Les Eyssarts

Description

A walk through forest for the most part, its high point being a panoramic view over the Vallouise valley. This itinerary introduces you to three villages in the territory - Les Vigneaux, Puy Saint-Vincent and Vallouise-Pelvoux - all in tranquil surroundings and which time seems to have passed by. On top of this, the circuit offers a panoramic view from the chapel of Saint-Romain, a fine example of the historical, iconic architecture of the municipality of Puy Saint-Vincent. The route starts at Le Pont du Rif, from the car park on the right-hand bank of the Gyronde. Take the paved road heading towards the campsite «Le Courounba» - Before you reach the campsite, go left onto a path which runs just above it - At the intersection, continue straight ahead towards Les Eyssarts (Snowshoe track ("Piste de raquettes") no. 10) - At the end of the path, turn left and after 150 metres head right onto the heritage path ("Sentier du patrimoine") towards the chapel of Saint-Romain - Turn right and after another 150 metres turn left which takes you up a short incline. At the end of the path, where you reach the D4, head right and after 15 metres turn right again onto a track leading to the chapel of Saint-Romain - At the chapel of Saint-Romain, retrace your steps until you are back on the road, then turn left again and start the descent, following signs for Vallouise, via the "Sentier du facteur" (postman's path) - At the end of the track, head left to continue downhill on a new track which brings you to the D4 again. Carry on downhill and at the intersection turn right towards the Park Centre ("Maison du Parc") - Leave the road going right to follow the Gyronde towards Champ Clément, Les Parchers and La Chambon. After 350 metres, turn left and continue in the same direction - Turn right again, following the first part of the trail in reverse, to skirt around the campsite and back to your starting point

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• Check weather conditions before setting off.
• Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne (Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
• Show consideration for the work of farmers, livestock keepers and owners
• Close all gates behind you
• Take your litter home
• Do not take shortcuts across pastureland

Getting there

Start: Pont du Rif (côté rive droite de la Gyronde), Les Vigneaux, Les Vigneaux (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/973847-Les-Eyssarts). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 360 m, Parc national des Écrins