Le ravin de Terre Basse
Quelques marnes en chemin
Quelques marnes en chemin - Office de Tourisme La Motte du Caire
Châteaufort

Le ravin de Terre Basse

Panorama
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This loop trail takes you through the southern part of the Hautes Terres de Provence. The panoramic views to the north, overlooking the Dévoluy and the Écrins, rival those to the south, featuring the Haut-Verdon, Sainte-Victoire, and the Luberon. After an ascent along a beautiful shaded trail (GR® 653D), the route leads down to the village of St-Geniez. A short climb to the Pas de l’Échelle takes you to the highest point of the hike, unless you opt for a round trip to the summit of the Trainon (an additional hour and a half). A long descent along a trail leads back to Châteaufort.

Description

  1. From the parking lot below the town hall in Châteuafort, head up to the upper part of the village, where you’ll find red-and-white trail markers (GR) on the left. Follow them down through the houses; after a few switchbacks, you’ll reach the Pène ravine. Cross the footbridge and climb back up the opposite side to a junction.
  2. At L’Echaillon (650 m), take the trail on the left that continues uphill. After a clearing, a trail accompanies the path. Soon, you’ll reach a ridge and a scree slope beneath rocky outcrops. Continue to the pass. Follow the southern flank of Mount Gourras to reach the village.
  3. From the village square in St-Geniez, continue through the village, following the yellow markings through the narrow streets. Once past the last houses, follow the paved road to the pass, passing over a pretty rocky outcrop (climbing school).
  4. At Pas de l’Echelle (1,220 m), leave the trail on the right that climbs to the summit of Trainon and continue down the track toward the Terre Basse ravine. After about a kilometer, pass a forest trail on the right and go through the gate marking the entrance to the Domaine de la Pène. Pass successively by the convents of La Pène, Terre Basse, and Les Jaumes. A small paved road leads back to the starting point.
  • Departure : Châteaufort town / St-Geniez main square
  • Arrival : Châteaufort town / St-Geniez main square
  • Towns crossed : Châteaufort, Valernes, and Saint-Geniez

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

You can also make a round trip to the summit of Trainon (an additional hour and a half)

Information desks

1 place de la République, 04200 Sisteron

https://www.sisteron-alpesprovencales.fr/sisteron@sisteron-alpesprovencales.fr04 92 61 36 50

Transport

Let’s limit our trips and  use public transportation and carpooling: https://zou.maregionsud.fr

Access and parking

From Sisteron (17 km), take the D 951 northeast to Châteaufort.

Parking :

Parking in the square at the village entrance, Châteaufort / Str-Geniez, in the center of the village

More information

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