Gravel : Là-haut des petits chalets veillent

Today, they represent the image of an idyllic mountain where the herds continue their summer pastures, bearing witness to a perennial activity that is still the lifeblood of these mountains.

The harsh light of the summer sun has softened over the past few weeks in the Queyras, illuminating the mountain slopes in warm, diffuse hues. On this October day, the autumn light mixed with the azure sky magnifies the mountain near the chalets of Clapeyto. In summer, the alpine pastures are occupied by herds of cattle, which may hinder your progress.

The Arvieux valley is one of the six valleys of the Queyras. Wider than the Guil valley, it has enabled man to settle and live here.

1 - Arvieux
From Arvieux to Brunissard, I ride through an open, soothing landscape. But it's all uphill! I'm on the first slopes of the Izoard, a ramp that hooks cyclists before they take off for the pass.

2 - Brunissard
"At Brunissard (1780 m), a small road on the left leads down into the valley of the torrent de la Rivière. It's a magnificent road, winding its way through the Crête de Combe la Roche.

3 - L'Eychaillon
Tight bends soon take us up to altitude, skirting the glacial lock to "l'Eychaillon" (2140 m).

4 - Chalets de Clapeyto (U-turn)
At the junction with the Col des Ayes, we reach the first "Chalets de Clapeyto" (2220 m). In the alpine meadows, the only sound is that of the wind cutting through the sparse grass. It has replaced the tinkling of the sheep's bells that used to punctuate the summer pastures. At higher altitudes, the sheep have come down following the first cold snap. At the level of the last chalets, the road comes to a halt: beyond, a path continues towards the Néal pass, where bicycles have no place.

5 - Le Collet
A short detour to another small district of chalets, those "du Collet" (2207 m), heralds our return to the Val d'Azur, as the first snow begins to bead on our jackets...

The access to Clapeyto is partly asphalted, then on a track. Note the nice restaurants in Brunissard on your return.

Autumn is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful seasons for admiring the chalets. At the height of the season, the mountain pastures are occupied by flocks of sheep, and hikers flock to them in droves. During the season, remember to do the right thing when faced with patous. Slow down and go around the herd. Don't shout or threaten the dogs. Out of season, you'll have plenty of time to cross the mountain pasture.

Show less