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A hike to discover just a stone’s throw from Gîtes du Château de la Robine
Located just a 15-minute drive from Gîtes du Château de la Robine, the hamlet of Ainac serves as the starting point for a magnificent hike toward the Petite Cloche de Barles.
Set in the heart of the Monges massif, this route offers a wonderful immersion into the wild landscapes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
The trail takes you through pristine natural surroundings, forests, mountain passes, and alpine pastures—culminating in a final ascent that rewards you with an absolutely stunning view.
An ideal hike for those who love wide-open spaces and breathtaking panoramas!
Heading toward Col Saint-Antoine
From Ainac, the route begins by heading toward Col Saint-Antoine.
The trail climbs gradually, running alongside the ravine of the Galabre stream. You move through a peaceful setting, surrounded by vegetation typical of the mountains of Haute-Provence.
As you ascend, you steadily gain altitude, allowing you to take in the surrounding landscapes.
Once you reach Col Saint-Antoine—at an elevation of approximately 1,450 meters—it is time to continue the adventure toward Col des Cloches.
Col des Cloches and its magnificent landscapes
From Col Saint-Antoine, the route continues toward Col des Cloches.
The trail traverses a variety of landscapes, alternating between wooded sections and more open terrain. As you progress, the contours of the land are revealed, and the full scale of the mountains comes into view.
Reaching Col des Cloches marks a highlight of the hike. Situated between the Petite Cloche and the Grande Cloche, it offers superb vantage points overlooking the surrounding mountain ranges.
The mountains of La Blanche, the Monges massif, and the peaks of the Southern Alps create an exceptional backdrop.
The ascent of La Petite Cloche: the highlight of the experience!
For the more adventurous, the journey doesn’t have to end at the Col des Cloches!
You can continue the climb toward La Petite Cloche, which reaches an altitude of 1,909 meters.
This final stretch requires a bit more care. The terrain becomes wilder, and some sections lie beyond the marked trail. You should therefore be comfortable in a mountain environment, possess good navigation skills, and exercise caution when crossing rocky passages.
But the effort is well worth it once you reach the summit.
Up there, the panorama is magnificent! You are treated to an expansive view of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the rugged landscape of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
It is the perfect spot to take a break, pull out your camera, and simply savor the moment.
It is also a wonderful opportunity to take your time observing nature—and, with a bit of luck, perhaps even spot some local wildlife.
Practical information for planning your hike
Here are some key details to help you organize your excursion from Ainac:
Starting point: The hamlet of Ainac, in the commune of La Robine-sur-Galabre.
Access from the holiday cottages (gîtes): Approximately 15 minutes by car.
Summit: Petite Cloche, 1,909 meters.
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,000 meters.
Distance: Approximately 13.6 km, depending on the route.
Estimated duration: About 6 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, with a more technical final ascent.
These figures refer to a route that passes via the Col Saint-Antoine and the Col des Cloches, including the ascent of the Petite Cloche. The section near the summit includes areas that are not marked; therefore, a good level of experience in mountain hiking is recommended.
Remember to check the weather conditions, wear appropriate footwear, and bring plenty of water.
A great idea for an outing during your stay in Haute-Provence
The hike to the Petite Cloche de Barles is one of those delightful discoveries that make a stay in Haute-Provence so special.
Easily accessible from the Gîtes du Château de la Robine, it offers the chance to enjoy a true day in the mountains—far from the hustle and bustle, amidst pristine landscapes.
Whether you are an avid hiker or simply looking for beautiful places to explore during your vacation, this ascent is well worth the trip.
