The four passes at Lus-la-Croix-Haute

This hike takes in four passes, Col des Tours, Col du Vallon de l'Aup, Col du Lauteret and Col de Plate Contier, and is characterised by the diversity of its landscapes and the beauty of its panoramic views.
This is a ride with no major technical difficulties and a steady climb throughout, and is one of the most beautiful in the Bochaîne area.
"A real favourite".

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.31 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 734 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 730 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,908 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,304 m

Photos

Description of the walk

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).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,304 m - Les Chabottes car park
  2. 1 : km 0.96 - alt. 1,469 m - Intersection of the trail and forest track
  3. 2 : km 2.54 - alt. 1,648 m - Plate Cuche - View of the Chartreuse de Durbon
  4. 3 : km 4.17 - alt. 1,694 m - Col des Tours
  5. 4 : km 4.54 - alt. 1,737 m - View of the Dévoluy mountains
  6. 5 : km 5.14 - alt. 1,706 m - Col du Vallon de l'Aup
  7. 6 : km 6.36 - alt. 1,751 m - Col de Lautaret
  8. 7 : km 7.23 - alt. 1,754 m - Take the path on the left
  9. 8 : km 8.15 - alt. 1,902 m - Col de Plate Contier
  10. 9 : km 10.36 - alt. 1,577 m - Intersection with Chemin Tour Carrée
  11. 10 : km 11.17 - alt. 1,446 m - Crossing the Chabottes torrent
  12. 11 : km 11.5 - alt. 1,409 m - At the intersection, turn left downhill
  13. 12 : km 12.03 - alt. 1,322 m - At the forest track junction, turn left
  14. S/E : km 12.31 - alt. 1,304 m - Les Chabottes car park

Notes

To get to the starting point, head to the Chabottes car park.

From Lus, head towards Vallon de la Jarjatte, then turn right towards Gorges de Riou Froid. The 6 km road is paved but be careful at the end of the route as it is less well maintained with potholes in the road surface.
At Les Chabottes, there is a large car park and a picnic area.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 20 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 4638299

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike with no particular difficulties. The forest road leading to the start has a few potholes, but nothing serious. The hike is very well marked and the path is pleasant, although there are a few small, steep climbs. Superb views of the surrounding mountain ranges. I recommend it

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pascalepom
pascalepom

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike with stunning views

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ANNE2669
ANNE2669
• Edited:

Sorry to hear about your mishap
I did this hike over the Whitsun weekend. On the way up, we came across a fallen tree, which we were able to get around. We didn't encounter any other problems after that. The signs were in place and the herds weren't yet out in the mountain pastures. We met lots of hikers going in both directions on this route.

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User 8957749
• Edited:

We went hiking yesterday in good weather. I should mention that we are experienced and well equipped. The directions to the starting point are good. The road to the car park is narrow, but it is possible to pass other vehicles. It is paved, but watch out for potholes. The problem arises a few dozen metres after the start of the hike, where trees have been struck by lightning and we have to navigate around them with a bit of agility, but it's not too serious. Up to stage 4, there are no problems following the path, which is well signposted and very visible. The real problems start at stage 5, where the signposts are lying on the ground, probably broken by cows as this is where they sleep, and you walk through fresh cow dung. From this stage onwards, the paths disappear completely. This hike is no longer maintained, so good luck finding your way without the signposts. I regret not checking my GPS route at this point, but preoccupied by the cows, which were not very friendly, we followed the only path we could find, which led us to the square tower, when we wanted to continue the hike. Don't make this mistake, because after the tower and until stage 12, nature has reclaimed its rights. Nettles, brambles and bushes came up to our shoulders. The path was barely visible and we didn't know where we were putting our feet. We slipped several times. What got us back was the hike guide on this website. We arrived covered in scratches, cuts and stings. Furthermore, we respect the farmers and their work, but there are no signs indicating the location of the herds, and we passed four enclosures without ever knowing whether we were entering or leaving the enclosure. Talking to a shopkeeper, we learned that this trail is no longer maintained and is left for the animals. I never leave reviews, but I feel it's important to report this. I don't think it would be possible with children. Sorry for any spelling mistakes.

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sempervivum
sempervivum

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Access via a narrow road along a stream. A magnificent hike with varied landscapes at each pass: mountain pastures, peaks, forests, beautiful views... Flaming larch trees in early November. We met a few hikers on this beautiful day. Thank you to the author for sharing.

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1950bba
1950bba

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful, varied and easy hike (the hardest part is getting to the starting point: a long, narrow road that is paved but damaged in places. Fortunately, we didn't encounter anyone, despite the presence of numerous cars in the Chabottes car park – hunters?)
Even the sections on tracks are not unpleasant (even gradient, autumnal vegetation, etc.)
Magnificent views of the Dévoluy.
The long descent is not very steep, but muddy at the bottom at this time of year.

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christianmarche
christianmarche
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

3 At the Col des Tours, go through the barrier (fence) to rejoin the GR 94C (inside the cow park for 300 m), which continues on. Reach a grassy plateau called "Tête de la Grangette"

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Les Blaireaux de la Rando
Les Blaireaux de la Rando
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

One of the most beautiful hikes in the area, with a wide variety of landscapes... We've walked this trail at least ten times and never get tired of it. It's always a pleasure...

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emelineetjulien
emelineetjulien

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The first part of the hike through the forest is not particularly interesting. The view opens up from the Col des Tours, revealing stunning landscapes. The view from the Col de Plate Contier is magical, and we enjoyed lunch there in the company of marmots. This hike is not very challenging and we highly recommend it!

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Dominique R.
Dominique R.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful views, easy and varied hiking.

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randosoise
randosoise

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike on a beautiful autumn day with a few chamois as a bonus... and vultures too
Spectacular views, length, elevation gain, route – everything was perfect

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bonnemarche
bonnemarche

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike for average walkers, dotted with landscapes that are very different from one another and offering stunning panoramic views. However, the forest trail between points 1 and 3 is a bit tedious. Nevertheless, it's a hike worth doing.

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Philou26
Philou26

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with superb views of the surrounding mountains, and very peaceful (we hardly saw anyone).

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Klodeko
Klodeko

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Did this with my dog, starting from La Cluse to the east of the circuit. We climbed up the GR94 to Les Archers to reach the Col de Plate Contier, where there were a few chamois. From the pass, we made a round trip to the head of Garnesier via the Pas de l'Agneau, with a few small snowfields to cross for an incomparable view
The descent down the valley was still a little snowy and the nettles were still very small in the forest. A few chamois were waiting for us in the woods after the Col de L'Aup. Once back at the Col de Lauteret, we climbed up to the Plane du Pin to descend to the Col de Malamort and finish in the valley before joining the forest road in the Aune forest. We never tire of this loop, which can be done in any season.

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Helody38
Helody38

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike... not difficult but with a real mountain feel. From Grenoble under threatening skies, a short hop to the other side of the pass, and there was sunshine (and a bit of wind too). Chamois, vultures, and one of the first marmots. Each pass offered a different landscape. There was some snow left on the second part. On the way down, the effects of the late winter were evident in the larch forest: broken trees and the path washed away by avalanches and the torrent that overflowed when the snow melted. Be sure to follow the path carefully

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