Pic de Couard via the south-east ridge

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A beautiful viewpoint above Digne, an easier route than the north-west face. However, if it seems too difficult or if you are not used to walking off the marked trail, take the descent route for the return journey.

Details

n°109125029
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.95 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,481 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,465 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,496 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,533 ft
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Photos

the arch

Description of the walk

From Digne, head towards Barcelonnette. Turn right onto the D22 towards Draix, then right again towards Archail. Take the track in poor condition to the left of the Vieraron dam. Park just before the end of the track that’s suitable for vehicles.

(S/E) Continue along the track.

(1) Cross the forest track to take a path opposite: yellow markings. Cross another track, then continue straight ahead on the path which winds steeply up to the Pas d’Archail.

(2) Descend the track on the right, which heads south-east and joins the pass located in a hairpin bend (elevation 1544).

(3) Take the ridge path on the right to climb to the Sommet de Couard. Pass by the edge of a rock arch, then continue on the left-hand side of the ridge to avoid rocky sections. Finally, climb the fairly steep final cone. Enjoy the 360° panorama.

(4) Descend to the right via the hairpin bends on the north-eastern slope (yellow markers) until you rejoin the track you took on the way up near the Pas d’Archail. Turn left to reach it quickly.

(2) Descend opposite, following the reverse route of the ascent, and return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,543 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.64 - alt. 4,029 ft - Track junction, opposite
  3. 2 : mi 2.19 - alt. 5,476 ft - Junction of the circular loop - Pas d'Archail (1667m)
  4. 3 : mi 3.27 - alt. 5,059 ft - Pass 1540m
  5. 4 : mi 4.27 - alt. 6,496 ft - Couard summit - Pic de Couard (1988m)
  6. S/E : mi 7.95 - alt. 3,533 ft - Car park

Notes

If the track seems to be in too poor a condition, set off from Archail: allow an extra hour.

Other walks in the area

Walking The peaks of Couard and Cucuyon via Pas d'Archail

Visorando Member
Les sommets de Couard et de Cucuyon par le Pas d'Archail
↔7.93 mi ↗+3,684 ft ↘-3,661 ft ◔6h 50 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Archail (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Hike in the northern part of the Coupe mountain, east of Digne-les-Bains, between the Bléone and Issole valleys. After a beautiful climb through the forest, you will reach two peaks approaching 2,000 metres, offering superb panoramic views. The hike starts in Archail, a small village 13 km from Digne-les-Bains, which can be reached by a road, already magnificent, that runs alongside the Bouinenc torrent.

Walking Pic de Couard via Archail

Visorando Member
Pic de Couard par Archail
↔8.35 mi ↗+3,471 ft ↘-3,455 ft ◔6h 50 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Archail (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
A very beautiful hike above Archail. Superb views throughout the walk and at the summit. A very pleasant setting.

Walking Couard and Cucuyon peaks and Col de la Cine

Visorando Member
↔13.59 mi ↗+5,486 ft ↘-5,479 ft ◔8 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Archail (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Variation (extension) of the route leading to the peaks of Couard and Cucuyon, but allowing you to walk along a magnificent ridge line and make a circular route. Many thanks to the hiker I met on the descent from the summit of Couard who made this brilliant suggestion.

Walking The Black Earth of Draix

Visorando Member
↔5.12 mi ↗+1,040 ft ↘-1,043 ft ◔3h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Draix (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
An easy loop that starts on a very small, quiet paved road in a wild valley. It then follows a series of paths and trails, ending with a short stretch on a very small road. There are points of interest along the route, with magnificent views of the peaks.

Walking Forest park at Le Brusquet

Visorando Member
Parc forestier au Brusquet
↔3.41 mi ↗+240 ft ↘-253 ft ◔1h 45 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Le Brusquet (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
A family walk offering the chance to see a geological curiosity dating back 180 million years and to admire dozens of century-old trees of various species.

Walking In the shade of the Barre des Dourbes

Visorando Member
Dans l'ombre de la Barre des Dourbes
↔4.00 mi ↗+925 ft ↘-925 ft ◔2h 40 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Digne-les-Bains (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Whilst admiring the splendid Barre des Dourbes, you’ll walk across varied terrain: tracks, paths, meadows, tunnels of greenery… The undulating landscape offers varied scenery and gives your legs a better workout than on flat ground. It’s therefore a half-day family walk, starting just 30 minutes from Digne. If you want to treat yourself or inspire others to climb the Barre, then this walk will have you salivating!

Walking The Barre des Dourbes ridge

Visorando Member
La barre des Dourbes
↔6.43 mi ↗+2,123 ft ↘-2,152 ft ◔4h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Digne-les-Bains (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Long north-south oriented ridge, the Barre des Dourbes ridge separates the basin of Digne-les-Bains from the Barrême syncline. Rising in stages over twenty kilometres, culminating Pic de Couar some 1988 m above sea level.

Walking La Cériège refuge from La Douane

Visorando Member
Refuge de La Cériège depuis la Douane
↔4.03 mi ↗+1,079 ft ↘-1,079 ft ◔2h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Javie (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
A shaded hike along a mountain path forming part of the transhumance routes (“La Routo”), in a valley that has returned to its wild state between La Javie and Saint-Pierre de Beaujeu. A walk through varied wooded areas where you’ll encounter fascinating wildlife (in spring: orchids including the bee orchid), a visit to a hamlet, now uninhabited, with a basic but always open refuge.

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