Les Chardons Bleus nature reserve (no. 17)

Description

Intermediate circuit which culminates at the Les Chardons Bleus nature reserve This circuit runs above the canyon of the Fournel and takes you to the Deslioures nature reserve, a Natura 2000 site established in 1993 by the French Forestry Commission. This area is home to one of Europe's biggest populations of blue sea holly (Eryngium alpinum) which is protected at national and European level. It is also called the Queen-of-the-Alps. The circuit starts right in the centre of town, not far from the bridge spanning the Durance. Head due south towards the train station. - After passing the train station on your right and going under the railway bridge, follow the D423 towards the Fournel mines ("Mines du Fournel") - At the mine car park, carry on along the narrow road leading into the little valleyn - At a bridge, the Pont des Albrands, carry on along the forest track on the left-hand bank of the river - When you come to the terminal point of the forest track, turn back on yourself and go back along the path - Head right to cross the Fournel and reach Boujurian. Head towards the Pont d'Albrands and the Pont du Sapey - At the Pont du Sapey, stay on the right-hand bank of the Fournel and start the descent to the district of Plan Léothaud - At Plan Léothaud, go under the railway line. This brings you to the leisure centre and on to the end of the trail via the green route ("Voie Verte")

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne (Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
• Take your litter home;
• Do not take shortcuts across pastureland

Getting there

Start: Place du kiosque, L’Argentière-la-Bessée, L'Argentière-la-Bessée (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/973179-VTT-N17---Les-Chardons-Bleus). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 677 m, Parc national des Écrins