Walking route - Les Mattes
Description
A trail for experienced hikers that takes you from mountain pasture to mountain pasture through forest and clearings to Les Mattes.
In Villapeyron, park in the sawmill parking lot. The trailhead is located at the top of Chemin de Villapeyron, 50 meters from the parking lot.
The trail enters the woods, crosses a stream, and climbs straight up until it reaches a forest road. From there, take the trail that winds upward to the wayside shrine.
Continue on the trail ascending to the right of the wayside shrine and join the wide path leading to the Boudîmes mountain pasture. Cross the pasture to reach a small plateau behind the high-voltage power line tower.
The route then climbs gently through the alpine pastures; the view opens up as you ascend, and you’ll catch a glimpse of the Dents du Midi (3,257 m).
Continue along this same trail through a stretch that alternates between woods and clearings. You’ll reach the Chalet de la Torrens, and at the same time join the GR5 (a long-distance hiking trail marked with red and white signs, crossing the Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea).
Head up to the left, following the trail to Les Mattes, the gateway to the beautiful Combe de Grange. Return via the same route.
Marking
Departmental signposting on a beige metal plate with green lettering.
Map references
Top 25 IGN 3528 ET