View of the Pic de Châteaurenard from the Lariane Bridge

The trail begins amid the marmots and winds gently through the forest, gradually climbing up the valley. All your senses are engaged as you take in nature’s spectacle! Perhaps some of the local “artists” will make an appearance along the hike: the mountain hare, ermine, ptarmigan, chamois, rhododendron, or martagon lily… Reaching the Col de Longet is already a great achievement, with the Tête des Toilies as the star attraction. The ascent continues up the southern slope, where the vegetation changes the scenery. Another 300 meters along a trail, and finally, you arrive at the Pic de Châteaurenard-Paul Felenbok observatory. The observatory welcomes experienced astronomers and curious amateurs for a magical night gazing at the night sky through a giant telescope. One last climb leads to the grand finale: the Pic de Château-Renard, with a view that’s well worth a César Award! In spring and fall, conditions are unpredictable; even without snow, the trail can be icy. Therefore, in the mountains, the rule of thumb is to “go out well-equipped.” In my backpack, I slip in or clip on: crampons and trekking poles. In winter, the essentials are: snowshoes, poles, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and… a survival blanket! Experience is key, and knowing when to turn back is sometimes better than taking risks. And for those new to the mountains, we recommend hiring a professional! Before heading out, I check the Météo France Montagnes weather reports and the BERA (avalanche and risk alerts). In front of the parking lot, a small snack bar is open in summer.