Multi-activity Exploration: 6 days of adventure in the Southern Alps
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / Alpes de Haute Provence
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions91.48 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Experience an immersive 6-day/5-night adventure in the heart of the Southern Alps , in the spectacular UNESCO Geopark of Haute-Provence . This extended stay is for those who wish to combine athletic challenge , geological exploration , and total disconnection in a pristine environment.
Over the course of several days, you'll ascend the iconic peaks of the Haute-Bléone valley , traversing panoramic ridges and secluded valleys. The route alternates with canyoning descents, gliding through emerald-hued pools, and a treetop adventure course for a playful introduction to verticality. Each activity reveals a different facet of this wild and rugged landscape, sculpted by time. The pace allows you to explore further, without rushing, and to fully savor each experience.
Your refuge: the secluded eco-retreat of Gaudichart , accessible only on foot. You'll stay in authentic chalets , nestled in the woods, in a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere. Without electricity, lit only by rechargeable lamps, you'll rediscover the essentials: silence, nature, and the starry sky.
The highlights
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Extended exploration: 6 days for a complete disconnection from your daily routine
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Authentic eco-retreat: Total disconnection in an unusual mountain retreat
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Tailor-made adventure: A mix of activities led by a single guide throughout your stay
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average daily elevation gain: 263 m
- Average daily descent: 213 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Canyoning
- Average duration/day: 4h30
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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Horizon Gaudichart: Immersion at altitude & installation
- Transportation Minibus - 00h05 - 1km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 0h30
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The group was welcomed at the village and set off on their adventure.
We begin our immersion with the climb towards the Gaudichart refuge.
This first ascent allows us to leave the valley behind us and to soak up the unique atmosphere of the mountain.
Once we arrive, we will take the time to settle into this extraordinary place, a true base camp for our stay.
We'll share a welcome drink to get to know each other. This will be an opportunity to introduce you a little more to the refuge managers: Laura, who will delight your taste buds all week with her generous cuisine, and Timothée, your guide, who will share his passion with you during each activity.
The evening will continue with a convivial dinner before your first night in the chalet.
On the logistics side: Enjoy the climb with peace of mind!
Your luggage will be transported by us to the refuge using our electric winch.
Day 1 -
The Call of the Peaks: An Unmissable Hike and Treetop Adventure
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We take advantage of the mild morning to climb to the summit of Gaudichart mountain. Reaching an altitude of over 1700m, you will enjoy a 360° view over the entire valley.
After the picnic in the mountains, we descended back to camp.
In the afternoon, in the shade of the pine trees at the refuge, put on a harness to climb the trees and challenge yourself. Who will dare to be the first to take the plunge?
Free time in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay in a chalet.
Day 2 -
Nature Vibration: First canyoning exploration
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 6km
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short walk down from the camp to the minibus for a brief transfer by vehicle and a walk off marked trails will allow you to access the entrance of the canyon.
Discover the practice of canyoning where you will find a summary of the attractions of the activity: you can learn in a small group about rappelling, jumps and slides with waterfalls exceeding 10 meters.
Picnic in the canyon.
Return to camp in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay in a chalet.
Day 3 -
Wild Memory: Hiking to Forgotten Villages
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 6km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Walk from the camp to the minibus for a 15-minute transfer on a dirt track. The hike starts at an altitude of 1500m, in the heart of the highest hamlet in the valley.
We will walk between forests and rivers, following in the footsteps of our elders who used these paths daily, especially to get to school. A journey out of time before returning to camp in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay in a chalet.
Day 4 -
Technical progression and thrills: Canyoning for a day
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 6km
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short walk down from the camp to the minibus for a brief transfer by vehicle and a walk off marked trails will allow you to access the entrance of the canyon.
This outing is for those who want to take their canyoning to the next level. The descent, more challenging, features a series of more technical rappels, some long and exposed, and natural obstacles that demand commitment and coordination. Jumps and slides are integrated into the route, always adapted to the group's skill level, in a spectacular setting of deep gorges and impressive waterfalls.
Return to camp in the late afternoon.
Dinner, evening by the campfire and overnight stay in a chalet.
Day 5 -
Final horizon: Panoramic trail
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we set off on one last, peaceful hike, descending towards the village along a path we hadn't yet explored. With each step, the valley revealed itself from a different perspective, like a final invitation to look around, to slow down.
We shared a picnic by the river, our feet almost in the water, time standing still. A final moment together before packing up and saying goodbye.
End of stay.
Transfer to Digne-les-Bains train station possible.
Day 6
Accommodation
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.
Go to the starting point
A transfer from Digne-les-Bains bus station to the village of Prads-Haute-Bléone is possible on day 1 for arrivals at 3:30 pm by train/bus with a supplement of €10/person for the return trip (minimum 4 people to benefit from the transfer)
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a private chalet
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6
- Transporting your luggage to the camp
- The activities mentioned in the program
- Transportation to reach the activity sites
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Transportation to the place of stay
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Transfer : CHF9.15 / person
- 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.
