The mule path
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This emblematic itinerary « Chemins d'Avant » (paths from the past) was used by the farmers going to mow the meadows on the Plateau d'Emparis. Mules, heavily laden with hay descended their precious loads on this path. Much used by hikers on the GR 54 trail, it has been damaged over time. If you respect the newly traced hairpin bends you will protect this beautiful itinerary.
Description
From the starting point at Chazelet (1770 m), descend in the direction of the village along by the car park. At the first fork, do not go up in to the village but take the hairpin bend to the right in the direction of the foot of the ski-lifts. Cross the Gâ at the departure of the chairlift then follow the large hairpin bends that go up to the Eastern slope of the Plateau d'Emparis. Pass the banks (2060 m) and, at this point, fork to the left in the direction of the Southern edge of the Plateau d'Emparis. An exceptional view of Malaval valley situated at 1000 m further down. Pass close to the Maison Rouge » ruins and the « Pré Veyraud » (2132m). Fork to the right in the direction of the small mountain pass (2164 m). At this point, join the GR 54, and follow it descending to the banks. At the banks, fork to the left and take the path that crosses the Plateau d'Emparis ski lift and reach Clot Raffin hamlet. Take the path that leads to the bridge situated at the departure of the ski-lifts. Go up to Chazelet on a large track to return to the starting point for this itinerary.
- Departure : Hameau du Chazelet
- Towns crossed : La Grave
6 points of interest
- Fauna
White-throated dipper
Perched on a large, partly immersed pebble, the dipper sways to and fro with its tail aloft, and then dives down head first into the swirling water. This surprising passerine is unusual in moving underwater against the current in search of food. Thanks to a thin membrane protecting its eyes from the water, it can spot its prey (worms, small shellfish, water insect larva), before lifting its head out of the water and letting the current carry it gently along. It then takes up a new surveillance position and starts the process all over again.
- Know-how
Agricultural work in Autumn and Winter
From September, cereal crops were cut with the scythe and the sickle, dried in “bourles” (small stacks of ten sheafs) on the top of the land (fields). Once beaten, the grains of rye were dried in the sun «soleillaient », they were taken to the mill and then to the oven to be made in to black bread. From the end of November until the beginning of May, the animals had to be tended to in the stables. The manure from the cows was transported to the fields using sledges, while the sheep dung was dried and cut in to, pieces, and burnt to produce heat and energy for cooking. In the dairy, milk was made in to butter and cheese.
- Know-how
Agricultural work in Spring and Summer
In Spring the soil had to be moved up the land using crates pulled by mules. Ploughing, sowing, planting followed rye (which stayed in the ground for two years), barley, oats and potatoes. Summer was not finished until the barns were full of hay. Scythes that had been beaten on an anvil, rakes, and nets were used every day. In order to ensure the overwintering of the animals, a certain number of loads (around 80 kg of hay) were necessary: 25 for each dairy cow and 5 for each sheep.
- Fauna
griffon vultures
In flight, the silhouette of the griffon vultures is unique: rectangular, monolithic and contrasting. Their wingspan varies from 2.6 metres to 2.8 metres and they weigh 6 to 9 kg... before eating! When on the ground, they are characterised by their brown and cream colouring and a long neck, covered with short white fluff, which protrudes from a ruff of downy white feathers. Vultures are gregarious and live in colonies on the cliffs.
- Fauna
Skylark
A herald of the summer, the skylark takes over the grasslands right up to the edge of the alpine zone, where the males sing at the top of their voices to attract females. From June to July, the females nest on the ground, hidden in the grass. It's a difficult time for them when the flocks arrive! They not only suffer from the deadly curiosity of the stoat but they also face the destructive passage of the livestock who crush the nests and their occupants.
- Fauna
Small Apollo
The Small Apollo is a rare and protected butterfly. It has finely striped black and white antennae, and a tiny red ocellus (eye) on each of its forewings. With a wingspan of 60 to 80 mm, it is the lord and master of the orangey-yellow beds of mountain saxifrages where it takes care of its eggs and feeds its caterpillars.
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
If you respect the newly traced hairpin bends you will protect this beautiful itinerary.
Information desks
Tourism Office of La Grave, La Meije - Villar d'Arène
RD 1091, 05320 La Grave
Access and parking
From Bourg-d'Oisans, follow the D1091 and cross La Grave. At the tunnel exit, turn right on to the D33 and follow the direction of Chazelet.
More information
Source
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