Tour du Grand Bérard

From La Condamine-Châtelard, head towards the Sainte-Anne ski resort via the D29 and, at a bend just before reaching Sainte-Anne, continue towards Les Pras and the Parpaillon Tunnel road. Follow the road leading to the tunnel – initially tarmac, then a dirt track – a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended. Park at Pont de Bérard at the side of the track.

(S/E) Cross the bridge and take the path which climbs up the slope of the track to the left, following the yellow markings. Wind your way through the woodland, more or less following the course of the Bérard torrent. You’ll reach a wooden bridge.

(1) Cross the bridge and continue along the right bank of the stream. Leave the last larch trees behind and continue gradually until you reach the Cabane de Bérard, situated on the left bank in the mountain pasture.

(2) Continue along the right bank, following the markings, until you reach a flat area.

(3) From here, begin a climb via tight hairpin bends until you reach a spot near a stream.

(4) Take care here: follow the signposts closely and ignore the cairns leading off to the left. Continue up the switchbacks to reach the Pas de Reverdillon, situated between La Chalanche and the Grand Bérard.

(5) Begin the descent down the western slope along a steep and somewhat tricky path. Pass between small rock outcrops and then large scree slopes. Take great care on this section, which is made slightly easier by clearly visible cairns. You will then reach a flatter, greener area where a sign indicates the^GR®56.

(6) Turn right onto this path and follow its red and white markings. Continue the descent until you reach the Cabane du Petit Parpaillon.

(7) Continue along the Ruisseau de Parpaillon until you reach the track at the Cabane du Grand Parpaillon. Turn right onto it, cross the stream and arrive at the edge of the woodland.

(8) Enter the woods; you’ll soon come to a designated rest area. Carry on to reach the Pont de Bérard car park via a gentle descent (S/E).

One downside: the return journey along the track leading to the Tunnel is long and uninteresting; you’ll come across quite a few motor vehicles (noise and dust).
Watch out for herds (keep dogs on a lead).

The area is renowned for its distinctive rocks and folds.
There is a chance of spotting mouflons – wild sheep – whilst climbing up to the pass on the high, stony slopes; we observed a group of females and their young. A useful tip: you can clearly hear the mouflon’s bleating, which sounds like that of a goat, and immediately catches your attention.
You may also spot Alpine honeysuckle plants with their bright red berries.