The Buffe valley

Description

This lovely itinerary will have you discovering the natural diversity of the Buffe valley. The valley is overlooked by the Mas de la Grave Peak. The Gâ stream has it source at the foot of the peak. The valley pastures are very popular among transhumant herders who bring their flocks from the South of France. Since wolves were seen in the area, the "patou" (a large dog belonging to shepherds) reappeared a few years ago. From the car park, head down towards the village. At the first crossing, do not go up into the village but take the hairpin to the right towards the ski lifts. At the second crossing, stay on the hillside (do not go down to the stream). Continue on the large track and at the following crossing, turn right towards the three hamlets of Les Rivets. Walk through them to reach La Croix (cross) de Tuf (1901 m). At the cross, go up to the right towards the Orliers mountain hut. Follow the track, cross the Chabanerie stream and go past the chalet that has the same name. Continue along the hillside until you reach the ruins located at the edge of the Courbeille stream. Go down towards the wide track and follow it left for 200 m then cross the Gâ stream (footbridge). Head back up the other side along a steep footpath until you reach the track for Les Combettes. Turn left and follow it to the end arriving at Le Querellé. Do not turn right onto the footpath that leads to Clot Raffin, but continue along the track that goes down to the "pont de la mine (mine bridge)". Cross the stream and head up towards Le Chazelet and the start of the itinerary.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• There may be herds of cattle on the footpath: walk around them unless you want to face the patou dogs!

Getting there

Start: Hameau du Chazelet, La Grave (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/920165-Le-vallon-de-la-Buffe). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 399 m, Parc national des Écrins