Vers les Refuges d'Art en Haute-Provence

Ultra-light autonomous itinerant hike in the Alpes de Haute-Provence: Monges massif, Bès valleys and Bléone valley: 6 days of hiking, and 5 nights with full board (3 nights in a gîte or guest room and 2 nights in art refuges). Difficulty: 3/5, for average level walkers in good physical condition. Average elevation gain per day: 580 meters.
From 26/05 to 31/05/2024.
From 25/06 to 30/06/2024.
From 30/09 to 05/10/2024.
From 12/10 to 17/10/2024.
Other possible dates for established groups.

The itinerary, day by day*:

Day 1: 12 km – Elevation gain + 610 m; – 600 m
In the morning, go to Digne (time to be specified). Short taxi transfer (10 mins) from Digne to the small village of Courbons. Hike from Courbons to Thoard via the Siron crests and the Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine art refuge. Dinner in Thoard, at the table and guest room La Bannette.

Day 2: 13,5 km – Elevation gain + 830 m; – 730 m
Hike from the village of Thoard to the La Forest Art Refuge via the ridges and the Col de Mounis. Dinner and night in a lost art refuge surrounded by nature.

Day 3: 9,5 km – Elevation gain + 440 m; – 300 m
Hike from La Forest to the village of Saint Geniez via the Dromon chapel, whose crypt contains vestiges of the Roman period. Night at the equestrian lodge in Saint-Geniez.

Day 4: 12,5 km – Elevation gain + 500 m; – 910 m
Short transfer to Feissal by the Sentinelle du Vançon. From Feissal to Barles via the China Ridges, the location of the future China Art Refuge, the Descoure ravine and the windows of Herman de Vries. In Barles, short transfer to the village of Verdaches. Dinner and night at the Flagustelle lodge.

Day 5: 11 km – Elevation gain + 475 m; – 385 m
Descent by bike (very easy) from Verdaches to the Clues du Pérouré via the Clues de Barles and the Sentinelle du Bès. Along the way, works by Johan Foncuberta, Herman de Vries and Paul-Armand Gette. Climb to Vieil Esclangon, to discover the Art Refuge of the same name and three traces of Herman de Vries. Ascent to the viewpoint to contemplate the Esclangon velodrome then descent towards the village of Esclangon. Transfers then short walk
towards the Bellon Farm Art Refuge where we will have dinner and sleep.

Day 6: 3,7 km – Elevation gain + 70 m; – 210 m
Hike to the Bellon Farm Art Refuge in Draix, then transfer to the Thermal Baths Art Refuge (short walk) near where we will have a picnic. Return to Digne visit the Gassendi museum with mediation where we will discover River of Earth by Andy Goldsworthy, a work which is part of Refuge d'Art. On certain stays, this visit may take place on the first day.

The price includes : all meals (dinners, picnics and breakfasts); every night; internal transfers provided for in the program (Digne-Courbons, St Geniez-Feissal, Le Mousteiret-Digne); the service of the accompanying guide for 6 days; the guided tour of the Gassendi Museum including the entrance fee. In several accommodations, drinks (tea, coffee, wine) are included.

The price includes : transport during the stay for personal convenience; drinks where they are not included; personal expenses; cancellation insurance; any overnight stays before and after the stay.

* We may have to modify the indicated itinerary: either at the organizational level (problem of overcrowding of accommodation, change in the state of the terrain, landslides, etc.), or directly due to the guide (weather, level of the group, etc.). These modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and for better comfort.

Reservation by phone: 04 75 22 07 62