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The Head of Louis XVI, Ubaye, Méolans-Revel

Publié le 17 September 2024 | Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Eng, France Eng

A beautiful and fairly short hike in Ubaye above the village of Méolans-Revel. The ascent of the Tête de Louis XVI, with its head on its side, is a superb belvedere with panoramic views over the Massifs de la Blanche, Ubaye, Écrins and Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The climb is not technically demanding, and the gradient is reasonable for this classic local itinerary. Watch out for the patous who protect the high altitude herds during the summer. Avoid walking with dogs, even on a leash.

Technical summary

► Departure point: Herbez climbing area parking lot, sous les Clots, Méloans-Revel, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04)
► Type of route: out-and-back high-mountain hike
► Distance: 10 km
► Cumulative elevation gain: +1040 m
► Cumulative negative elevation gain: -1040 m
► Estimated total time: 3h to 4h
► Min and max altitude: 1360 m / 2408 m
► Signposting: yellow PR from start to finish, and signposts
► Equipment in place: none
► Equipment required: none

Difficulties: no technical difficulties.

Access to the place

On the D900 between Le Lauzet-Ubaye and Méolans-Revel, turn onto the road to Les Clots, which climbs the south-facing slope. Climb a few hairpin bends and, just before reaching Les Clots, park on the roadside at the access to the Herbez climbing area.

Map & topo

Voir en plein écran

Itinerary description

1st part: from the parking lot to the Roche Juan barns

From the parking lot, follow the track up to the hamlet of Les Clots. Here, the yellow PR trail to the Tète de Louis XVI begins. After a wide crossing in the undergrowth, the path winds its way westwards through the walls, to emerge higher up on an aerial balcony and join the ridge. Climb back up the ridge, heading north, and exit higher up onto grassy pastures where you'll find beautiful barns and possibly summer herds if it's the season. You can refuel with water near one of the barns.

Part 2: from the barns to the summit of Tête de Louis XVI

Pass the barns and climb into the forest on the wide path that leads up and further down the Vallon to new sheepfolds (and herds too). Here, fork right (sign) and climb up the Vallon beneath the great walls of Péissiéou. To the south, the Tête de Louis XVI is in sight. Climb the Vallon, which becomes a little steeper at the end, to gain a foothold on the ridge between Louis XVI and Péissiéou. Follow the ridge along the edge of the large void on the east side to reach the summit and the large cross on the Tête de Luis XVI.

Return to

From the summit, you can follow the ridge northwards for a better view of Lac de Serr-Ponçon and Dévoluy in the background. Then traverse back to the ridge and pass between Tête de Louis XVI and Péissiéou. Then retrace your steps in the opposite direction.