Memorial route in Le Vernet linked to the Germanwings 4U9525 tragedy

From the D900, enter Le Vernet and continue until you see the sign for Col de Mariaud and Les Béliers. Follow this road for 2.5 km until you reach a clearing with a sign saying "Parking obligatoire" (parking required). This is where you should leave your vehicle.

(S/E) Start on the gently sloping road.

(1) At this fork, take the path on the left, stay on this path, and you will arrive at Col de Mariaud.

(2) Turn right towards the grey gate, go through it, and gently descend the road until you reach a platform.

(3) Turn left to descend the road, which will take you to a crossroads.

(4) There are two options:
- turn left to go directly to the Col de Mariaud via the fairly steep path.
- stay right and continue downhill, then take the path on the left that climbs towards the sphere.
You will arrive at the gate protecting the sphere, which prevents you from going any further.

(5) You will return to the previous crossroads.

(4) Take the steep path on the right and finish the climb to the Col de Mariaud.

(2) Retrace your steps back to the mandatory car park (S/E).

Route completed at the end of July 2025, in ideal conditions. Best seen in winter.
80% of the route is accessible by car, so it's really easy.
(2) There is a water source at Col de Mariaud, so there is no need to carry water.

This route was not designed as a hike, because even though the landscapes are beautiful, it was designed primarily for remembrance, meditation and prayer. The tragedy that took place here invites contemplation rather than relaxation.
Before (S/E) in the village of Vernet: you can pay your respects at a memorial set up at the edge of a field, near the Les Souquets path. The memorial is surrounded by a green hedge and overlooks a field facing the mountains. A special section of the village cemetery, to the right of the church, holds the unidentified remains of victims and a plaque with all their names. Access is through a black gate that opens onto the street. The remains are in the large tombs on the left.
(3) Platform: from here you can see the Sonnenkugel, a 5-metre golden sphere in tribute to the victims of the disaster, placed at the exact point of impact of the plane.
(5) Fence: frustrating barrier that prevents visitors from continuing, even though they are less than 300 metres from the sphere. The town hall has posted a notice explaining its decision to close the site completely, probably to prevent damage, particularly to the memorial itself. On the fence are a few photos of victims and padlocks with names on them.
(5) Memorial stone