Saint-Maurice

Start the ascent on the path on the right as you leave the village. It is steep for the first 50 metres and then branches off to the left. The path goes through a nice mixed forest. A few downward twists and turns allow you to get closer to the valley floor, to hear and guess the Avance river through the branches. Between scree and a carpet of leaves, the path then rises again, gradually opening windows onto the great landscape that is already grandiose: to the north, the Ecrins massif, with the Avance valley and its villages in the foreground, and to the west, Céüse, whose cliffs can be seen. Do not hesitate to turn around to see it. Continue on this path until you reach the place called Combe Fère.
Turn right towards the Saint-Maurice chapel on the ascending path. Its steepness means that its base is gullied in places. The path, sometimes to the east, sometimes to the west of the ridge line, allows you to observe different atmospheres in places that are nevertheless very close. This path leads to a wide track. Take it on the left, going downhill. The Bas Col can be seen in your sights. At the next intersection, take the right-hand track, the "Route Forestière des Quatre Séries", ascending to reach Le Bas Col (alt. 979m).
Continue to the right, on the grassy track towards the Saint-Maurice chapel (track E44). 50 metres further on, take a very steep and stony path leading off to the right. Turn around to enjoy the first panoramic views of the southern massifs. Notice the man-made terraces for the plantations during the reforestation. Continue on this path until you reach a track that can be driven on. Take the track on the left, in the direction of the climb. Admire to the east, the Mont Colombis, the Grand Morgon range and the Ubaye valley, the Blanche range and the Seyne-les-Alpes valley, and at the foot of the track, the Durance valley. After a few hairpin bends that take you back to the hillside, at a crossroads, turn left at 180° onto a path that takes you back to the ridge. This path, on a balcony, once again overlooks the Durance valley as you walk along the terraces. Pines and broom accompany the progression. This path, after a final passage on the north side of the mountain, leads to the Saint-Maurice chapel
The place is perfect to take a well-deserved break, contemplate the panorama and have something to eat in the shade of the lime trees. Then continue the loop by going downhill due west in the direction of Valserres. 50 metres further on, turn left and continue along this steep and uneven path. Go through the gate and then take the descending laces. The view of the Buëch, the Grand Gapençais and the Dévoluy is worth taking the time to take a few breaks on the way down. This path leads to a track at the end of the forest, cross it and continue straight ahead, in the stony marl, in the open. The path is steep and the evolution in the scree requires agility. The path crosses the track again. Take the latter on the right, just enough time to pass the hairpin and plunge right again onto the path below. Cross the track one last time and finish the path in a pretty hedge, along cultivated fields. Join the wide track at the end of the village. Take it in the direction of the descent and cross the village quietly to reach the starting point.
IGN map Gap n°3338ETThis itinerary is part of the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenade et de Randonnée (Departmental Plan of Walking and Hiking Routes).About the Saint-Maurice chapel : This chapel was built in honour of Saint-Maurice. It probably refers to the officer of the Theban Legion who was martyred in the Valais in the 2nd century. The story goes: "In the spring of 1664, Benoîte Rencurel, who was tending her flock in this place, met a very handsome old man with a long beard. "I am Maurice" he said to her. He tells her that the next day she will see the Mother of God, in the Vallon des Fours, above the church of Saint-Etienne. He gave her a stick to protect herself against the wolves. The next day, the apparitions of the Vallon des Fours began and lasted until August 29, 1664.