Distance 12km
Elevation 460m
Duration 4:15
Difficulty Difficult
This circuit is ideal for discovering the former Commune of Chénerilles (today attached to Malijai). Its scattered farms and its now ruined village are typical of the Haute-Provence of yesteryear.
Description
Departure from Malijai, D8 road towards Le Chaffault, 1km from the village. The circuit starts in a bend of the D8, at the level of the Combe Obscure. After a fairly easy climb to Bertrands (large restored farm), you join the D12 which connects Malijai to Puimichel. Follow this road on your left for 30m, then find, on your right, the marked path which rises in the middle of the woods of white oaks, service trees and maples. Arrived, at the plateau, take the passable track on your left. (On the right you join Malijai by the Chemins de Puimichel or the Penitents des Mées.) After having rejoined and followed the road for 500m, take the tarmac path on the left at the edge of the Puimichel plateau. The view then extends widely to the South and East over beautiful red lands, cultivated with cereals and lavender. The path quickly descends on your left. After passing near a farm, reach the chapel and the ruins of the village of Chénerilles, almost always following a ridge path overlooking the Bléone valley.
As incredible as it may seem, these arid and stony grounds constituted the bulk of the agricultural land of the village! After this, the descent is quite steep and slippery until the D8 road which in 2km brings you back to your starting point.
Type : Marked loop
Distance : 12km
Elevation : 460m
Duration 4h15
Difficulty : Difficult
Max altitude : 836m
Marking details
Yellow (PR)
Cartographic references
Hike No. 12 on the Val de Durance hiking map. IGN TOP 50 No. 3340 and 3341