + height when you are overlooking the waterfall). Nothing vertiginous, but be careful with children. Magnificent views of the glaciers in one direction (L'Aup) and the other (L'Olan). Few people except on the section between the waterfall and Navette.

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