La Gardiole de l'Alp - Molines
C’est en arrivant à son sommet que l’on comprend vraiment son nom. Effectivement le point de vue permet au berger de surveiller l’ensemble des pâtures de la Gardiole, mais il offre aussi une vue imprenable sur le bas et le haut Guil, le massif des Ecrins, le haut de la vallée de Saint Véran, le vallon de Peynin… Située en plein centre du Queyras, la Gardiole donne une vue à 360° du territoire.
7 points of interest
FloraSorbus aucuparia
This small tree was once planted to attract thrushes. Its name comes from the fact that birds disseminate its seeds. In the spring, it produces umbels of white flowers that become red berries in July. Its fruit is edible when it is overripe but very acid. The berries can be used to make compotes or jellies. Be careful though: the seeds are toxic. Its small size, rapid growth and elegance mean it is now used as an ornamental tree.- Flora
Carlina
In olden days, Carlina was hung on doors to ward off evil spirits. Its heart was eaten and its roots were used in different medicines. Once endangered, it is now protected. This Asteraceae has the specificity of closing in case of bad weather and humidity. - Flora
Goosefoot
The regular and frequent presence of herds in a small area leads to overgrazing. It has resulted in the disappearance of some species and the development of others. The goosefoot or wild spinach is one of those species. It is present around sheep pens or where sheep spend a lot of time. Edible, its leaves are eaten like spinach. Consume in moderation: they contain oxalates. 
FaunaBlack-veined White butterfly
The black-veined white butterfly is a relatively large butterfly (65mm). Its wings are white. Over time, those of the female become transparent. It loves open areas, with thistle and other Asteraceae. It has the distinction of having an irregular distribution. Indeed it may disappear where it was very present and then reappear where it had disappeared. However, like many insects, its population tends to decline.
GeologyPermafrost, mollisol, frost weathering and thufurs
The succession of freezing and thawing sometimes creates strange shapes. Rocks fractured by frost weathering hurtle down the slopes by the action of water, which, when freezing, makes fissured rocks explode. Deep down, the soil, when permanently frozen, is called permafrost. The top layer, called mollisol, thaws in the spring. The softened mollisol slides over the permafrost and forms visible ripples on the surface. Around lakes, bumpy areas called thufurs often appear.- Fauna
Eresus Kollari
This little spider lives in dry, hot areas. The male is about 1cm in length. It is black with white rings at the joints of the legs and its abdomen is covered with orangey red bristles, with 2 or 3 pairs of black dots. The female, twice as large, is black with grey bristles. It digs a burrow that she won’t leave. She lays her eggs in it and returns to the surface during the day to warm them up, only going back into the burrow at night. After several moults, the males leave the burrow in search of a female. - Fauna
Oedipode rouge
Ce criquet, expert en camouflage, possède une couleur en symbiose à celle de son environnement. En effet, sa teinte dépendra du substrat dans lequel il a grandi. En vol, ses ailes postérieures dépliées deviennent orange et très visibles, mais une fois au sol, se fondant dans le décor, l’insecte redevient quasi invisible.
Description
Du parking remonter la RD205. Après 100 m prendre la première rue à gauche et traverser le village.
1 - Rejoindre rapidement le GR® et tourner à droite. En bout de voie, la route se transforme en piste, la poursuivre jusqu’au lieu-dit chemin de Creyssant.
2 - Prendre sur la droite. Passer la bergerie de l’Alp. Récupérer un sentier qui monte sur la Gardiole de l’Alp.
3 - Une fois au sommet, tourner à droite et suivre la ligne de crête sur un chemin mi terre mi ardoise avec quelques courts passages un peu plus techniques. Déboucher au col du Clot du Loup.
4 - Tourner à droite. Redescendre le vallon, après quelques épingles la pente s’adoucie. Poursuivre jusqu’à l’intersection du canal Rouchas Frach et tourner à gauche. Gagner le Coin par un chemin s’élargissant
5 - Traverser le hameau et continuer jusqu’à la D205, puis tourner à droite. Atteindre rapidement le village de Pierre Grosse, le traverser afin de retrouver le départ.
- Departure : Pierre Grosse
- Arrival : Pierre Grosse
- Towns crossed : Molines-en-Queyras and Aiguilles
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Information desks
House of the Queyras Regional Nature Park
3580 Route de l’Izoard, 05350 Arvieux
The House of the Queyras Regional Nature Park is closed to the public.
OTI du Guillestrois et du Queyras
Maison du Tourisme du Queyras, 05350 Château-Ville-Vieille
Transport
Office de Tourisme du Guillestrois-Queyras : 04 92 46 76 18
Access and parking
Se garer à l’entrée de Pierre Grosse sur la gauche au niveau des molochs.
Parking :
More information
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