Discovering bivouac in the Massif des Monges

We meet at 9:30 AM in Esparron-la-Bâtie for an introduction and briefing with the guide and other participants. Once fully equipped, we leave the hamlet and begin our steady ascent towards the heights of the Monges massif.

The trail follows ancient transhumance routes, winding through meadows and small groves before reaching the first open plateaus.

Along the way, we take a well-deserved break by a stream, where the fresh water provides a welcome respite. We then continue toward the Clapouse alpine pasture, a vast open space offering an ideal spot for our bivouac. There, near a shelter open to passing hikers, a clear spring flows continuously, providing fresh water as we set up our first campsite.

After an open-air breakfast, we pack up the camp and begin our ascent to the highest point of the massif, rising above 2,000 meters. From the summit, the panorama stretches endlessly, from the rolling hills of Provence to the snow-capped peaks of the Écrins and Mercantour.

Next, a beautiful ridge traverse awaits us, offering an open and airy route before we begin our descent toward a lake nestled below. This is where we will set up camp for the night, sheltered by the terrain and close to the water.

For this final day, we head towards a hamlet frozen in time, with its ancient stone buildings and narrow alleys. A break by the river allows us to cool off before tackling the last climb along the limestone trails a final effort before returning to the starting village.

For those who wish to extend the adventure, a swim in secluded yet spectacular waterfalls will be the perfect way to conclude this timeless journey.