La boucle de Tirière

In the summer, an early start means you will be able to witness the wakening of daytime animals. Birdsong, that is quite reserved at dawn, becomes more intense as the sun rises. Sometimes, as you climb up, a misty haze makes the larch trees look ghost-like. The outstanding landscapes from the plateau onwards, change from one moment to the next. The Sirac and the Rouies come out of the shade and become red, pink or even golden, depending on the light in the sky.


The Chauvetane mine

Landscapes and summits

High altitude birds

Plant variety

The Minister's footpath

Châlet-hôtel in Gioberney
The construction of the chalet-hôtel at Gioberney started during the Second World War as part of a youth project. It enabled some young people the possibility of escaping obligatory work service in Germany (STO). The stones for the building were taken on the spot, cut and put together using cement mortar. At that time the road to Gioberney did not yet exist, and would only be built in 1963. You had to go up on foot, for « tired intellectuals », it was possible to be helped by a mule in order to reach the refuge. There was not much frequentation until the construction of the road...

Northern Bat
The Northern Bat is a boreal bat, a glacial relict in the Alpine arc. Adapted to the cold, it resists temperatures close to -7°C for short periods of time. The Northern Bat is a discreet species that lives in boreal forests scattered with humid areas. It sometimes hunts near to public lighting, one of the only places where it is easy to observe it. The capture of females at this site has enabled us to believe in the presence of a colony at Gioberney. It would be the first known reproducing colonies in France.
Description
From the Gioberney car park, follow the signs to "Tirière" on the cirque terrace. They lead to a footbridge over the stream. Follow the footpath that comes close to the Gioberney mountain hut (please do not disturb the shepherd). Between this hut and a small larch forest, a sign indicates that you should turn right to cross a second bridge over the stream. From there, another sign indicates "Tirière" to the left. Follow the path that heads through an area of large-leaved plants, before meandering through the larch trees and crossing over moors and pastures. At approximately 2000 m in altitude, follow the arrow that leads you to continue up further (follow the most obvious footpath and not the old mining path, which is not maintained and is high and dangerous). You will come to the "Tirière plateau", where the footpath, leading to the ruins of the Tirière mountain hut, is almost flat. The downward route quickly arrives at the edge of the plateau: the first bends are a little steep, but it then gets easier. Where the route meets another footpath, leading to the Pis mountain hut, turn right and follow the large bends that head down. After crossing a small glacial cross-cliff, take the Minister's footpath then turn right to get to the Minister's car park by means of a flat path. Cross the bridge over the stream that leads to the car park. Take the path indicated by an arrow that leads to the Bride's veil (voile de la mariée) waterfall. Follow the paved road for roughly thirty metres, after crossing the stream take the footpath to the left as shown by an arrow.
- Departure : Gioberney
- Towns crossed : La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Before you reach the Tirière plateau be sure not to take the old mining path (high and dangerous), but follow the route indicated. After the Tirière mountain hut, be careful on the first part of the descent, particularly in wet conditions. At the Gioberney mountain hut, please respect the shepherd's peace and quiet.

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Information desks
Valgaudemar Park house
Ancien Asile Saint-Paul, 05800 La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar
http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/
valgaudemar@ecrins-parcnational.fr
04 92 55 25 19
Information, documentation and a reception area with permanent and temporary exhibitions. La Maison du Parc is labeled "Tourism and Disability". Free admission. All animations of the Park are free unless otherwise stated.
Transport
Shuttle from Saint Firmin during the summer (it is necessary to reserve 36 hours in advance at voyageurs05 or by calling 04 92 502 505). Connect with buses coming from Gap or Grenoble.
Access and parking
From the N85 at Saint Firmin, take the D58 and the D958a as far as La Chapelle en Valgaudemar. Then take the D480t as far as the Gioberney car park.
Parking :
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