La Roche-Des-Arnauds: Hiking, Horse Riding and Cultural Heritage

During a stay in La Roche-Des-Arnauds, hiking, horse riding and history can each take centre stage. The hikes range from a very easy family loop to a difficult, considerably longer route. Les Sabots de Vénus offers both trail rides and riding lessons. When planning, consider both the level of effort you want and the scenery and type of riding activity.

Hikes to suit different abilities and landscapes

The Circuit de la Gerle is a 4 km, very easy family loop with 180 metres of elevation gain. It starts at the « la boule » school car park and leads to waterfalls, passing several pools where you can cool off in summer. The route also passes the ruins of a medieval tower. This makes it an easy hike that combines water with a historical point of interest.

Les Cabrettes, by contrast, is a difficult 12 km hike with 750 metres of elevation gain; it starts at the Matacharre forest house. The route follows the panoramic ridge of Clape and offers views of Céüse, the Baronnies provençales and Mont Ventoux on the horizon. It also lets you experience the Cabrettes des Roux, restored by Pierre Para, as part of the area’s forestry heritage. These views depend on the weather.

The differences in exertion are clear: the Circuit de la Gerle covers 4 km with 180 metres of elevation gain and is very easy; Les Cabrettes is difficult, at 12 km with 750 metres of elevation gain. This lets you consider distance, ascent and difficulty rating together, rather than basing your decision on distance alone. Conditions on both routes depend on the weather and snow. On Les Cabrettes, the weather also affects visibility. If the view from the panoramic ridge is important to your plans, it is worth checking both trail conditions and visibility in advance.

History and other walking routes

The Chartreuse de Bertaud was founded in 1188 and was the second female house of the Carthusian Order. Its founding date and place within the Order give local history a clearly defined point of reference. From the church, you can reach La Tour in about 40 minutes on foot.

Trail rides and riding lessons

Les Sabots de Vénus offers trail rides lasting from one to six days; programmes may change. Riding lessons are also available for beginners through advanced riders aged three and over, though availability may also change. Trail rides and lessons involve different planning considerations: for trail rides, duration is relevant; for lessons, prior experience and minimum age are the main points to consider. Check current programmes and lesson availability in advance.

First decide whether hiking, horse riding or history will shape your stay; the hikes also differ significantly in difficulty.

Discover more destinations: Les Vigneaux, Laye, Salérans, Mont-Dauphin, La Motte-En-Champsaur, Ventavon, Ribeyret, Chorges

For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.