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Saint-Apollinaire walks
Aiguilles de Chabrières from the Réallon resort
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.
Réallon - Font Renarde loop
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.
Aiguilles de Chabrières and Vaucluse
A walk through forests and rocks with fabulous views of Lake Serre-Ponçon at the gateway to the Parc des Écrins.
The Saint-Apollinaire Lake circuit
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.
Serre-Ponçon Lake - Between Baie Saint-Michel and Baie des Moulettes
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.
Pierre Arnoux viewpoint
A beautiful view of Lake Serre-Ponçon at the end of the climb.
A pleasant hike through the woods.
Reyssas Canal and abandoned farms
Hike along the Reyssas irrigation canal. To maintain a steady gradient, the canal passes through some unlikely and beautiful places. Admire the work of our ancestors. Discover abandoned farms. Hike through the forest, including a majestic larch grove. Beautiful views of Lake Serre-Ponçon.
This hike requires a bit of agility (crossing the Coulet torrent) and balance (walking on a narrow path along the canal). From 12 years old.
The Pierre Arnoux Belvedere
The walk begins with a stroll through a beautiful forest and ends with a splendid view of Lake Serre Ponçon.
Two small abandoned hamlets above Puy-Saint-Eusèbe
A very varied family walk with beautiful views of Lake Serre-Ponçon. Waterfalls, pretty forest with beautiful clearings, canal along which you walk and two small abandoned hamlets.
Circular Loop of the Sentier des Fontaines starting from Puy-Sanières
This circular loop allows you to discover the varied landscapes of the foothills of Mont Guillaume, not to mention some beautiful views of the Embrunais region.
Col du Morgonnet loop from Pontis
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.
Bachas path from Puy-Sanières
In the foothills of Mont Guillaume, a short hike through the forest overlooking Puy-Sanières and Puy Saint-Eusébe, with a breathtaking view over Lac de Serre-Ponçon.
From Chanteloube to Saint-Michel, return via the Belvédère des Curattes viewpoint
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.
Chanteloube loop
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!
Crête de la Gardette
This is a beautiful, easy hike offering stunning scenery for most of the route, ending with views over the Lac de Serre-Ponçon valley as far as Gap.
Vallon de Chargès
A beautiful, wild valley to explore on a round trip. It's a fairly easy walk to the Cabane du Pré d'Antoni, after which it gets a little steeper. The scenery is superb from start to finish. It's also a well-known spot for spotting chamois.
Col de la Gardette en boucle depuis les Gourniers (variante courte)
Une belle boucle dans les alpages du vallon de Réallon (Parc National des Écrins), avec des belles vues au milieu de la faune sauvage. Le panorama en hauteur donne sur le Sud des Écrins avec le Mourre Froid, les Aiguilles de Chabrières. Il s'agit d'une variante courte de la boucle, sans aller jusqu'au pic après le Col de la Gardette, et en "coupant" vers les Tomelles plutôt que de descendre jusqu'au torrent.
Col de la Gardette (Hautes-Alpes)
This round trip, which is more of a stroll than a hike, even if there is a little elevation gain and distance, allows you to gain a little height for a view of the beautiful landscapes at the southern end of the Écrins massif (Le Mourre Froid and other peaks), not to mention the beautifully carved Aiguilles de Chabrières mountains on the south-eastern side.
Le Morgonnet, Cabane du Jas via Les Hugues
A pleasant short hike offering beautiful views of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the majestic Grand Morgon.
Views of Lake Serre-Ponçon from the Col de Pontis
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.
Pic de Morgon and Lac Saint-Pierre
Panoramic view of Lake Serre Ponçon from the Pic du Morgon (2,324 m).A family hike that can test your legs on the last part.
For information:
The Morgon mountain pasture is closed to dogs from 15 June to 15 September. They are tolerated on a leash between 15 July and 15 August.
17.05.2023: The Grand Clos car park is only accessible via the Abbaye de Boscodon. Do not attempt to access it by car using another GPS route.
Mont Guillaume and Col de Trempa-Latz from Les Muandes de Bourlinche
The ascent of Mont Guillaume and its ridges via the Sentier des Pépinières trail from the Bourlinche car park.
Tour of the small lake of Embrun
Embrun is a town located in the heart of the Durance Valley. Rich in history, it is located not far from Lake Serre-Ponçon. There is a small lake next to it. Walking around it is a pleasant stroll, with views of the surrounding mountains, including Pic de Morgon and Mont Guillaume. It is a walk that can be enjoyed with young children.
Lac de L'Hivernet
A pretty little lake in a green setting above Embrun and at the foot of the Tête de l'Hivernet (2,824 m).
Circular in the Boscodon State Forest
This large forest between Lake Serre-Ponçon and the long ridge that ends at Pic de Morgon offers dozens of trails to explore. Here is one that runs close to the lake and takes you through tiny hamlets nestled in the forest.
From Boscodon Abbey to the hamlet of Saint-Jean
A very pleasant hike in the mid-mountains with beautiful views of Lake Serre-Ponçon, Embrun and the Aiguilles de Chabrières. The hamlet of Saint-Jean is well worth a visit with its church, cemetery and old municipal hearses (built and restored by ASPEC).
Le Belvédère de Bragousse
Belle randonnée dans la Forêt Domaniale de Boscodon sur un flanc du Pic de Morgon avec de superbes vues sur le Cirque de Bragousse.
Mont Guillaume
This is a pleasant route to one of the main and most beautiful viewpoints of Lake Serre-Ponçon.
Due to the large number of intersections, I recommend using the Visorando app.
The Piolit ridge from the Sapet road
A pleasant walk in the Sapet National Forest, at the foot of Piolit (2,464 m), which marks the end of the Embrunais transport layers. The Piolit ridge offers superb views of the Embrunais, Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Gap valley, Dévoluy, Champsaur and the Écrins massif.
Pic du Morgon from the Fontaine de l'Ours
A long hike with many facets.
A lunar landscape through the Cirque de Bragousse, a magnificent meadow through the Cirque du Morgon with its small sacred lake (Lac Saint-Pierre), if you are lucky enough to see it full of water, and its countless marmots, and finally an unforgettable panorama from the Pic du Morgon.
Circular Col Lebraut above Lake Serre-Ponçon
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.
Grand route of Pic de Morgon
This is a great hike that will leave you in awe of the magnificent landscape at Pic de Morgon.
What's more, this route offers great variety.
Tour de la Viste
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.
From the Lake to the Village
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.
La Grande Autane circular
Long and difficult hike offered here as a circular route, first through mountain pastures then up steep slopes to the summit.
It can also be done as a round trip, which is shorter but involves a tricky descent to the Col de Combeau.
As a circular loop as described, the landscape and views are different and the slope is easier.
It's up to you.
The Balconies of Roannes
The hike is entirely along the ridge, below the Petite and Grande Autane. It offers beautiful views of the Col de Roinette, La Coupa and its pass, La Pointe de Fleurendon and, in the background, Le Piolit and Les Crêtes de Bonaparré.
Le Piolit via Rouanne Haute, Col de Chorges, Col de la Pourrachière
At the gateway to the Parc des Écrins, in the Champsaur Massif, this magnificent hike begins at Rouanne Haute. The path winds gracefully through a larch forest, crosses streams of fresh, crystal-clear water and leads us, below the Col de Chorges, to the brown-tinged mountain pastures, sometimes still dotted with majestic snowdrifts despite the approach of summer.At the top of the Piolit, a breathtaking 360° panorama opens up, revealing the surrounding massifs and the splendid Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Descending via the Col de la Pourrachière, we plunge into a green and refreshing world, the perfect way to round off this wonderful outdoor activity.
Le Piolit via Rouanne Haute
A splendid hike with a difficult route that will take you to the Col de Chorges. Climb Piolit and enjoy its 360° panorama, then descend via the Col de la Pourrachiére.
From Piolit (2,464 m), there are views to the south over Lake Serre-Ponçon and Mercantour, and to the north-east, north and north-west over the peaks of Champsaur, Dévoluy and Ecrins.
Caution: do not attempt this route too early in the season, as there is still a lot of snow due to the exposure. See § practical information.
L'Escoubaye
Starting from the village of La Bréole, this hike is suitable for the whole family.
It will allow you to discover both the Château de La Bréole and the Serre-Ponçon Dam, an essential part of the local heritage of the 20th century.
Clot la Cime
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.
More walks in Saint-Apollinaire
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