Hike through the stunning limestone massif of the Dévoluy mountains at your own pace using our tips for finding the best spots!
Holiday highlights:
- Choice of hand-picked walks and hikes so you get to walk the best trails and see the most magnificent views
- Off the beaten track, away from the honeypot walking destinations
- Unique geography with variety of landscapes to discover including forests, gorges and summits
- Walk at your own pace and at your level
- Hosted by passionate walkers who will share their local knowledge and tips with you
- Quality home cooked meal every evening and ample breakfast and picnic lunch each day
- Accessible by train from anywhere in Europe and no personal car required in destination
- Sustainable tourism certified company
A self guided walking holiday like no other. Choose from a selection of carefully chosen walks and hikes for all levels to discover the best views and hidden paradise of the stunning Dévoluy massif. Using our local knowledge and experience, you can create your ideal walking holiday for the duration you want and doing the types of hikes you like. This walking holiday is 100% flexible to suit you.
Holiday description:
We have personally walked and hiked all the trails we recommend on this tour and will give you advice on the best options to choose each day depending on how you are feeling, the weather and local conditions. Walk the best trails, admire the most magnificent views, learn interesting snippets of local history and culture, spot wildlife and Alpine flowers and enjoy a home-cooked meal by your hosts at the end of the day! Is there another form of walkers paradise?
Each day you can choose from a selection of half day walks or full day hikes from the itinerary, some of which start from your door and others which require a short drive to the start. Your hosts, Philippe or Maryanna, will drive you to the start of your day's walking or hiking adventure and pick you up at the end at a pre-organised time so all you have to do is enjoy the walking - no logistics required! You will be given a paper map as well as GPX tracks, weather and route information on your smartphone app and tips on how to use these if you are not familiar.
The Dévoluy Massif:
Nestled in the heart of the Southern French Alps, the Devoluy Massif presents a captivating landscape shaped by its limestone geology (not dissimilar to the Dolomites), offering a range of experiences and landscapes for walkers of all levels. Seasoned hikers will relish the challenge of steep slopes and rocky scrambles on trails like the Tête de Garnesier and Pic de Bure, with rewarding views of snow-capped peaks towering above dramatic limestone cliffs.
For more moderate walkers, gentler routes through the gorges or winding through alpine meadows and tranquil forests, provide stunning scenery without the intense exertion. Amidst this dramatic relief, you can spot wildlife like chamois, wild boar and golden eagles or maybe even a wolf, adding an extra layer of excitement to your walk. Whether seeking a thrilling ascent or a gentle half day walk, the Devoluy Massif promises unforgettable moments amidst breathtaking landscapes shaped by millennia of limestone erosion.
We have hand picked over 20 of our favourite walks and hikes exploring the most beautiful parts of the dramatic Dévoluy massif for you to choose from during your stay. Some of these walks are possible right from your doorstep and others require a short lift to the start and a pick up at the end of the walk. These are organised into a schedule over the week to manage the logistics of transport.
Once you have booked, we will give you an App for your smartphone with the GPX tracks and details of each walk and will supply you with paper maps and in person advice when you are in destination so you can choose the perfect walking and hiking itinerary for you.
The summary here is just a selection of some of the walks available to give you an idea of the variety so you can decide if this self guided walking and hiking trip in the Devoluy mountains of the French Alps is for you.
To help you in your choice we have graded these by difficulty.
Walking & Hiking Grades:
Easy: Less than 4 hours per day on hiking trails, paths, tracks, or rolling terrain.
Moderate: Walking up to 5 hours per day (on average) on trails and/or around 600 to 800 meters of positive elevation gain and/or 15 kilometers.
Difficult: Walking up to 6 hours per day (on average) on and off trails and/or around 700 to 1,000 meters of positive elevation gain and/or 15 to 18 kilometers. Possibility of high-altitude passages.
Very Difficult: Challenging walking of more than 6 hours off-trail or in rough terrain, with more than 1,000 meters of positive elevation gain. Possibility of high-altitude passages.
Please note: The walking times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several factors (e.g., weather conditions, terrain condition, your fitness level on the day, etc.). If necessary (e.g., climatic conditions, various unforeseen events, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may need to adapt the program for the smooth progress of your trip.
This walk allows you to explore the surroundings of the village of Saint Etienne en Dévoluy where you are based. On the plateau of La Grésière, you will be greeted with a magnificent view over the northern face of the Bure mountain and on the way down you will cross the impressive Rif gorges, a result of long-term erosion.
Starting Point: Accommodation
3h00 | Easy
Distance: 7.7 km
Ascent: 330 m
Highest point: 1532 m
Lowest point: 1245 m
Terrain: road, forest track, and trail
This hike takes you up to the Baumes Ridge via Bois de Boucherac and returns via Bois la Baume and Les Etroits. It is a moderately difficult hike highly recommended for those who want to get a general idea of the geography of the massif. The very central location of the Baumes ridge and its steep profile offer a perfect panoramic viewpoint.
Starting Point: Accommodation
4h00 | Moderate
Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 515 m
Highest point: 1,720 m
Lowest point: 1,261 m
Terrain: paths, forest tracks, and trails (sometimes steep)
La Tête du Tourneau is a small peak located between the Col du Noyer and the Col la Saume, offering a beautiful panorama of the Ecrins and the Drac valley. This small summit can be combined with the ascent of the beautiful small valley located behind the Tête de Girbault.
Starting Point: Accommodation
4h30 | Moderate
Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 645 m
Highest point: 1,906 m
Lowest point: 1,261 m
Terrain: paths, road, and trails (sometimes steep)
This is an atypical hike in Dévoluy. Indeed, it does not lead to the valleys or emblematic peaks of the massif but rather to the depths and bowels of the various gorges in the heart of the Dévoluy lands... you will discover the heart of the mountains! The route passes by the Malmort ruins and the Combe de Mayt
Note: Be aware, this hike includes technical passages equipped with rungs and a handrail, it is not suitable for those with a fear of heights and is not feasible in wet weather.
Starting Point: Accommodation
4h30 | Difficult
Distance: 10 km
Ascent: 515 m
Highest point: 1,450 m (Pra Blaï)
Lowest point: 1,080 m
Terrain: paths, forest tracks, and trails (sometimes steep)
This easy route primarily passes through wooded areas, which are pleasant during hot weather. You will cross the Faï, which means beechwood in Occitan.
At St Disdier, it is also possible to visit the Mère Eglise church at 15h between 9 July and 25 August
Starting Point: Saint Disdier - 12 minute transfer (8km)
2h30 | Easy
Distance: 8.4 km
Ascent: 260 m
Highest point: 1255 m
Lowest point: 1029 m
Terrain: road, track, trail
Loop through the Cabins of Pierre Baudinard, Oriol, and Pra de l'Aup (or Chourum Camarguier) on this walk. This route traverses ancient mule paths still lined with remarkable dry stone walls! The highlight of the trail is passing through the impressive chaos of blocks near the cabin of Pierre Baudinard!
Starting Point: St Disdier
4h00 | Moderate
Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 500 m
Highest point: 1640 m
Lowest point: 1030 m
Terrain: Tracks, paths, and trail
This circuit offers a great diversity of landscapes and remarkable sites! The resurgence of the Puy des Bans, the alpine pasture of l'Aup, Mère-Église...
Note: Be aware, this hike includes technical passages equipped with rungs and a handrail, it is not suitable for those with a fear of heights and is not feasible in wet weather.
Starting Point: St Disdier
4h40 | Very Difficult
Distance: 15 km
Ascent: 725 m
Highest point: 1680 m
Lowest point: 1026 m
Terrain: road, track, trail, ladders, technical passages at the Puits des Bans.
This is one of the big classic walks in the Dévoluy. A moderately difficult hike with a small aerial passage. Experience a magnificent walk whose popularity is well-deserved. The bottom of the valley is unique; it is occupied by a filled glacial lake, crossed by a stream that has carved multiple meanders and offers a wetland biotope atypical for Dévoluy.
Be cautious, a 50-meter aerial section is exposed in case of snowfields or rainy weather. It is this passage that categorises this hike as difficult!
Starting Point: Col du Festre
3h45 | Moderate to difficult
Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 600 m
Highest point: 2003 m
Lowest point: 1441 m
Terrain: trails
The ascent through the beautiful Garnesier Valley to reach the Col de Plate Contier is already a fine hike in itself. However, it would be a pity to stop there and not to extend the journey towards the Tête de Garnesier and then continue on the return via the Pas L'Agneau by the Tête des Ormans.
Starting Point: Col du Festre
7h00 | Difficult
Distance: 15 km
Ascent: 1215 m
Highest point: 2344 m
Lowest point: 1215 m
Terrain: road, track, trail
The Pic de Bure is the emblematic summit of the Dévoluy with its very own space observatory on the summit (one of two in the world) thanks to the clean air. The ascent is via Combe de la Cluse, then a traverse of the plateau and descent via Combe Ratin. It is a long, physical, and technical hike reserved for trained and experienced athletes. Start early with plenty of water. High-top shoes (scree) and poles recommended. Avoid when snowfields remain in the Combe Ratin and do not hesitate to turn back in case of storm threat. The Plateau de Bure is protected under a Prefectoral Biotope Protection Order (no picking, dogs on leash, stay on trails).
Starting Point: La Cluse
8h00 | Very Difficult
Distance: 15 km
Ascent: 1450 m
Highest point: 2564 m
Lowest point: 1215 m
Terrain: track, trail (no signage)
This easy loop mainly follows an old communication route between the Dévoluy massif and the village of Montmaur. It's an opportunity to discover the remains of the Rabioux hamlet, where the school once had up to thirty students.
Starting Point: La Cluse
2h15 | Easy
Distance: 7.2 km
Ascent: 250 m
Highest point: 1,394 m
Lowest point: 1,173 m
Terrain: road, track, and trail
This lovely hike located near Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy starts near the Bure cable car and progresses on the foothills of the Montagne d'Aurouze. The trail passes through open landscapes and offers splendid views of the valley and the peaks of the Dévoluy and Écrins massifs. This route in a beautiful alpine setting does not present any difficulty.
Starting Point: Cabane d'Avalanche
3h00 | Easy
Distance: 6 km
Ascent: 600 m
Highest point: 2,055 m
Lowest point: 1,500 m
Terrain: road, track, and trail
A beautiful hike at the foot of the East pillar of Pic de Bure, consisting of a tour around the slender Crête d'Âne.
Starting Point: Cabane D'Avalanche
3h30 | Moderate
Distance: 7 km
Ascent: 505 m
Highest point: 2,005 m
Lowest point: 1,500 m
Terrain: track and trail
Walk under the mythical pillar of Pic de Bure, first climbed by the famous alpinist René Desmaison. With its 600 m, it is one of the tallest limestone cliffs in France. A unique and refreshing hike through the 'Swiss cheese' terrain of the Dévoluy massif. The neighboring Heroic Traverse and the crossing of the Coste Belle caves are part of a race: the Grande Trace (winter + summer).
A good sense of direction and terrain reading are required for this hike as nearly 3 km are without a trail or markings, progressing on fairly steep slopes, scree... Off-trail: GPS recommended to locate the Coste Belle caves. Steep grassy slope for the Coste Belle area. Claustrophobia: approximately 100m underground crossing for the Coste Belle caves
Starting Point: Cabane d'Avalanche
5h00 | Very Difficult
Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 850 m
Highest point: 2129 m
Lowest point: 1470 m
Equipment: helmet & headlamp
Terrain: partial absence of markings
Who will love this trip:
If you love walking and hiking and have a passion for the mountains, you will love this trip. There are a variety of walks for all levels but you do need to be walking fit to enjoy them. We have graded the walks by difficulty in the itinerary to help you choose what walks you would like to do and will also advise on a daily basis when you are here. Some of the more difficult hikes require navigation skills, a high level of fitness and sure footedness on steep slopes and scree. Other moderate and easy walks are on forest trails with 2 to 3 hours of walking at a steady pace. And there are a whole host of other options in between!
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- Restaurant evening meals and drinks in Gap in the evenings
- Picnic or restaurant lunches (some days will include the possibility of a restaurant lunch and others will require a picnic)
- Your journey to and from Gap
- Tips for the guide
You need to get to Veynes train station for this holiday which is on the TER line from Grenoble, Valence or Marseille, all of which are accessible by TGV from Paris.
WE OFFER A 3% DISCOUNT TO ANYONE TRAVELLING BY TRAIN INSTEAD OF PLANE TO GAP FROM OUTSIDE OF FRANCE. To claim your 3% discount, you will need to show us proof of train travel for an international train route of over 3 hours that could have been taken by plane. Please ask when you book.
Please ask us for help to get here - we have become experts at this over the years!
Please note the train discount is not cumulable with other discounts
Sustainable tourism:
We are a Travelife certified tour operator for sustainable tourism and do everything we can to make sure your trip has a positive impact on the local community, economy and environment. We make sure your money goes straight back into the local economy by using locally owned independent accommodation for this trip rather than using large chain hotels and vet our partners for their commitment to sustainable tourism. For the transport we use a local taxi company.
Your hotel uses ecologically friendly cleaning products, is installing water saving devices and investing in energy efficiency as well as creating options for you to re-fill water bottles.
We have also designed this trip to make it easy for you to arrive by train to Veynes - see more in the getting here section.
We have used a carbon calculator tool called Carmacal. Have a look at the full carbon report for this trip (based on a week stay) or look at the summary below. We will also plant a tree on your behalf to help offset your carbon footprint for this trip.
Hike through the stunning limestone massif of the Dévoluy mountains at your own pace using our tips for finding the best spots!
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