THEMED PATH: In the shepherds' footsteps

Description

From a vantage point overlooking the small valley of Chambron, discover this themed path marked by animal husbandry. “You feel rather isolated from the world on this itinerary. Yet the busy valley of Chambran is just below you. But there you are, under the high walls of the Montbrison massif. You feel so high above the world, and so small under these fortresses of limestone.” Marie-Geneviève Nicolas, park ranger at the Parc National des Écrins From Chambron, follow the track leading towards the valley bottom. - Turn right to start the ascent. - Make a there-and-back detour to admire the view down over the Cabane des Fons standing in the valley. Retrace your steps and then follow signs for the cabin ("Cabane"). Take the path on the right leading towards the Cabane du Clot de la Selle. The route runs close to the mountain hut, and then rises above it up an escarpment. The path then runs along the hillside; it leads across a vast scree of limestone blocks and carries on level through the alpine pasture before dropping down to the recent Cabane des Prés du Rocher. - Take the access track to the mountain hut, to join the road. Follow it for a few hundred metres until you reach Chambran.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• Some sections of the circuit are vertiginous and pass through rocky screes on the mountainside. Depending on their walking ability, young children may have difficulties crossing them.
• Binoculars are recommended for observing the fauna
• 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: Chambran, Vallouise-Pelvoux (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/959356-SENTIER-THEMATIQUE-%3A-Sur-les-traces-des-bergers). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 462 m, Parc national des Écrins