Larche

31 August 2015:  We completed our fourth month on the GR5 today with a fantastic hike.  The trail from Fouillouse (1907 m.) to Larche (1670 m.) crossed two passes: the Col du Vallonet (2524 m.) and the Col de Mallemort (2558 m.).  The hike through the area between the two passes, which took about 1.5 hrs., was awesome.  I'll let the photos tell the story. 

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Departure from Fouillouse, climbing up an easy trail in a broad valley:

Chloé, who generally hikes faster than Mary and I, found a comfortable place to wait while we caught up with her. 

We passed a herd of sheep with their faithful chien patou:

Approaching the Col du Vallonet:

A pause near the Col du Vallonet:

We were surrounded by majestic mountains as we hiked along an easy trail from the Col du Vallonet to the Col de Mallemort. 

The Fort de Virayse (2742 m.) dominates the Col de Mallemort.  Down below, the ruins of barracks lie beside the GR5.  These military structures were built in the 1880s.  We stopped here for lunch. 

The Col de Mallemort:  When we crossed this pass in 1989, it was very windy!

Descent from the Col de Mallemort to Larche:

The gîte d'étape Le Refuge in Larche does not have a particularly inviting external appearance, but it is a comfortable place and the gardienne is very friendly and helpful.  We enjoyed our stay here. 

Fouillouse

30 August 2015:  After yesterday's arduous and tiring hike, we were ready for an easier, shorter hike today.  The hike from Maljasset to Fouillouse fit the bill: just 4 hours, with little change in elevation until the last hour – when the trail was very steep!  However, we hiked for most of the first three hours on a road, which was not so pleasant.  Chloé pointed out that walking on a paved road had one advantage:  We did not need to watch where we placed our feet (as we must do when hiking on a trail), so we could lift our eyes and appreciate the scenery.  Indeed!  We were walking through a beautiful valley.

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Departure from Maljasset:

La Vallée de l'Ubaye:

During a very short section of the trail that left the road, Mary was pleased to discover that we were walking next to a field of alfalfa – a familiar crop from her youth. 

This series of pictures shows the spectacular Pont du Châtelet, an arch 97 m. above the Ubaye River that was built in the 1880s.  The bridge is barely visible in the photos taken from afar, but those pictures show what an engineering tour de force is the bridge. 

Views from the bridge:

We finally hiked on a good trail approaching Fouillouse. 

The Gîte Les Granges in Fouillouse: