The Couleau valley

Description

A pleasant route through the unspoilt Couleau valley, unveiling its varied landscapes to the curious walker. From streams to waterfalls, from pine forests to mountain pastures, this short hike is a real gem for walkers in search of peace and quiet. Go straight ahead on the track, which then narrows into a path and climbs more steeply after it crosses a stream a few times. . - Follow the cairns to cross the stream and reach the St Clément hut. From here, cross the clearing to the left just above the hut to pick up the well-marked path that continues along the Couleau to the footbridge. - Cross the stream and then descend to the right bank following the path which then passes under the Pré Charnier hut. - Continue downhill on the main path, leaving the directions to the Méan and then Fouran huts on the right. Shortly after the old slate quarry and the stream crossing, the path widens into a track. Follow it for about 200 m. - At the cairn, take the path down to the left and cross the Couleau stream by the footbridge. Follow the path back up to the start of the trail near the car park. - Turn right to get back to the starting point.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Pré du Plaï, Saint-Clément-sur-Durance, Saint-Clément-sur-Durance (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/996182-Le-vallon-du-Couleau). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 469 m, Parc national des Écrins