Les hauteurs de Crots

Description

A landscape fit for a postcard! From the Château de Picomtal to the banks of the Durance, this route boasts a natural and built heritage that is full of interest. From the outset, at the foot of the medieval castle of Picomtal, the route begins with a climb, on which you can admire the panorama. Then it's on to the banks of the Durance, dominated by Embrun and its historic quarter. The return journey to Crots follows a landscape of arable fields, with no real difficulties. - From the centre of Crots, follow the small road that runs alongside the château of Picomtal at the bottom in the direction of Le Poêt, gaining height fairly quickly through a succession of bends. - Take a short descent towards Baratier. Follow the D40 for a short stretch before turning right towards Crévoux. - Carry on for nearly 3km then cross the Durance on a metal bridge (wooden floor) towards Embrun. Quickly, turn left and follow the route de la Digue, which is closed to vehicles. - This road runs alongside the river and joins a footbridge to cross over the Durance again. Follow the cycle path towards Baratier (short section under the N94) and head towards a roundabout. - Take the second exit towards La Mure (D240), drive 100 m then take another right fork. At the next crow's-foot intersection, take the Chemin du Grand Liou, which continues to the right. - Continue straight on, skirting fields, until you reach the village of Crots.

Difficulty

Official rating: very easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Parking centre-ville, Crots, Crots (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/996003-Les-hauteurs-de-Crots). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 168 m, Parc national des Écrins