The Béal Neuf: from mountain stream to canal

Description

A themed path running gently along the canal. This trail is a little gem, with its canal-hugging path along the water's edge. The high point is the point at which the canal splits from the Eychauda mountain stream. Highly enlightening information panels will capture the interest of young and old alike. A sign indicates the there-and-back path leading to the canal intake. - At the canal intake, turn back on yourself and return to your starting point by following the outward route in reverse. Where the paths intersect, be sure to keep to the left-hand path which soon runs along the canal side again.

Difficulty

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

Before you go

• Access to the canal is prohibited for herds or flocks of animals and all vehicles (motorised or otherwise).
• There is a second section along the Béal Neuf canal: “Les canaux et les hommes, une histoire emblématique”(Canals and mankind, an iconic history). The starting point is 1 kilometre down from the starting point of the first path, where the canal leaves the road at the winding section.
• Check weather conditions before setting off.
• Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne (Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
• Show consideration for the work of farmers, livestock keepers and owners
• Close all gates behind you
• Take your litter home
• Do not take shortcuts across pastureland

Getting there

Start: Route de Chambran, Vallouise-Pelvoux (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/962542-Le-Beal-Neuf-%3A-du-torrent-au-canal). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Surface and path types: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL, extract of 28 October 2026, matched to the track every 10 m (openstreetmap.org/copyright)
• Official elevation gain: 48 m, Parc national des Écrins