Rousset walks

La Viste is a peak overlooking the Serre-Ponçon dam. Walking around it offers beautiful views of the lake, as well as the surrounding mountains (Ecrins massif, Ubaye) and the Durance valley. Please note that this hike should only be undertaken in good weather, with no risk of storms, as it involves fording numerous streams. In addition, a short section on a very steep slope, which is actually easy, may cause discomfort for those prone to vertigo.

A beautiful hike that begins at the deep Saut de Roland waterfall before climbing up the riverbed. The ascent to Col Lebraut, initially shaded, gradually opens up to reveal the majestic mountains. The descent from Crête des Esteves offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the sparkling lake. At Les Hyvans, on the edge of the lake, the setting invites serenity and the large wooden tables provide the ideal setting for a convivial picnic. The climb to the Ruines du Villard begins with a lunar passage through black marl. Upon arrival at Rocher Chabrand, the view of the beaches of Bois Vieux and the Serre-Ponçon Dam is simply remarkable.

Unforgettable views of the lake at the confluence of the Durance and Ubaye rivers.

The hike described here is an exceptional experience for lovers of nature and magnificent landscapes. The Escoubaye route offers spectacular panoramic views of the Durance valley, Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding mountains, guaranteeing some truly memorable moments. The ascent to Clot la Cime, through a peaceful and soothing beech forest, adds a touch of serenity to this adventure. At the summit, the reward is priceless: a breathtaking view of natural wonders such as the lake, the Aiguilles de Chabrières, Mont Guillaume and the Grand Morgon. An unmissable hike for lovers of alpine landscapes.

Discover a spectacular geological site formed by the erosion of sedimentary layers of fluvial-glacial origin. The hike is short but challenging and offers magnificent views of the Durance valley.

Beautiful views of the Salle de Bal des Demoiselles Coiffées

Discover a spectacular geological site formed by the erosion of fluvio-glacial sedimentary layers. This short hike can be extended towards Mont Colombis, which offers magnificent views over the Durance valley and Lake Serre-Ponçon.

Starting from the village of La Bréole, the Clot la Cime circuit will take you to the highest point in the commune, at 1,580 metres, with a magnificent view of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the Durance valley. This hike is classified as "moderate" but is quite long.

Starting from the village of La Bréole, this walk is suitable for the whole family.It will allow you to discover both the Château de La Bréole and the Serre-Ponçon Dam, a key feature of the local heritage of the 20th century.

There is a lovely view of the Remollon plain during the climb, followed by a wild descent after the Saint-Pierre Chapel.

A circular walk to reach the Saint-Sixte Chapel and descend via the Bréziers road. The highest point offers a stunning panoramic view of the Bréziers valley and the Durance valley, with the peaks of Céüse, Bure and Mont Colombis in the background. Be careful, there are two options for the end of the route: either via a wide track and then the road (safer but longer), or go ‘off-trail’ tocut across fields and a stream to reach the D951 road (shorter but more difficult).

An easy hike in a rural and wooded setting, offering beautiful panoramic views of the mountains and Lake Serre-Ponçon. The circular route follows the yellow markings ofthe PR® n°3 from Chorges along the entire route.

A very beautiful walk, shaded for much of the way, with superb views of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding mountains. Plenty of flowering plants and butterflies in July.

This hike is a real invitation to discover the natural and cultural wonders of the Serre-Ponçon region. Starting from Chanteloube Bay, the trail offers a unique experience for families that is accessible and enriching. The landscapes that open up onto Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding mountains are breathtakingly beautiful. Continuing towards Baie Saint-Michel, you will be charmed by the sun's reflections on the water and the breathtaking view of the Chapelle Saint-Michel, a jewel set on its own little island. The return via the Curattes viewpoint is the highlight of this route. This spectacular viewpoint offers an unforgettable panorama, where the intense blue of the lake contrasts with the green hills and alpine peaks. This spot is also a perfect vantage point for admiring the Durance valley. An experience that will delight young and old alike and remain etched in your memory.

Between Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the hills, come and discover a loop that takes you closer to the history of this region. At the bottom of the creeks are viaducts and tunnels that are visible when the lake level drops! A loop that will be completely different depending on the season and the level of the lake!

A lovely family walk, allowing you to stroll at the foot of the ‘Demoiselles Coiffées’ and then, from the village’s terraces, enjoy magnificent views over the wooded valley, the vineyards, the three lakes of Rochebrune and, on the horizon, the Parpaillon, Trois Évêchés and Digne Pre-Alps mountain ranges.

Discover the treasures of Remollon, a village steeped in history and natural beauty. Nestled in a valley shaped by glaciers and the River Durance, this region offers the perfect setting for a family getaway. Go for a hike to admire unique sights such as the ‘petrifying’ waterfall, the fascinating ‘demoiselles coiffées’ rock formations, the majestic Remollon Dome from which the Saint-Roch Chapel rises, and the peaceful banks of the Durance. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and immerse yourself in the rich and eventful history of this charming village, designated a ‘remarkable heritage site’. Let yourself be captivated by its rich wine-growing heritage and soak up its authentic atmosphere. Information panels featuring QR codes are dotted along the route, offering you an interactive and enriching experience. An invitation to explore and be amazed awaits you at every turn!

A stunning viewpoint overlooking the Durance and all the iconic peaks and mountain ranges in the surrounding area (Ceüze, Bure, Ecrins, Morgon, Ubaye, Monges...). A route through deciduous woodland, which lets the sun through in early spring and provides shade in summer.

A mid-mountain hike at the foot of the Aiguilles de Chabrières. Superb views, particularly of the Aiguilles de Chabrières, Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Pic de Morgon.

Starting from the Church of Costebelle, in the commune of La Bréole, this route, suitable for ordinary walkers, will take you to Lake Saint-Léger, in the neighbouring commune of Montclar.

This walk allows you to discover the Lac de Serre-Ponçon with some fairly wild sections. It also offers magnificent views of the surrounding peaks.

A charming little loop hike combining wooded passages, stony paths and panoramic ridges. Some sections may be daunting for those prone to vertigo, but the route is well worth the effort: breathtaking views of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Ubaye, the Durance, the bay of Saint-Michel, Morgon and Morgonnet, as well as the entire surrounding mountain range, from Les Chabrières to Mont Guillaume. And to round off the walk in style, a stop at the small chapel, carefully restored by the Rimachays association, is a must. A true moment of serenity in the heart of nature.

Starting from Notre-Dame du Laus, this short walk takes you along a route dotted with stone benches to a monument dedicated to one of the apparitions witnessed by Benoite Rencurel. The return route follows a balcony path high above the Plaine de l’Avance. This walk can be extended by adding one or two routes (see § Practical Information).

A circular loop starting from Notre-Dame du Laus, which begins with a Way of the Cross leading up to the statue of the Angel. Offering beautiful views of the Avance Valley, the sanctuary and the surrounding peaks, the route includes a few passages that are sometimes too steep for young children.

The walk begins with a Way of the Cross, topped by an imposing radio mast. If you’re not keen on that sort of thing, this walk isn’t for you. Otherwise, there are numerous viewpoints throughout this walk overlooking the Avance Valley, Notre-Dame du Laus, as well as Céüze, Bure, the Montagne de Charance, the Pic de Gleize, the Vieux Chaillol, the Piolit, the Aiguilles de Chabrières, Mont Guillaume, etc. No particular difficulty, suitable for getting back into shape after the winter.

A very pleasant circular route along paths and trails with magnificent views of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the summit of the Pic de Morgon overlooking the walk, and the entire ridge line as far as the Tête de la Vieille.

Hike in the Parpaillon massif, located at the foot of the majestic Grand Morgon, fairly wild and well shaded, with beautiful views of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon, on the Durance and Ubaye sides. Possible variations to reach the summit of Morgonnet or La Coquille.

The walk takes place in a beech forest and the highest point of this hike, above Gigors—the Tête de la Plane—is the reward for a pleasant but steep climb. The view over the Turriers plain is superb and is complemented by an orientation board describing the surrounding peaks.

A circular path in the forest above the sanctuary of Notre-Dame du Laus offers numerous views of the Avance Valley, Notre-Dame du Laus, Céüze, Bure, Charance, Gleize and the peaks of Champsaur, all the way to Mont Guillaume. No particular difficulty.

From the Col du Tourrond, this short walk in the forest offers few views but plenty of peace and quiet. It can be supplemented by one or two routes (see § Practical information).

Starting from the beach at Saint-Vincent-les-Forts (800m), this route will take you to the village of Saint-Vincent-les-Forts and then back down via Lautaret, the second largest hamlet in the commune. This hike, with its sumptuous views of Lake Serre-Ponçon, is suitable for average walkers.

Just 30 minutes from Gap, perched high on the mountain, Piégut and Venterol overlook the Durance valley. The route can be extended or shortened depending on your preference and how you’re feeling!

Alternative route to La Salette via Bois le Prêtre and Le Tatier, starting from Risolet (Montclar). This alternative route follows part of the Dormillouse Trail taken by runners on the short course – 11 km – except for the return leg to La Salette, where you can enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks and reflect on the first inhabitants of Montclar who once lived there. To find out more, I can only recommend reading this remarkable book: *Montclar, les deux clochers* by Alain Bouyala (father of the new mayor, François Bouyala!).

A peaceful walk to discover some of the historical curiosities of La Bâtie-Vieille, but above all beautiful panoramic views of the Champsaur and Gapençais mountains (Charance, Chapeau de Napoléon, Piolit, Les Parias, Aiguilles de Chabrières, etc.).A trail with information panels.

A very pleasant walk with magnificent views over Lake Serre Ponçon and the Aiguilles de Chabrières. Accessible, with part of the route on a forest track but some sections of path that climb quite steeply. South-facing with little shade; best avoided in hot weather. This walk follows marked routes listed on the Serre Ponçon website. In summer, you may come across flocks of sheep, but you won’t need to cross any fenced-in pastures.

A superb, very easy circular walk at the Col Saint-Jean, ideal for children of all ages! "Discovery trail" with a birdwatching hide near Lake Saint-Léger (don't forget your binoculars), a mysterious archaeological site, the Saint-Léger Chapel, a view of the Dormillouse fort at the top of the Blanche ridge... Very shaded route.

Set off to explore Lake Saint-Léger along paths that are sometimes unmarked – an opportunity to hike off the beaten track. Don’t miss the Sacrificial Stone and Saint-Léger Chapel. Information boards are situated along part of the route. Only undertake this hike if you are used to walking on unmarked paths and know how to find your way and read a map.

A challenging hike to the Piolit via a little-used route with a significant elevation gain.A beautiful climb through flower-filled mountain pastures, followed by a more rocky landscape, before admiring the first 3,000-metre peaks of the Écrins to the north and Lake Serre-Ponçon to the south on the horizon.

A route partly through woodland, allowing you to discover two charming villages and offering a beautiful panorama of the Gapençais and Champsaur peaks.

A lovely, fairly easy and not very long family walk. Part of the route is through woodland and along paths in the fields, but it offers beautiful views of the Gapençais and Champsaur peaks.

Discover Plan des Sagnières, a peaceful and charming natural site nestled between peat bogs and forest. This educational route invites you to learn more about the challenges and ecological richness of wetlands. There is a picnic area at the start of the trail so you can make the most of your walk.

From the pretty little lake of Saint-Apollinaire, towards the Aiguilles de Chabrières. The route offers magnificent 360° views of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Embrunais and the Ecrins. This hike is one of the routes leading to the Aiguilles de Chabrières (I’ve described another one starting from the Réallon resort). For me, this is the most difficult one because the climb is steep right from the start and doesn’t let up until the Pic de Chabrières.

This route to the Aiguilles de Saint-Apollinaire allows you to discover the small lake of Saint Apollinaire before enjoying an exceptional view of the Serre-Ponçon lake and the mountains that surround it. On the way back, you can appreciate the charm of the small resort of Réallon. A passage through a very steep rocky area may be difficult for those who are sensitive to vertigo.

Route follows signposted paths and tracks. Steep climb through the forest. A slightly tricky section on the descent. Beautiful views of Château de Montclar and the village of Seyne-les-Alpes. Despite the difficulty of the climb, the route is interesting due to the variety of landscapes encountered.

This circuit, created as part of the Fête de la Randonnée organised by the Hautes-Alpes Departmental Committee, is a pleasant route suitable for all ages. It offers breathtaking views of its large neighbour, the Serre-Ponçon Lake.

A walk through forests and rocks with fabulous views of Lake Serre-Ponçon at the gateway to the Parc des Écrins.

This walk, which begins in the larch woodland at the foot of the Aiguilles de Chabrières, offers superb views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the Réallon valley and Lac Saint-Apollinaire.

This is a beautiful walk with the aim of reaching the limestone massif of the Aiguilles de Chabrières, which offers a magnificent 360° panorama of the Embrunais, the Écrins massif and the Serre-Ponçon lake.

A family-friendly discovery trail focusing on mountain birds. From the resort to the hamlet of Vaucluse, this scenic route overlooking the Réallon valley features several play structures made from local larch wood.

This is a pleasant walk with beautiful scenery along most of the route. The Font Renarde hut, below the Aiguilles de Chabrières, is in a truly superb spot.