Saint-Maurice

Departure and parking: park on the edge of the garden road at the entrance to the village, on the left after the bridge.

About the Saint-Maurice chapel:
This chapel was built in honour of Saint-Maurice. It probably refers to the officer of the Theban legion martyred in the Valais in the 2nd century. The story goes: "In the spring of 1664, Benoîte Rencurel, who was tending her flock in this place, met a very handsome old man with a long beard. "I am Maurice" he said to her. He tells her that the next day she will see the Mother of God, in the Vallon des Fours, above the church of Saint-Etienne. He gave her a stick to protect herself against the wolves. The next day, the apparitions of the Vallon des Fours begin, which will last until 29 August 1664."

1. Start the ascent on the path on the right, on leaving the village. The path is steep for the first 50 metres and then forks to the left, leading through a lovely mixed forest. A few downward bends allow you to get closer to the valley floor, to hear and guess the Avance river through the branches. Between scree and a carpet of leaves, the path then rises again, gradually opening windows onto the great landscape that is already imposing: to the north, the Ecrins massif, with the Avance valley and its villages in the foreground, and to the west, Céüse, whose cliffs can be seen. Do not hesitate to turn around to see it.continue on this path until the place called Combe Fère
2. Turn right towards the Saint-Maurice chapel on the ascending path. Its steepness means that its base is gullied in places. The path, sometimes to the east, sometimes to the west of the ridge line, allows you to observe different atmospheres in very similar places. This path leads to a wide track. Take it on the left, going downhill. The Bas Col can be seen in your sights. At the next intersection, take the right track, the "Route Forestière des Quatre Séries", ascending to reach Le Bas Col (alt. 979m)
3. Continue to the right, on the grassy track towards the Saint-Maurice chapel (track E44). 50 metres further on, take a very steep and stony path to the right. Turn around to enjoy the first panoramic views of the southern massifs. Notice the man-made terraces for the plantations during the reforestation. Continue on this path until you reach a track that can be driven on. Take the track on the left, in the direction of the climb. Admire to the east the Mont-Colombis, the Grand Morgon range and the Ubaye valley, the Blanche range and the Seyne-les-Alpes valley, and at the foot of the track, the Durance valley. After a few hairpin bends that take you back to the U-bend, at a crossroads, turn left at 180° onto a path that takes you back to the Adret. This path, on a balcony, overlooks the Durance valley once again as you walk along the terraces, with pines and broom accompanying your progress. This path, after a final passage along the north side of the mountain, leads to the Saint-Maurice chapel
4 The place is perfect for taking a well-deserved break, contemplating the panorama and eating something in the shade of the lime trees. Then continue the loop by going downhill due west towards Valserres. 50 metres further on, turn left and continue along this steep and uneven path. Go through the gate and then take the descending laces. The view of the Buëch, the Grand Gapençais and the Devoluy is worth taking the time to take a few breaks on the way down. This path leads to a track at the end of the forest
5. Cross it and continue straight ahead, in the stony marl, in the open. The path is steep and the evolution in the scree requires agility. The path crosses the track again. Take the latter on the right, just enough time to pass the hairpin and plunge right again onto the path below. Cross the track one last time and finish the path in a pretty hedge, along cultivated fields. Join the wide track at the end of the village. Take it in the direction of the descent and cross the village quietly to reach the starting point.

>> Recommendations:
Crossing pastures and undergrowth: respect carefully the yellow markings! In addition, due to the many herds out grazing, make sure to close the gates and keep dogs on a lead.
Hunting territory: this route crosses a hunting territory (Association Communale de Chasse Agréé de Valserres). Be careful and responsible during the hunting season.

>> All information on Alpesrando.net
http://www.alpesrando.net/pedestre00/saint-maurice00/

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