The 6 mountain huts

10 points of interest

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  Flora

  What are you, lavender?

  Fine, or Alpine lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) grows exclusively in the mountains, only at an altitude above 500 m. Its essential oil is exceptional and the greatest perfumers use it despite its low yield (130 kilos are necessary to produce 1 litre of essential oil). Etymologically, the word lavender comes from the Latin verb laver, meaning to wash. This origin leads us to think that very early on, lavender was used to perfume freshly washed laundry.

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  Flora

  Lavandin

  In the 1930s, lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) saw the day. It is a hybrid and therefore sterile, but it is easy to produce and is the most grown species nowadays as its yield is three times that of fine lavender. Its oil is used in industrially produced perfumes. Unlike fine lavender, this variety does not thrive at high altitude.

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  Flora

  Flora

  You will be witness to a surprising change in plant life between 1000 m and 2000 m in altitude. Indeed, your first steps will take you through an almost Mediterranean vegetation with juniper and lavender...What lovely fragrances! All that is missing is the sea.

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  Fauna

  The beech forest

  Rapidly you will enter a superb beech forest whose tormented trees will offer gentle shade. Beech is particularly well adapted to the level of the mountains where it finds the humid atmosphere necessary for its growth.
  Its fruit, beechnuts, are edible like chestnuts. They are more difficult to shell, and were used as food for pigs for some length of time.

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  Pastoralism

  Transhumance

  The steep slopes of the Valgaudemar area, where cows are not at ease, means cattle breeding is not possible. Sheep however, are quite at home.
  As grass is rare at high altitude, transhumance is necessary. The idea is to follow the growth of grass, which is staggered according to altitude. The flock is therefore taken to the top, then makes its way down progressively.
  Nowadays keeping methods have changed. Breeders, who often have more than one activity, make regular trips to check on the health of the flock in particular. The sheep are otherwise free to roam as the Grun cirque rockfaces act as a natural barrier. This type of keeping is known as "garde à l'arrage".

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  Vernacular heritage

  Pasture hamlets

  For the sake of comfort, breeders and shepherds established pastoral hamlets where they lived for several weeks. A ruined hamlet at an altitude of 1350 m, La Salette at about 1650 m and the highest mountain pasture, 6 Mountain Huts at 2000 m are all reminders of the past.

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  History

  6 Mountain Huts hamlet

  There were originally 10 mountain huts built on the high plateau. Today only 6 are still visible. Some are buried, whereas others have corbelled arches  covered by tussocks of grass. This technique was also used in the Pyrenees (Les Orrys) and Corsica. Although it looks Neolithic, the site of 6 Mountain Huts was recently dated to the 17th century. It reminds us of how difficult living conditions must have been.
  The remnants of these pastoral dwellings could no doubt tell the story of their forgotten lodgers. 

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  Architecture

  Saint Maurice parish churc

  This church that was built by Cluniac monks, is the oldest in the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys. There is proof of its existence at the end of the 11th century. Its square bell tower is of typical Lombard tradition. The simple interior is composed of three naves with ridged vaults and a flat apse. Spared by the religious wars of the 16th century, its first restoration dates back to 1668.

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  Flora

  "Sully" the lime tree

  "Sully" is the 300-year old lime tree that takes centre stage and generously offers shade. It is said that this tree was planted during the reign of Henry IV by decision of the Duke of Sully who was his minister of finances, economy and agriculture. He had lime trees planted in every district in France. The Duke of Sully is also the author of this famous quote: "Ploughing and grazing are the two breasts by which France is fed..." Its circumference is estimated to be 7.40 m.

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  Architecture

  Saint Maurice en Valgodémard church

  As you cross the main town, which is the start of the walk, you will no doubt have noticed to the right, the church protected by an impressive lime tree. Saint Maurice’s church was built in the 11th century by Cluny monks that were the largest monastic order in the Middle Ages, and spread throughout Europe. It was possible to date it using painted walls that were discovered beneath paintings that were more recent.
  It is the oldest church in the Valgaudemar area.

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