Emparis Mule Path via Clot Raffin: hiking in France
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Emparis Mule Path via Clot Raffin

Distance
12.3 km
Time
5 h 38 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

The slopes above Le Chazelet preserve a path once used to bring hay down from the Emparis meadows on mules. Its bends suggest everyday mountain work: a load had to reach the village while the path held its course on the steep hillside. The outing then turns toward the plateau edge and returns through Clot Raffin hamlet. Its named buildings offer a concrete stopping place in the broad open landscape. This variant revisits some sections, allowing familiar slopes to be seen from another direction. Keep to the bends of the old route: cutting switchbacks can damage the path that connects the present walk with local farming history.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Dirt 74% · Asphalt 5% · Gravel 1% · Unknown 20%

Surface data covers 9.76 km of 12.3 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Dirt 74% · 9.08 km
Asphalt 5% · 0.57 km
Gravel 1% · 0.11 km
Unknown 20% · 2.49 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Clot Raffin and the old mule path reveal the working side of Emparis. Look beyond the mountains to how people reached the hay meadows and brought the harvest back to their village.
Length
12.3 km
Elevation gain
1219 m
Surface
Dirt 74%
Emparis Mule Path via Clot Raffin: route photo 4 in France

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
The hillside ascent and returned sections suit children with experience of longer walks. Leash dogs on pasture, give livestock space and check local rules. Complete bicycle access is unconfirmed.

Nearby

Lac Lérié and Lac Noir on Emparis require a separate continuation and are outside this outing. La Grave’s historical quarters can be visited on a separate trip after returning.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Confirmed current details of direct public transport to Le Chazelet are unavailable. Without a car, arrange the connection to La Grave and onward approach to Le Chazelet separately; do not count on a service at the upper junctions.
By car
The official card starts the walking approach at Le Chazelet before crossing the Gâ stream. Reach the village starting area and continue on foot. Authorised visitor driving on pasture branches is unconfirmed.
Parking
The official guide begins along Le Chazelet parking. Confirm visitor and extended-storage conditions locally; keep farm access clear at Clot Raffin.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Clot Raffin hamlet a named settlement on the return from the Emparis slopes.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 1219 м.
SurfaceDirt 74%, Asphalt 5%, Gravel 1%, Unknown 20%.
Риски Keep a steady pace on the steep switchbacks and avoid cutting restored bends. The exposed plateau side is vulnerable to wind and thunderstorms. Give livestock space and choose the intended return to Le Chazelet before each junction.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Time for the route 5–6 h
With stops | 6–8 h The estimate includes additional returns on the Emparis hillside and Clot Raffin paths. The standard Sentier des Mules circuit is shorter and its time does not cover this complete outing. Start and finish lie near Le Chazelet, with a short separate connecting approach.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Snow-free summer and early autumn days are suitable. Rain makes the earth at bends slippery; weather can change more quickly on the exposed plateau than in the village. Allow for shorter autumn daylight.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Grippy walking boots and poles.
Water, day food, a wind layer and rain protection.
A hat, an offline junction map and a headlamp.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Confirmed current details of direct public transport to Le Chazelet are unavailable. Without a car, arrange the connection to La Grave and onward approach to Le Chazelet separately; do not count on a service at the upper junctions

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 12.3 km, moderate.

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