Montbrand: Hiking, Heritage and Local Agriculture

Montbrand offers several ways to plan a trip that includes hiking, architectural heritage and local agriculture. The trails differ in their features: one stage of the GRP passes through forests and pastureland, while another footpath crosses the Aiguebelle and climbs to the Col des Bertrands. The area also offers the heritage of its villages and hamlets, as well as the work of the Ferme du Forest. If you are looking for hotels for a trip to Montbrand, these interests can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Hiking through forests, pastureland and along the river

The Font Vineuse–Vaunières stage of the GRP passes through forests and pastureland. From the church in Montbrand, it continues towards the Col de Montanit. The church stands on a rocky outcrop and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks. The rocky outcrop and the views of the peaks define the church’s setting, while forests and pastureland characterize the stage’s landscape.

A footpath from the Hameau de Creyers crosses the Aiguebelle and then climbs to the Col des Bertrands. The trails therefore differ in their described features: the GRP stage passes through forest and pastureland, while the footpath from Creyers crosses the Aiguebelle and climbs to the Col des Bertrands. You can choose which one to take based on the landscape or route.

Explore the heritage independently

The Circuit de l’Aiguebelle offers a way to discover the history and heritage of the villages of La Faurie and Montbrand, as well as their hamlets. It is designed for individual, self-guided visits. The route is freely accessible, with visits possible every day throughout the year; check the latest access information before your visit.

Montbrand’s historical and cultural heritage includes old churches, fountains and washhouses. Those interested in architecture can explore fountains and washhouses as well as churches. The options differ in focus: the GRP stage is defined by its landscape and the continuation from the church towards the Col de Montanit, while the Circuit focuses on the history of the villages and hamlets. This makes it possible to distinguish between a hiking stage and a self-guided heritage tour.

Agriculture and gastronomy

The Ferme du Forest has been practicing organic farming in Montbrand since 1990. It makes bread from its own flours and bakes it in a wood-fired oven. For travellers interested in regional food, both the farm’s agricultural background and the specific features of its bread production are of interest.

The local gastronomic culture in Montbrand and throughout the Hautes-Alpes département is considered a tourist attraction. Visits to local producers and farmers in Montbrand are recommended. If you plan a visit, arrange a time directly with the relevant business.

For groups of at least six people, visits to the Ferme du Forest are scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays from 2 pm. Check in advance whether you can arrange a visit at one of these times.

Discover other destinations: Briancon, Saint-Bonnet-En-Champsaur, Saint-Jacques-En-Valgodemard, Saint-Firmin, Saint-Eusèbe-En-Champsaur, La Grave, Chorges, Villar-Saint-Pancrace.

View the regional travel guide: Hautes-Alpes.