Les Oulles du Diable

Key facts

Distance: 3.4 km
Ascent: +197 m
Descent: −181 m
Estimated time: 1 hr 10; hiking
Difficulty: Very easy; official rating
Route: Loop; back to the start

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Description

A short introductory walk to see our natural heritage: Les Oulles du Diable! The circuit will take you on a shaded ascent as far as the traditional hamlet of Les Portes. After that, you cross the Navette torrent and its giant boiling devils’ cauldrons, the "Oulles du Diable", across the Romanesque Oulles bridge. The result of incredible natural forces, the Oulles du Diable are one of the marvels of the Valgaudemar valley. But take care with this dangerous torrent. Go up to the village of Les Portes, then make for Pont des Oulles and descend as far as the bridge. On the way back, follow the path along the right bank.

Difficulty

Official rating: very easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

The Oulles are dangerous. To make sure you have a safe visit, keep behind the safety barriers along the footpath.

Getting there

Start: La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/950371-Les-Oulles-du-Diable). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Official elevation gain: 197 m, Parc national des Écrins