Col des Orres
Les Orres

Col des Orres

Fauna
Flora
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Head up the Grand Vallon stream to the Col des Orres in an enchanting setting that feels like the end of the world.
This secluded valley reveals a myriad of colours as the rustle of the water accompanies you on your way to the pass. From here, the landscape suddenly opens up, losing its discreet charm and becoming more majestic. The Ubaye valley and the town of Barcelonette appear as if from nowhere.

2 points of interest

  • Fauna

    The marmot

    A high-pitched whistle echoes across the mountain pasture, the cry of the sentinel marmot warning its companions of imminent danger from above. This warning shouldn’t be taken lightly; the golden eagle will carry it off in its talons to serve as a meal for its offspring.
    Naturally present on alpine meadows, marmot colonies live as a family with their young until they reach the age of three. Gnawing and digging are their favourite pastimes in between rolling down the slopes. Not to mention a nap on a warm rock and a long hibernation period between October and March.

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  • Fauna

    Golden eagle

    The undisputed king of the sky, it flies close to sunny slopes to gain altitude in search of prey. The Fournel valley is home to a pair of golden eagles, which can often be spotted in the warmer hours of the day. Some years, the pair does not bother to build a nest and lay an egg, preferring to fly freely. And then one day, the female will lay two eggs, making up for their failure to comply with the law of survival of the species. And here are two young eagles taking flight at the end of the summer, sporting a burst of white at the base of their tails and on the 'cockades' of their wings.

Description

  1. Cross the bridge over the river. The route is signposted in yellow. At the le Pré l'Ansouré sign, turn left towards Col des Orres.
  2. Pass in front of the Rama hut then continue, overhanging the river. Then take a small path to the left by the Grand Vallon hut and cross the torrent. Follow the river for about 100 m then cross the torrent again on a wooden footbridge 50 m after the hut.
  3. Then follow the path on the right bank then cross the stream again below a tiered waterfall in the mountain pastures. A narrow path, marked with yellow markings and cairns, leads to the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for a left turn in a grassy area.
  • Departure : les Tomples, Les Orres
  • Arrival : Les Tomples, Les Orres
  • Towns crossed : Les Orres

Altimetric profile

Information desks

1 place des étoiles, 05200 Les Orres

https://www.lesorres.com/ot.acceuil@lesorres.com0492440161

Access and parking

From Embrun, follow the D40 towards the resort of Les Orres. Once you reach the hamlet of Les Ribes, turn left and follow the Route du Grand Vallon for 7km. This is a carriageway and should be used with caution.

Parking :

Les Tomples

Accessibility

Family
Emergency number :114

Source

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