Champoléon is characterised by its hamlets along the Drac Blanc and the valley’s still-important pastoral life. Traditional houses have walls made of local stone and roofs of grey slate. This gives you several different aspects to focus on when planning your trip: paths through the hamlets, mountain scenery, pastoral culture and seasonal activities.

Walking through the hamlets and valley

The very easy “Tour de l’Iscle” circular walk starts in Champoléon and is 2.2 km long. It passes through the hamlets along the Drac Blanc and brings traditional houses, numerous chapels and living pastoral traditions to life. The “De hameau en hameau” loop also passes through the valley’s hamlets and by chapels, fountains and traditional houses. One is a clearly measured, very easy loop; the other also takes in fountains.

Another option is the “Boucle découverte”: it runs through the Champoléon valley from Les Borels to Les Fermonds and passes through forests and fields. This gives you a choice of routes with different focuses—hamlets and their buildings on the one hand, and a route between forest and fields on the other.

Mountain trails and views

The “L’alpage et le refuge du Tourond” route lies in the core zone of Parc national des Écrins. It starts in Les Borels in Champoléon, where there is a car park and a public bus stop. Check access information again before setting off, and check the parking rules and trail conditions before you start the walk.

From the Refuge du Tourond, an additional 30-minute trail leads to the Cascade de la Pisse; trail conditions can change. The route to the Lacs de Crupillouse offers a different focus, with panoramic views of Pointe des Estaris (3086 m) and the Sirac (3440 m). The mountain trails described here therefore offer two different attractions: an additional detour to a waterfall and views of two named peaks.

Pastoral culture and history

The Maison du Berger features permanent and temporary exhibitions about the work of today’s shepherds and livestock farmers. Allow around one hour and 30 minutes for a visit on average. As temporary exhibitions can change, check which topics are currently on display before your visit.

The history of the Refuge du Pré de la Chaumette also reflects the area’s building traditions: it was rebuilt in 1979 on the ruins of an old hamlet. The facing stones were hewn locally in Champoléon. This links the refuge’s history with the local stone, which also features in the traditional houses of the hamlets.

The autumn Tardon fair includes a producers’ market, a meal featuring Tardon and other events. This annual pastoral event offers another way to discover pastoral culture; the specific programme may vary from year to year.

A seasonal winter activity

The “Animaux des cimes” snowshoe hike is a family activity for observing wildlife with a telescope and is suitable for ages eight and up. It adds a winter nature experience to the routes described above. Check the winter dates and the activity’s availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Espinasses, La Freissinouse, Jarjayes, La Chapelle-En-Valgaudémar, Crots, Les Orres, Orpierre, Rosans.

For the broader travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.