Country:
City:
From Saint-André-les-Alpes, take the D2 towards Thorame-Basse. Drive through the village until you reach the hamlet of Château-Garnier. Turn right into the hamlet and take the track running perpendicular to the D2 you’ve just left. Continue up the well-maintained track that runs alongside the Estelle, cross a bridge and carry on until you reach a junction.
(S/E) Carry on straight ahead along the yellow-marked track until you reach point 1372.
(1) The track ends; continue along the path which climbs steeply through the larch woodland. If you’re doing this walk in spring, you’ll be able to admire some magnificent wild peonies during this first section. Follow the yellow markings all the way to the magnificent Cabane du Cheval Blanc without straying from them.
(2) At the hut, take a path on the left. The path crosses the Ravin de l’Ajasson and continues along a ridge path to the foot of the Montagne de Tournon, in the middle of a beautiful, flat meadow. You’ll join theGRP® Tour du Haut Verdon.
(3) Turn right and begin the ascent of the Montagne de Tournon. There is a hut on your left. The path, which is not very visible, climbs steeply through the mountain pastures, generally following the ridge.
(4) At the top of this first ascent – which is challenging due to the steep gradient – turn right, heading due north, and follow the ridge line and its rollercoaster-like ups and downs before reaching the Sommet des Croquets, marked by a cairn. Beautiful panoramic views.
From there, you can see the Sommet du Cheval Blanc with its cylindrical concrete structure at the end of the ridge, which serves as the summit observatory.
(5) Carry on straight ahead, still following the ridge, to the summit of Cheval Blanc.
(6) We were able to have a picnic and enjoy the view:
- to the north, the Trois Evêchés with the Tête de l’Estrop;
- to the east, in the foreground, the Montagne de Coste Longue, then in the distance, the Frema and the Grand Coyer;
- to the south-east, the Cordeil, the Chalvet and the Montagne de Rent;
- at the foot of the northern slope, the Bléone valley.
(6) From the summit, begin the descent to the right, following the cairns and markings through the scree. Caution: the path is barely visible. At the edge of the first small larch trees, look for a signpost indicating the direction of the Cabane du Cheval Blanc.
(7) Turn sharply right and continue the descent along a ledge above a larch wood to reach the Cabane du Cheval Blanc once more. This section may be vertiginous for those prone to vertigo.
(2) Once at the hut, turn left and follow the path back in the opposite direction until you reach the track, which you then follow down to the starting point (S/E).
! So please do take your rubbish and empty bottles with you, and close the door when you leave. Because I’m a bit fed up with having to clean up after those who’ve enjoyed this place every spring when I return to prepare for the season… Thank you!
Visorando Member
Easy 
Moderate 
