French Dolomites Traverse

Day 1 – Feet in the Water Facing the Grande Tête de l'Obiou

For those travelling by train, both Gap (night train) and Grenoble (TGV) provide access. From these stations, you can reach Corps by local bus. Those arriving in the morning or the day before can visit the distillery, swim in Lac du Sautet, or make the incredible pilgrimage to Notre-Dame-de-La-Salette.

Meeting point at 1:30 PM at the village bus stop. Once the group assembles, a private taxi transfer takes us to the true starting point: Pellafol, about ten minutes away. Luggage stays in the taxi to be delivered to the next day's accommodation.

From Corps, the singular atmosphere of the French Dolomites reveals itself with the northeast faces of the Grande Tête de l'Obiou, the Dévoluy's highest point, reflected in the calm waters of Lac du Sautet.

From Pellafol, a discreet, rarely-travelled trail climbs gently through young pine forest before giving way to typical mountain woodland.

The stage leads to Col de la Samblue, where the Jenabran refuge appears in all its simplicity. After dropping our bags, we make a light-shouldered out-and-back to the belvedere above the refuge, offering a 360° panorama of the Trièves and Champsaur valleys, framed by the Écrins, Dévoluy, and Vercors massifs.

• Distance: 6 km
• Elevation: +650m / -150m

Day 2 – Balcony Over the French Dolomites

The day begins by crossing the alpage below the Petit Obiou, before taking a forgotten trail marking the departmental border from Isère to the Hautes-Alpes. A stop at the Grotte des Lyonnais reveals a little-known page of local history, linked to the quest for "blue gold."

The hike continues on balcony trails offering stunning views of surrounding peaks. The afternoon is also ideal for wildlife observation: with attention, you might spot chamois resting in the shade of the cliffs.

The stage concludes at a gîte d'étape (mountain lodge) in a peaceful hamlet at the end of the road. Your luggage awaits.

• Distance: 19 km
• Elevation: +950m / -1,000m

Day 3 – Aiguille Valley and Pic de Bure

Climbing through the Vallon de l'Aiguille, a panoramic view opens onto Pic de Bure, a geological curiosity unique in Europe. Once the col is crossed, the descent leads to the heart of Jarjatte valley in a preserved, wild atmosphere.

Crossing this col marks a second departmental border, this time entering the Drôme. The stage concludes in the warm, picturesque setting of gîte d'étape La Bergerie—perfect for a well-deserved evening of rest.

• Distance: 16 km
• Elevation: +750m / -950m

Day 4 – The Paille Alpine Pasture

Day four takes us to Montagne de Paille. We cross the alpage before meeting the shepherd to share a picnic lunch. This authentic exchange—the only one planned for the summer—lets you discover his daily life, challenges in managing the flock, and discuss the passionately debated topic of wolves.

A sporty variant is offered to volunteers after lunch (+3 km / +300m elevation), while the rest of the group enjoys the tranquillity of the alpage. The descent to Tréminis village passes through typical mountain forest, refuge of exceptional biodiversity.

The stage is at a farm gîte in the village heart. Your follow-on luggage awaits.

• Distance: 13 km
• Elevation: +600m / -900m

Day 5 – The Sentier de la Baronne

The highlight of this traverse arrives with the legendary Sentier de la Baronne, described by P. Sombardier as "the most spectacular trail in the Alps." This passage follows an impressive rock face with a 400-meter drop. The Baroness of Trémini had this trail carved at the end of the 19th century—not for hikers' pleasure, but to facilitate her shepherds' work as they led flocks up for the summer estive (grazing season).

For those preferring to avoid the thrill, a second Nature and Mountain guide is planned for this final day to offer a gentler alternative, exploring the magnificent Grand Ferrand cirque without the void sensation.

This day is done with very light shoulders as we return to the farm in late afternoon to collect our belongings around 5:30 PM.

The final day's transfer is organised during the trek based on each participant's needs:

• Transfer to Corps, the Day 1 meeting point
• Transfer to Clelles-Mens station for onward travel to Gap or Grenoble

Those wishing to enjoy the enchanting setting of Tréminis an extra day are welcome to book another night at the farm inn or village gîtes.

• Distance: 15 km
• Elevation: +1,450m / -1,450m