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The Pic Morgon

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Located above Savines-le-Lac and the lake of Serre-Ponçon, The Pic de Morgon makes the junction between the departments of Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. If you are spending a few days around the Serre-Ponçon lake, the ascent of The Pic de Morgon is an absolute must during your stay. Although it is not the highest peak in the Southern Alps, at 2,324 metres, The Pic de Morgon is a proud summit. More than a simple hike, your itinerary will be filled with surprises and stunning views. This mountain hike, surrounded by nature, promises a moment of calm and tranquillity along with exceptional landscapes. It will certainly require some effort during the ascent, but once you have reached the top, the view will be worth the detour. There is no other vantage point that will give you such a complete panorama of the Alpine valleys.

The Boscodon State Forest

Starting from the Grand Clot parking lot, the path to the summit quickly leads into the Boscodon State Forest. Visitors will appreciate discovering all the treasures hidden in this exceptional woodland site. The forest represents a source of great wealth for the foresters and features many rare and protected plant species. Among these species are notably the Sabot-de-Vénus, the Clématite des Alpes or the Lis Martagon.

This thick forest of fir and larch is also home to many mountain animals. On the way to your hike, you may have the opportunity to cross their path. Many marmots have established their habitats in the middle of the mountain pastures. If you are quiet enough and listen carefully, you should be able to hear the distinctive calls of the marmots.

The Abbey of Boscodon

Located near the lake of Serre-Ponçon, the abbey of Boscodon is one of the most visited monuments in the department. A reason for that may be that the abbey is a true masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. This is why it was classified as a historical monument in 1947. Initially, the monastery was built in the 12th century by the monastic order of Chalais. Today, the building is the property of an association of public interest in charge of the renovation and restoration of the abbey.

It is possible to roam around the abbey freely, using information provided on a leaflet given at the entrance of the building (available in several languages). If you wish, you can also arrange for a guided tour, during which an experienced guide will let you in on all the secrets and mysteries surrounding this place steeped in history. Of course, the abbey remains a place of worship and reverence, where masses are regularly held and where moments of exchange with the community are also possible, for those who wish to attend.

Hiking Trail to the Pic de Morgon

Hiking is an activity widely practised among visitors to The Pic de Morgon. There are several trails to complete the ascent and descent of the peak, so you won’t have to take the same circuit on the way up and back. On the way, you will be able to admire the vegetation that is growing and the landscapes that unfold before your amazed eyes. This hike is actually relatively simple and can be done at any level. From the Grand Clot parking lot, there is a ‘short version’ of the circuit that will save hikers from having to take the Pyramid and Charance trails. For the ascent as for the descent, you will just have to follow the forest road. It will then lead you straight to the Portes de Morgon, from there you will be able to catch a glimpse of the cirque de Morgon.

Lake Morgon

In a walking distance from the entrance of the cirque de Morgon, at the Portes de Morgon, is the Little Lake of Morgon. The Little Lake of Morgon is a part of the nine ‘sacred lakes’ of the Hautes-Alpes. It is located on the left side of the cirque but is hidden by several meadows that surround it. To get to the lake, follow the signposts towards the Col de la Baisse. Near the lake, you will be able to see the Saint-Pierre de Morgon chapel. This sanctuary had actually been abandoned since the 20th century until it was rebuilt in June 1992. This chapel is the destination of a pilgrimage that takes place every year on the occasion of Saint Pierre’s Day.

The Bear Fountain

Located in the heart of the Boscodon state forest, the Bear Fountain (‘La fontaine de l’ours’ in French) is a well-known tourist spot for locals. The site is fully equipped for travellers with picnic tables, a vast clearing, a space dedicated to campfires and the forest hut. The Bear Fountain site is especially famous because it is the starting point for many of the must-do hikes in the Hautes-Alpes.

Autour du lac de Serre-Ponçon

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