l'Aupillon
Les Orres

l'Aupillon

Fauna
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A tough climb to one of the highest peaks in the Parpaillon massif. The view over the Ubaye valley and the Mercantour massif from the summit of Aupillon is well worth the detour!
You'll start out in a pastoral atmosphere, with open landscapes, peaceful herds and a stream flowing at the bottom of the valley. Gradually, the stones rolling under your feet will remind you that you are in an increasingly rocky landscape, where snow can remain until early August.

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

    The chamois

    In summer, chamois can be seen grazing in the cool of the day. When the sun heats up the valley, they prefer to lie in the shade of the green alders, unless they stay on the snow. Their highly developed sense of hearing and smell make them difficult to approach. You'll need binoculars to spot them! Very curved horns: this is a male, a billy goat. Open horns: a female goat. The horns do not extend beyond the ears: this is an Eterlou or Eterle, young in its second year. Horns barely pointing: it's a kid.

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Description

  1. Take the track that crosses the river, then turn right 500m after the start at the signpost for the Col de l'Aupillon (yellow markings). Turn left after 150m and follow the stream. Keep to the right of the riverbank level with a small bridge, then continue to the source of the river.
  2. Continue straight on into mountain pastures. Stay at the bottom of the valley until you find a path marked with yellow markings and cairns. The route then ascends steeply, crossing a mountain pasture where a sign points to l’Aupillon. The path twists up the wall on the right and then crosses some scree. The final section up to the pass requires care as it is more vertiginous.
  3. Once at the pass, bear left to reach the summit. Once again, there are a few more technical passages that require extra care.
  • Departure : les Tomples, Les Orres
  • Arrival : Les Tomples, Les Orres
  • Towns crossed : Les Orres

Altimetric profile

Information desks

Tourist office Embrun

Place Général Dosse - BP 49, 05202 Embrun

https://www.serreponcon-tourisme.com/embrun@serreponcon-tourisme.com0492437272

October to march : Monday to Saturday, 9.00 - 12.30 & 13.30 - 17.00. 
April, may, june & september : Monday to Saturday, 9.00 - 12.30 & 14.30 - 18.00
July and August : Monday to Saturday, 9.00 - 19.00. Sundays, 10.00 - 12.30 & 16.00 - 19.00


On French national holidays (except 14th of July and 15th of August) : 9am to 1pm. Closed on the 1st of January, 1st of May, 25th December and 11th November
Closed on Thursdays outside French holidays’ periods

Find out more

1 place des étoiles, 05200 Les Orres

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

Transport

Public transport : ccserreponcon.com

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 :

100m after the Chaumette hut in the meadow

Source

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