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Park at the Chabottes car park.
(S/E) The trailhead is right next to the car park after a sign explaining the deer rut. An arrow marked "Col des Tours" indicates the path that branches off to the right and climbs steeply. In some places, you will see old markings on trees with yellow triangles bearing the trail number 50.
After a fairly steep climb, the path rejoins a forest track at a hut.
(1) Take the track on the right, which climbs steadily through more open countryside.
(2) The track makes a hairpin bend at Roc de Plate Cuche, where you can stop to admire the view and discover the old Durbonas charterhouse below in the national forest.
Continue along the forest track (yellow markings) which gently climbs to the Col de Tours at 1,691 metres.
(3) Go through the gate to rejoin theGR®94C, which follows the same route as the yellow markings towards the Col du Vallon de l'Aup, climbing left onto a stony path that runs along the side of the mountain. You will reach a grassy plateau.
(4) At this point, an impressive panorama of the Dévoluy mountains opens up.
The path continues to the left and quickly joins the second pass, the Col du Vallon de l'Aup, located in the middle of pine trees at 1,708 metres.
(5) A path on the left offers the option of reaching Les Chabottes directly via the Tour Carrée.
Take theGR®94C, which climbs a few switchbacks to reach an altitude of 1,813 metres before descending slightly down the mountainside. Shortly before arriving at the Col de Lauteret, theGR®94C trailbranches off to the right towards Glaise and Veyne. Do not follow it, but continue along the yellow markings to the pass at an altitude of 1,754 metres.
(6) Turn left, heading north towards the Col de Plate Contier. The path continues through a landscape with southern characteristics. Opposite, you can admire the Aurouze mountain, which dominates the hamlet of La Cluse. On the other side of this mountain are the Super Dévoluy ski slopes.
Be sure to follow the yellow markings at all times. In some places, cow tracks may obscure the path.
(7) Above a watering place, the path climbs up to the left. It rises in wide switchbacks that lead to the Col de Plate Contier.
(8) On the left, admire the impressive rocks of the Tête du Pin and, above the pass, the very rocky landscape of the Tête de Garnesier.
The descent from the pass is on a path that is a little steep at first but quickly becomes gentler, passing through ever-changing landscapes and larch forests.
(9) On your left, you will come to the intersection with the path that descends directly from the Vallon de l'Aup via the Tour Carrée. Continue to follow the yellow markings downhill.
(10) Cross the Torrent de Chabottes (low flow in September) and stay on the path on the left until you reach a forest track. Follow this track, turning left.
(11) At this intersection, turn left downhill (signposted Chabottes).
(12) At another intersection, turn left again and, after about 100 metres, continue straight ahead, leaving a forest track on your left that indicates the Col des Tours, and you will very quickly reach the Parking des Chabottes (S/E).
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Association / Club / Walk leader
