La Retrouvance® Buëch-Dévoluy: On the paths of rediscovered villages
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationVeynes / French Alps
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions76.03 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
German
In a few words
La Retrouvance® is not a hike like any other. More than just a route, it is an original adventure that will take you to discover the wild valleys and deserted villages of the foothills of the Dévoluy and the Sources du Buëch.
This secret valley in the Hautes-Alpes, located between Provence and the mountains, is nestled beneath the imposing limestone walls of the Dévoluy massif, described by René Demaison as "French Dolomites".
During this trek, you will climb the most iconic peak of this massif and cross the Bure plateau, whose lunar landscape is as spectacular as it is unforgettable.
In the past, these landscapes inspired Jean Giono with their incomparable natural riches: mysterious fir forests, high-altitude pastures, sunny scree slopes, limestone cliffs, larch forests and gorges carved by refreshing torrents.
Today, the abundant fauna and flora make this region one of the richest in the French Alps: roe deer, red deer, chamois, mouflons and wolves have reclaimed the space.
You will be welcomed into private forest lodges, reserved exclusively for our groups, which bear witness to a history perhaps even more secret and extraordinary than the natural wonders of the route. These buildings are the last vestiges of villages abandoned at the beginning of the century, offering a unique setting for total immersion in the past.
Embark on the adventure of an eco-responsible, 100% nature-based stay, full of common sense.
The highlights
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Travel with peace of mind, we'll take care of everything. No luggage carrying required!
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A 100% nature getaway, far from the beaten track and crowded mountains.
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A friendly and authentic stay, supervised by qualified professionals
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The Pic de Bure, an iconic peak in the Dévoluy region, is on the agenda. The ascent is described as difficult, with the following characteristics:
Elevation gain/loss: +1360m / -1360m
Estimated duration: 7h30 - 13km
A loop is possible around Les Sauvas for those who prefer a gentler alternative!
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 757 m
- Average daily descent: 692 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
English
German
The trip will be led by a state-certified mountain guide and a dedicated logistics coordinator. You will be met each evening by the logistics coordinator, who will be responsible for all aspects of the trip. They will transport your luggage and food, welcome you, prepare meals, and ensure the cleanliness of the accommodations.
Program
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Veynes-Dévoluy SNCF train station > Agnielles
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 620 m
- Negative elevation 390 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure: 10:30 am from Veynes-Dévoluy train station
From the center of Veynes, a small, former mule track climbs the slopes of La Grésière in a typically Provençal setting. The path is lined with broom, thyme, and Montpellier aphid.
At the Bertaud pass, you descend into the majestic Durbon forest and reach, via an easy descent, the hamlet of Agnielles.
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast in the Agnielles forest house, a 16th and 17th century building, vaulted on two levels and located in the heart of the abandoned village.
Perched at an altitude of 1,030 m, Agnielles still had around one hundred inhabitants at the beginning of the 20th century.
Day 1 -
Agnielles > Rabioux
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 840 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The Lauteret pass is an ancient access route to the Dévoluy. Even today, herds frequent the area, and griffon vultures have made it a preferred passage.
Descending from the pass along a path winding through the alpine pastures, the view is splendid, overlooking the largest scree slopes in Europe!
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast in the Rabioux forest house , nestled at an altitude of 1,240 m.
Last vestige of a hamlet where about ten families lived until the middle of the 19th century.
Day 2 -
Rabioux > the Sauvas
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An island of larches in the heart of the Combe de Mai, in the middle of the Bure massif, in the kingdom of marmots and chamois.
Overnight stay, dinner, night and breakfast in the Sauvas forest house , an old hamlet nestled at 1,343 m altitude, which belonged until the Revolution to the Chartreuse de Durbon.
Today, a bread oven and three buildings operated as guesthouses offer an unforgettable welcome in the heart of the magnificent natural cirque of Bure.
Day 3 -
The Pic de Bure
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 1360 m
- Negative elevation 1360 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The Pic de Bure, an iconic peak of the Dévoluy
The ascent is via the Combe d'Aurouze, passing by the Fontaine du Vallon.
Upon arrival at the Bure plateau, one is confronted by immense antennas belonging to the Observatory of the Institute for Millimeter Radio Astronomy (IRAM), one of the most important in the world. These antennas observe the universe and explore the stars.
The crossing of the Bure plateau, with its lunar landscape, is spectacular.
The mythical summit offers an exceptional panorama over the entire Dévoluy massif and the Southern Alps.
Keep your eyes peeled, you will be exploring the world of herds of chamois and mouflon that frequent these wild places.
Please note: today's itinerary can be adapted to suit the group. A loop around Les Sauvas is possible for those who prefer a gentler alternative.
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast in the Sauvas forest house.
Day 4 -
Les Sauvas > Chaudun
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 820 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Perhaps the most varied stage of the route, with a passage through the Matacharre and Conode passes, along a balcony path.
You will discover the chapel of La Crotte, a vestige of an old convent of nuns whose life and establishment in the 11th century will be recounted to you.
You will cross larch forests and alpine pastures, then pass under the impressive and prestigious Bure pillar, the highest limestone cliff in Europe.
Access to the ruined village of Chaudun is via the Petit Buëch gorges, with their refreshing pools.
The route continues through the Bois du Chapitre, a forest listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable trees and its rich fauna and flora.
Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast in the superb forest house of Chaudun , perched at over 1,300 m altitude.
The last vestige of a village of 300 souls sold to the Water and Forestry Department in 1895, it is nestled in the heart of a vast mountain cirque, on the banks of an alpine river.
Day 5 -
Chaudun > Veynes-Dévoluy SNCF train station
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 23km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This last day begins with the ascent of the waterfall trail, then the passage to the sources of the Petit Buëch, in the heart of the Chaudun cirque.
You will be able to observe mouflons and marmots before reaching the picturesque village of Rabou via the Chabanottes pass.
Then back to civilization by minibus which will take you back to Veynes.
Arrival expected around 4:30 p.m. at Veynes-Dévoluy station.
Day 6
Note
Embark on an adventure of a 100% nature stay. Follow the guide who will take you off the beaten track, far from the frequented mountains.
In the southern Hautes-Alpes and northern Provence, landscapes and history intertwine at high altitudes. This multi-day journey will reveal a wide variety of landscapes, marked by numerous traces of the past: prehistoric sites, ancient convents, abandoned villages, forest plantations… Abandoned by humans in the 19th century, then reforested by the State (National Forestry Office), these mountains now constitute a vast area where wild nature has reclaimed its place. The biodiversity of this territory is among the richest and most varied in the French Prealps.
It is important to consider that the mountain guide may modify the itineraries depending on weather and/or terrain conditions and/or the group's skill level. The routes will remain largely the same, but there are alternative routes/variations that allow you to shorten or lengthen the days.
Accommodation
Agnielles Forest House.
Rabioux forest house.
Sauvas forest house.
Chaudun Forest House.
Access
Meet at the Veynes-Dévoluy SNCF train station in Veynes.
If you wish to arrive the day before or depart the day after your stay, several accommodation options are available:
- The "La Montbrandière" bed and breakfast is located in the village of Montbrand, 15 minutes from Veynes. Nestled in a small, unspoiled hamlet with typical mountain architecture and the scents of Provence, surrounded by nature, Agnès and Serge will welcome you to their charming old home. If you arrive by train, Agnès and Serge can pick you up at Veynes train station and accompany you to the start of your stay! Table d'hôtes (set menu) is available upon reservation. Contact: +33 6 70 34 38 30 / +33 7 88 43 42 72 / [email protected]
- The "Le Château du Terrail" bed and breakfast is located in the town of Montmaur, 5 minutes from Veynes. Jean-Claude and Sylvie welcome you to a magnificent setting, a stone building dating back to the time of the Knights Templar. If you arrive by train, Jean-Claude can pick you up at Veynes train station and accompany you to the start of your stay! Table d'hôtes (set menu) is available upon reservation. Contact: +33 6 79 63 48 69 / +33 6 43 18 61 80 / [email protected]
- The Gîte du Buffet de la Gare is located on the platform of Veynes train station. A warm and relaxing place where you will be welcomed by a team of passionate volunteers. Contact: +33 7 83 96 13 37 / [email protected]
Go to the starting point
Departure and arrival are directly in front of Veynes-Dévoluy station. All trains from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Valence, and Grenoble heading towards Gap/Briançon stop here.
Free parking in front of and near the Veynes-Dévoluy SNCF train station.
Carpooling:
Thank you for contacting us, we will put you in touch with other participants who are on your route.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a certified mountain guide and a qualified logistics expert
- Full board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 6
- Accommodation in forest lodges
- Drinks and snacks
- The shuttle at the end of the stay from Rabou to the SNCF train station in Veynes-Dévoluy
- Luggage transport
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation from your home to the meeting point (Veynes-Dévoluy SNCF train station).
- Personal expenses
- Massages offered by "L'Escapade Sensorielle"
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
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
IMPORTANT: To facilitate the carrying of luggage during the stay, managed by the logistics provider: Please provide a backpack or soft travel bag per person, with a maximum weight of 10 kg.
- A sealed plastic container (capacity 1 litre) for packing picnics, knife, spoon and fork + a 1.5 to 2 litre water bottle + a cup.
- A 30/45 litre hiking backpack for day hikes.
- Walking sticks.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm.
- A garbage bag (will be used to waterproof your backpack or to keep your spare clothes dry).
- Your camera ☺.
Clothing to bring
- A pair of walking shoes with a good sole (Vibram type) ( Avoid coming with shoes that have never been worn) .
- A waterproof and breathable jacket (gore tex® type), poncho.
- Comfortable trousers for walking,
- A fleece or a softshell jacket.
- A moisture-wicking T-shirt (synthetic or wool).
- A pair of socks suitable for hiking.
- A pair of thin fleece gloves, a hat, a cap.
- A spare t-shirt (for having lunch in the dry).
