Off to an adventure
There are many hikes (in the mid and high mountain ranges) to be discovered from our gîte and guest room. A file providing information on more than 20 hikes between 2 and 6 hours long is available for reference. These walks will allow you to enjoy and be enchanted by the magnificent landscapes of the terres noires, the characteristic black marl hillslopes that surround us, to meet mouflons or chamois at the bend in the path, to admire the flight of a vulture or a golden eagle, to explore the Haute Provence UNESCO Geopark or even follow contemporary art trails with Andy Goldsworthy, herman de vries or the V.I.A.P.A.C.
2 km | Loop
30 min
Very easy
50 m
Lunar Hike in the Robines
It is a landscape that you will often see during your hikes in the region: the Robines. This is a walk not to be missed in the heart of these strange hills, also called “terres noires” or “black lands”. They give their name to the village La Robine-sur-Galabre and to the famous mountain biking competition “Enduro et raid des Terres Noires”.
Learn more >
2 km | Loop
45 min
Easy
100 m
Lame de Facibelle
This short hike takes you to the foot of an impressive rocky peak rising up in the middle of the famous “Velodrome”. The hike can continue up to the chapel of St Jean du Désert, followed by a descent through the “Sacred Woods” in which you will find works by herman de vries. This variation adds 2 hours and 6km to the hike. 14km north of Digne-les-Bains. Take the D900A towards Barles. 2 km after the village of Esclangon. Parking alongside the road allowed.
Learn more >
6 km | Loop
2 h
Easy
150 m
Ichthyosaur and St Barnabas Oratory
Another short hike that offers a step back in time. You will meet a rare Ichthyosaur fossil at rest in its shelter. Two possible starting points. From Digne-les-Bains, head towards Barles (D900A) and park in the Ravin de Bélier car park, or from La Robine-sur-Galabre.
Learn more >
8 km | Loop
4 h
Easy
850 m
The Bells of Barles
A short family stroll on the periphery of the Monges Massif, which begins with lavender in Provence and ends with edelweiss in the Alps. From Digne-les-Bains, head towards Barles and about 500m before the village where the cemetery is, take the road on the left towards the hamlet of Le Forest.
Learn more >
25 km | One way
12 h
Very hard
2500 m
Transhumance
A 11 to 12 hour walk at the leisurely pace of sheep, roughly following the GR6 and the Monges circuit used to lead 1000 sheep from Ainac to Selonnet (Chauvet) behind the Chabanon ski and mountain resort. Several mountain passes and summits: St Antoine, Clapouse, Cimettes, the Oratory, Val-Haut ridge, etc.). Over approximately 25km with 2000m of elevation gain and a 1800m descent. Good equipment, 3 meals, 2 litres of water and a level 5 in hiking necessary.
Learn more >
8 km | Loop
2 h
Very easy
190 m
The Belon Farm
This is a 2-hour loop that gets lots of sunshine and follows a stream (tributary of the Bouinenc). This hike is suitable for the whole family. In spring, it is a pleasant walk because wild flowers grow in the middle of the lavender and thyme on this arid and black earth. You might also meet mouflons and their young. At the end of the journey, you will see an old farm which sheltered guerrillas during the Second World War. This old farmhouse houses one of Andy Goldsworthy’s works of art – the white stone arches.
Learn more >
5 km | Loop
3 h
Easy
150 m
Vieil Esclangon: Andy Goldsworthy
This is one of the most spectacular walks in our region. After the hamlet Esclangon, before the Clues fu Péroué tunnel, a winding path crossing through red earth inspired Andy Goldsworthy to create his work in clay armed with the hair of the Dignois.
Upon arriving at the former abandoned village of Esclangon, Andy Goldsworthy’s work is found in the restored sheepfold on the right. You can enter and even sleep in there if you borrow the key from the Gassendi Museum (free). In the old village, there is a fountain at the bottom of which the artist herman de vries has inscribed a Provençal saying (which we won’t reveal here ;-)) in gold leaf. Continue the walk uphill to the Esclangon ridge. There, a magnificent view of the Velodrome awaits you.
