Les demoiselles coiffées
Enter the ballroom of the demoiselles coiffées
There are many legends surrounding the Demoiselles Coiffées, also known as fairy chimneys...
It's said that these damsels, dancing in the Vallauria valley, were turned to stone for eternity.
A more scientific explanation, however, is that this is nature's magic, at work for millennia. In glacial moraines, made up of layers of rock and minerals of varying hardness, rain and wind gradually sculpt the landscape.
The lower, more friable layers erode more easily, while the more resistant rocks protect the column that supports them. This is how these impressive stone sculptures come into being, topped by a natural cap that sometimes measures over 20m in height.
One day, however, the Demoiselles will lose their hats... and perhaps finally be freed from their fate. There's a version for everyone, and it's up to you to choose yours.
Where to see the "demoiselles coiffées" in the Serre Ponçon valleys?
The capped damselflies of the Durance
In the Durance valley near the Serre Ponçon lake, capped damselflies are scattered throughout the landscape. But there are 3 sites where you can observe these little damselflies in the great outdoors.
The ballroom of the demoiselles coiffées at Théus
INCONTOURNABLE A landscaped site with a belvedere overlooking hundreds of coiffed demoiselles.
the 65-hectare site has been listed since 1939. The Vallauria torrent basin is home to a whole series of capped columns, making it a veritable geomorphological curiosity.
The "Ballroom Terrace", inaugurated in 2018, offers a view of these natural gems against a picture-postcard backdrop overlooking the Durance valley. Thanks to its deckchairs, tables, benches and information panels, you'll be able to relax and unwind.
Access to the salle des demoiselles coiffées by road
After passing through the hilltop village of Théus and its winding road (RD53), turn right at the hamlet of Le Poët (D53A) to the first lookout point and parking lot. If you continue a little further, you'll be able to enjoy an exceptional 360° view of Mont Colombis, culminating at 1734 m (accessible by car).
Please note that the Salle Bal is not accessible by coach, as the road is narrow.
Hike to the Salle de bal des demoiselles coiffées
Before the village of Théus, in the last bend on the D53A: sign for the parking lot, take the forest track that crosses the torrent. 4 km 1h30 +320 m, longer variant. A superb hike for the whole family!
The legend of the coiffed damsels
Do you know the legend of the ballroom? One Mardi Gras day, when a violinist was playing, a group of young ladies decided to dance in the valley where the Vallauria torrent flows.
Their escorts begged them to stop, as the following day marked the beginning of Lent... But carried away by the music and their carefree spirit, they continued dancing. They were then turned to stone, condemned to waltz for eternity..
Regularly during the summer season, shows and stories bring the stone damsels to life. Keep an eye on the program!
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The Demoiselles Coiffées de Remollon hike
Departing from the village of Remollon, this pretty hike offers superb views over the Durance valley and passes at the foot of the Demoiselles Coiffées.
The route also passes through the Hautes-Alpes vineyards, which are particularly beautiful inautumn, when the vines take on golden and coppery hues.
Stop off at the Maison du Vigneron to learn more about thehistory of wine in the Hautes-Alpes.
7 km - 481 m ascent
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Les demoiselles coiffées du trente pas
Set off on shady paths along the Trente Pas torrent and the hamlet of Vière.
The trail crosses a site of Demoiselles Coiffées on Terres Noires: an impressive and little-known site, where the formations, each more astonishing than the last, create a magical and bewitching atmosphere.
From Rousset Serre Ponçon 650 D+ 16km ( with a shorter variant )
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Discover our Serre Ponçon valleys!
