Hiking to discover "the Himalayas for Lilliputians"
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrance / French Alps
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions91.02 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Escape to the heart of the Alpes de Haute-Provence , to a secluded valley where serenity , contemplation , and a connection with nature reign supreme. This immersive stay begins in an eco-designed refuge , perched at 1,300 meters altitude , accessible after a gentle hike along a forest trail. From this mountain haven, follow in the footsteps of Alexandra David-Néel on forgotten paths, bathed in the radiant light of the Provençal sky.
The first few days are dedicated to local exploration, including the ascent of an iconic peak and breathtaking panoramas. Then, let yourself be carried away by three days of trekking through wild alpine pastures , deserted villages , and silent ridges , for a gentle and introspective adventure.
Each evening, return to the comfort of rustic cabins nestled near a restored sheepfold, fed by a natural spring . Your luggage awaits, hoisted down by winch from the village for an easy and peaceful walk. Once there, settle in facing the mountain, breathe… and let the magic unfold.
The highlights
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An experienced and passionate local guide
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Unique accommodations available for private hire for your group
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A friendly atmosphere and delicious meals
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 409 m
- Average daily descent: 417 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
Throughout your stay, you will be supervised by Timothée, a state-certified mountain guide, canyoning guide, and tracker-rescuer.
Here is what Timothée shares about his approach:
"Choosing to become a guide is not a trivial matter; I find in it a harmony between my passion for outdoor life and my professional project.
From my childhood, where my favorite playground was the surrounding forest, I retained a love of nature; from my emotionally rich travels, the desire to accompany you on outdoor discoveries."
Program
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Welcome and check-in at the refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h03 - 1km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 0h30
- Distance 1 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The group will be met in the village or at the train station in Digne-les-Bains, then set off on a 30-minute hike along a mountain trail. Luggage will be hoisted by electric winch, and you will be settled into the refuge, at an altitude of 1300m, where you can enjoy exceptional panoramic views of all the mountains in the valley.
Welcome drinks, presentation of the week and a friendly dinner to get to know each other over a meal.
Day 1 -
Belle Valette Summit: Exceptional panorama
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The week begins with the ascent of Gaudichart's iconic summit: Belle Valette
Gain some altitude from the camp, to reach a summit at 1734 m from where you will enjoy a 360° panoramic view over the entire valley.
Picnic in the mountains, then back down to camp.
Free time in the afternoon.
Day 2 -
Hiking in the Vachière alpine pastures
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 22km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Walk down from the camp to the minibus for a 30-minute transfer on a dirt track to the start of the hike at over 1800m altitude.
Hike off the beaten track through alpine pastures, following the paths of shepherds and their flocks of sheep. Here, the expression "the charm of wide open spaces" truly comes to life. You'll likely have the chance to encounter the local wildlife: chamois, marmots, or even griffon vultures. If you have binoculars, don't forget them!
Observing alpine flora and fauna, geological demonstrations, and a picnic in the shade of larch trees will fill the day. Finally, you can enjoy the clear waters of the Bléone River to cool off before returning to camp for the evening.
Day 3 -
Abandoned villages
- Transportation Minibus - 15h - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Walk down from the camp to the minibus for a 15-minute transfer on a dirt track to the start of the hike.
We set off from the highest hamlet in the valley, at over 1400m altitude, for a wild hike along ancient trails to discover three abandoned villages, where heritage and unspoiled nature intertwine. You will walk at the foot of the valley's highest mountains, which reach nearly 3000m. Here, the peaks are majestic and you feel incredibly small: this is undoubtedly the day you will best understand what Alexandra David-Néel meant when she spoke of "the Himalayas for Lilliputians".
Picnic in one of the villages, return to camp in the late afternoon.
Day 4 -
The ridges of the Chau
- Transportation Minibus - 15h - 8km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Walk down from the camp to the minibuses for a 15-minute transfer on a dirt track to the start of the hike.
Hike through one of the valley's most beautiful forests, from the north-facing slope to the Chau ridge, offering breathtaking scenery. Optional: Round trip to the Barre de la Croix via the ridge. There are a few exposed sections, but no special equipment is required.
Picnic on the ridges before descending through the alpine pastures on the south side, returning to camp in the late afternoon.
Day 5 -
Last hike before departure
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 2 km
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, the luggage will be hoisted down by winch. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a peaceful morning at the camp. For this final day, you'll take a more technical trail leading directly back down to the village. Then, it's off to the Bléone River for a final picnic by the water.
End of stay, transfer to Digne-les-Bains train station if needed.
Day 6
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Accommodation
You will find the following near the chalets:
- Shared sanitary block consisting of 4 individual showers with hot water
- Shared block of 6 washbasins
- Toilets with running water and dry toilets
Access
The departure time is the same for those who leave by car and those who are transported to the Digne-les-Bains bus station.
Departure from the bus station for Paris on bus L66 (Zou company): 1:40 PM, arrival 7:23 PM
Departure from the bus station for Marseille airport by bus L66 (Zou company): 1:40 pm arrival at Marignane airport 4:10 pm
Go to the starting point
Welcome at the Digne-les-Bains bus station.
From Paris: train to Aix-en-Provence then bus L66 (Zou company) to the bus station in Digne-les-Bains.
Departure from Paris at 9:38 am, arrival at 3:38 pm
From Marseille airport by bus L66 (Zou company): Departure 12:55, arrival 15:38
For arrivals by car, meet at the village of Prads-Haute-Bléone at 4:30 pm.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a private chalet
- Full board
- The activities stipulated
- Transportation to reach the activity sites
- Transporting your luggage to the camp
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Transportation to the place of stay
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
• 1 headlamp or flashlight
• 1 airtight plastic container (Tupperware type) + picnic cutlery
• Warm sleeping bag / down comforter
• 1 water bottle or thermos (1 liter minimum)
• 1 sunscreen
• 1 small personal first-aid kit (see details below)
• 1 toiletry kit (preferably biodegradable products)
• 1 bath towel (quick-drying, sold in specialty shops)
• Earplugs (optional)
• 1 pair of telescopic poles (optional): facilitates ascents and descents and is very useful for navigating rough or slippery terrain
• A hiking backpack (35/45 liters)
• A soft bag for travel belongings (avoid hard-shell suitcases if possible)
Clothing to bring
•1 sun hat or cap
• 1 pair of quality sunglasses
• "Breathable" T-shirts
• 1 fleece
• 1 pair of shorts or bermudas
• 1 pair of hiking pants
• 1 comfortable change of clothes for the evening
• 1 windbreaker or Gore-tex type jacket
• 1 rain cape/rain jacket
• 1 swimsuit
• Underwear
• Hiking socks
• 1 pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support
