Les Monges

Whichever starting point you choose, this walk has enough variety for most hill-walkers. The routes follow forest tracks, narrow paths, through dense woodland and across wide-open spaces with occasional vertiginous drops, all the time accompanied by stunning views of the mountains to the east and north and the valleys and plains of the south. If there is a choice and the time, my recommendation is to try second route described below.

Les Monges Summit

There are three main routes to the summit of les Monges.

From the Lac des Monges (approximately 1 hr 30 min to the summit).

	From Valernes take the D951 towards La Motte. Before reaching the village take a right-hand turn onto the D1 as far as the village of le Forest Lacour. Just before entering the village, take a right-turn onto a narrow, climbing road, signposted Esparron and Le Pont.
	It is possible to walk up to the lac des Monges from the village of Esparron by following the Route de la Pinee. Alternatively, continue driving to the lake (following a forest track signposted Le Lac). A few kilometers before reaching the lake you will encounter a barrier across the track - the accompanying signpost helpfully informs us that the track is closed to vehicles between except for the months of July and August . If the barrier is open, continue driving to a car park near the lake. If it is closed, park at the barrier (leaving the track clear for emergency vehicles) and walk up the track to the car park.
	The lac des Monges is a small lake surrounded by trees and with a refuge on its north-west corner. This is a good place for a picnic with near-by views down to the valley of Reynier and across to the crete de Raus.
	The walk begins by following the track past the eastern edge of the lake. It winds gently upwards through fir trees, narrowing as it climbs out of the trees. With the main northern face of les Monges just ahead, look out for a yellow-painted stake indicating a narrow footpath off to the left.
	This path re-enters the trees, climbing more steeply until it meets the edge of an escarpment overlooking the col de la Clapouse, far below. The views here are spectacular.
	The path follows the edge of the escarpment heading south directly for the summit of les Monges. Emerging from the trees once more, the path traverses diagonally up a scree face until the main ridge is gained just to the north-west of the summit, where the photograph above was taken.
	The path is less distinct now but the way is clear - follow the edge of the ridge to the south-east, climbing steeply until the first of the two summits is reached. Enjoy the views from one of the highest mountains in the region.
	To return, descend by the same route. Alternatively, if you are able to make suitable arrangements for being picked up at Authon, follow the reverse of the routes described below.

From la Perouse (near Authon) (approximately 2 hr 45 min to the summit).

	Drive from La Toupine towards Sisteron, taking the D951 which crosses the Sasse torrent just outside Valernes. When reaching the river bridge in Sisteron, take the D3 road on the east of the town, following the signs for the village of Authon. This car journey takes about 40-50 minutes and passes through beautiful scenery. In the centre of Authon, take a narrow track off to the left signposted les Monges and drive for a further 2 km until a footpath sign is reached, pointing out a path leading off to the right. Park the car here.
	The track leads immediately to the first obstacle, a small stream, which may be crossed easily in dry weather but may need more care after prolonged rain. Take special care in the winter when the smooth stepping stones may be covered in a thin film of ice.
	The path then leads upwards through woodland until, after 15-20 minutes, it joins a forest track. Cross this track and rejoin the path which climbs away steeply on the other side.
	After 30-40 minutes the path reaches a shoulder and bears left onto a wider track. Look immediately for a narrow path leading off to the left, indicated by a yellow waymark.
	Follow this path in a generally easterly direction through trees following the spine of the ridge. Eventually it emerges into the open where the full spectacle of the summit and the route may be enjoyed (see the photographs above and below). The path continues along the spine, at one point following an extremely narrow arrete before regaining more solid ground. Yellow waymark posts are positioned at suitable intervals.
	The final climb to the summit is steeper than it looks, but does not last long.
	To return, descend by the same route. Alternatively, if you are able to make suitable arrangements for being picked up at the lac des Monges or Esparron la Batie, follow the reverse of the route described above.

From Authon via la Renardière (approximately 4 hrs to the summit).

	Drive from La Toupine to Authon as described above, but stay on the main road as you pass through the village. Just as you leave the village on the road towards the col de Fontbelle you will see a parking area to the right, near a gîte d'étape. Park the car here.
	Follow the metalled track that leads eastwards away from the car park, towards Feissal. The track passes to the south of the Pierre Mont and continues for another 90 minutes, joining with the GR6 from Géruen en route.
	After crossing a stream (1420m) the track narrows to a footpath and climbing starts in earnest. Waymarks are not always easy to see, so be vigilant.

After a hard pull, a col is reached at la Croix de Veyre. This lies between the summits of les Monges and Rabanu and it may be worth stopping here to gather one's resources for the final climb.

Although there is now no marked path to follow to the summit, it is easy to pick a way up the steep hill to the north west until the summit ridge is gained. The remainder of the walk to the summit is now straightforward and extensive views may now be enjoyed with little physical effort.

A number of options are available for the return. You may descend by the same route or follow the second route described above to return to Authon. Alternatively, if you are able to make suitable arrangements for being picked up at the lac des Monges or Esparron la Batie, follow the reverse of the first route described above.