Geology and Land art in the Bès valley.

With Luc Richard

Dates to be discussed

Trip description:

Day 1: We meet at 9 am in Digne, in front of the Gassendi Museum. We hike from the clue of Pérouré (Bès valley, 15 minutes by car from Digne). We climb to the Sanctuary of Roche Rousse, work of herman de vries along the path. We picnic next to the Saint John Chapel (Orthodox Hermitage). We pass at the foot of the "Lame de Facibelle" (impressive rock blade). We then arrive at the suspended bridge crossing the Bès river. Positive elevation gain: about 500 meters. 5 hours of walking. Transfer and overnight at the "Gîte de Flagustelle" in Verdaches.
This first day we will walk on the right bank of the Bès river. We will discover the amazing works of herman de vries in the heart of nature. We will pass at the foot of the dizzying blade of Facibelle. In the evening we will sleep at the "Gîte de Flagustelle" in Verdaches. The accommodation is rustic: dormitory in bunk beds (comfortable). But you will enjoy a warm welcome and the cuisine, based on local products, is really excellent.
Day 2: Breakfast at the cottage and transfer to the start of the path that goes to the abandoned village of the "Vieil Esclangon". On the way we will stop at Barles' clues (canyon) and Andy Goldsworthy's "sentinelle" (egg-shaped construction). Once arrived in "Le Vieil Esclangon", we will visit the "Refuge d'art" restored by Andy Goldsworthy. We will search for "traces", works of art engraved on the rocks by herman de vries in the ruins of the village. Picnic. Then we will climb to the top of the overhang overlooking the village. There, a magnificent view of the "vélodrôme", an exceptional geological site, will allow us to make a geological reading of the landscape. Afternoon: descent to the new village of Esclangon. If conditions permit, on the way, we will make a return trip to another of Andy Goldsworthy's Refuges d'art "Le Col de l'Escuichière". We end the trip with a visit to the Gassendi Museum in the afternoon of the second day.

Price: 6 participants: 170 € / person. From 8 participants: 120 € / person.
The price includes: The service of the mountain guide, the half board accommodation (wine and coffee / herbal tea included), the picnics on Saturday and Sunday, the visit to the Gassendi museum.
Price does not include: Drinks other than those included. Transportation to and from Digne.

Necessary equipment: Suitable mountain hiking shoes, gourd or bottles (1,5 to 2 liters of water per person), sun protection (hat, glasses, sunscreen), rainwear, spoon and tupperware for the picnics, spare clothes for Sunday. Fitted sheet and bath towel for the cottage.

This itinerary is given as an indication. It can be modified due to climatic hazards, unforeseen events. The organizer, Luc Richard, can therefore in case of necessity and up to the last moment modify the route above. Walking times are also indicative and depend on the level of participants, the weather, technical contingencies. They may be shorter or longer than indicated.

Information and registration: Contact Luc Richard