RANDOLAND: Puy Aillaud / Le Villard

Description

Explore traditional villages to discover their architectural, mountain-dwelling and cultural heritage A two-stage treasure hunt: First, Puy Aillaud, the highest hamlet in Vallouise. which offers a stunning view over the valley. Then, 300 metres lower down, Le Villard and its traditional houses. Two mountain villages cast their spell! The tour starts from the car park in Puy Aillaud (next to the containers). Go down the road and take the first road on the right, towards the restaurant “Les Rhododendrons”. - Just before the two restaurants, climb up the steps on the right and take the grass path opposite to reach the road. - Go down to the left, to the hike post at the start of the first path, on the left. Carry on down the road, go between the two restaurants and then turn right, skirting around Les Rhododendrons. Carry on until you come to the church water fountain. - Go down the steps on the right which lead to a wash house. - Then go left down the road, then turn left and carry on until you come to the sheepfold. Come back to the road and go right to pass the house with the sundial. Then head back to the car park. Get back into the car and head towards Le Villard. Stop at the chapel of Saint-Jean, on the left-hand side of the road, and then carry on along the road towards Le Villard. - Park just outside the hamlet of Le Villard. Head up to the right, towards the exhibition, and stop in front of the chapel. - Head up to the right until you come to the exhibition centre and then go back down to the church water fountain. Next, turn right and then left to reach the wash house. Continue left to return to the car park.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• To download the Randoland clue sheets, visit the Office de Tourisme Intercommunal du Pays des Écrins website.
• 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: Le Passage d’Aval, Puy Aillaud, Vallouise-Pelvoux (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/962832-RANDOLAND-%3A-Puy-Aillaud--Le-Villard). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 26 m, Parc national des Écrins