Mountain Art & AUTUMN COLOURS

4:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Arrival and installation at the Gîte du Midi, at the Vieil Aiglun, site of the old hilltop village.
7:00 p.m.: Welcome aperitif.
7:30 p.m.: Dinner.

8:30 am: Breakfast (buffet with regional products).
9:30 am: Departure by minibus to Draix. Route through the steep valley of the Bouinenc. From there, we set off on our first hike through the black robines to Belon Farm. In this high place of resistance, the art refuge designed in 2003 is hidden from the enemy. Picnic at the art refuge, facing the imposing Montagne du Cheval Blanc. Then, we will go up towards the Crete de la Blache to look for some marine fossils, witnesses of the maritime past of the Alpine massif. Return to Draix, then drive to the gîte.
4:30 pm: Arrival at the Vieil Aiglun.
7:00 p.m.: Aperitif.
7:30 pm: Departure for a local restaurant. Dinner.
9 km walk / D+ 430 m & D- 430 m

8:00 am: Breakfast (buffet with regional products).
9:00 am: Departure for a "day excursion" through the Massif des Monges. We will walk to the art refuges of the Sainte-Madeleine chapel and the Forest. During our journey, we will admire the panorama from the Hyssop Pass, stop at the Authon Sentinel – a magnificent cairn designed by Andy Goldsworthy in 2000 – and discover the Written Stone Gorge, a mysterious historical site dating back to the^5th century. It is a busy day that we spend at the "end of the world".
5:30 p.m.: Return to the Vieil Aiglun.
7:00 p.m.: Aperitif.
7:30 p.m.: Dinner.
5 km walk / D+ 450 m & D- 450 m

8:30 am: Breakfast (buffet with regional products).
9:30 am: We will leave the Vieil Aiglun in the direction of the Clue du Pérouré, in the Bès valley. Climb to the old village of Esclangon totally deserted by its population in the middle of the^20th century. It was here that Andy Goldsworthy created what has become arguably his most iconic work. A fireplace faces his work. We will take the opportunity to light a fire to prepare our barbecue. Also on the program, the climb to the top of the nearby hill offering one of the most beautiful panoramas of the GEOPARK with "the Velodrome" and the Lame de Facibelle as the main objects. After the downhill walk, we will drive to the Clue de Barles, a gorge formed by the river to cross a mountain, and also a place chosen by Andy Goldsworthy to place one of his sentries. On the way back, stop at the ammonite slab where we will observe an impressive number of fossils.
5:00 p.m.: Return to the Old Aiglun.
7:00 p.m.: Aperitif.
7:30 p.m.: Dinner.
5 km walk / D+ 350 m & D- 350 m

8:15 am: Breakfast (buffet with regional products).
9:15 am: Departure by minibus for the thermal baths of Digne-les-Bains. Walk to the art refuge of the thermal baths. We will extend our walk to the chapel of Saint-Pancrace nestled on a rock above the town of Digne-les-Bains. Return by the same path.
12:00 p.m.: Return to the Old Aiglun. Baggage loading & departure.
5 km walk / D+ 240 m & D- 240 m

GUIDE : Charles Speth, certified mountain guide, or any other colleague with at least equivalent training in case of impediment. For more information: https://www.hiking-france.fr/ and https://www.facebook.com/HikingFrance/
DIFFICULTY :
24 km of walking, mostly on mountain trails with rare off-trail passages. No particular difficulty or long distance, but relatively significant climbs and descents.
EQUIPMENT : Please bring equipment suitable for mountain hiking, especially good walking shoes, a backpack for the day's equipment, a water bottle (min. 1 l/person) and clothing suitable for sun and rain.
A full list of equipment will be provided upon booking.
ACCOMMODATION : Four nights at the charming cottage of Vieil Aiglun, classified 3 ears. Double bedroom with private bathroom.
FOOD : We favour local and seasonal products as much as possible. Wine (1/4 l per person) is included in the evening meal. Please let us know when booking your dietary constraints.
ALTITUDE : Accommodation at 770 m, hike between 680 m and 1,150 m.