The 2 Most Beautiful Fall Hikes in Les Orres

The 2 Most Beautiful Fall Hikes in Les Orres

What could be more beautiful than an autumn hike beneath flamboyant larch trees, accompanied by the scent of the forest, peaks dusted with the first snow, and the blue sky of the Hautes-Alpes? The fall months are especially magical for exploring the mountains: landscapes tinged with a thousand colors, a peaceful atmosphere far from the summer crowds, and the crisp air of the woods... 

Whether you’re going mushroom hunting, taking in a breath of fresh air, or simply reveling in the spectacle of nature, we invite you to explore two iconic trails in Les Orres: Les Sources de Jérusalem and Le Méale. 

🍂 Hike #1

The Springs of Jerusalem

A peaceful retreat for the whole family

Distance: 6.6 km
Elevation gain: 300 m
Duration: about 2.5 hours round trip
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Starting point: Free parking lot at Prat Paisset, on the road between Les Orres 1650 and 1800

This trail is ideal for families with children who are already used to hiking. Occasional hikers can also enjoy an accessible walk while taking in the beauty of nature. The forest trail is wide and presents no technical difficulties. 

After a few hundred meters on flat ground, the trail climbs gently to the Bergerie Gautier. You can take your first break next to this old shepherd’s hut. The trail then leads you to the rushing stream, fed by the Jérusalem springs. At this point in the hike, things start to get serious! The climb becomes a bit steeper, continuing that way until the end of the hike. Follow the yellow signs: they’ll show you which way to go at each intersection. 

You’ll finally reach the waterfall, which emerges between two layers of limestone and plunges into the stream below. A fountain lets you enjoy the spring water. 

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FOR HIKERS WHO WANT TO GO FURTHER:

THE MURETIER VALLEY

Distance: 11.5 km
Elevation gain: 695 m
Duration: about 4 hours and 30 minutes round trip
Difficulty: moderate

From the Sources de Jérusalem, head back 250 m and take the trail that branches off to your right toward the Muretier Valley. The trail winds through the forest and then across alpine meadows until it reaches the bottom of the valley. 

💡 WHY THE NAME “JERUSALEM”?
The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, a very powerful religious, hospitable, and military order dating back to the Crusades, owned property and commanderies throughout Europe. As early as the^13th century, they owned land in the parish of Les Orres, notably in the Muretier Valley just above the springs. They had “leased” a mountain from the community in exchange for an annual payment ( 300 livres). The spring thus took the name “Fountain of Jerusalem.” 

🍂 Hike #2

Le Méale

Forests and panoramic views of the Serre-Ponçon Valley

Distance: 9.15 km
Elevation gain: 725 m
Duration: about 4.5 to 5 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting point: Forest parking lot, Les Orres (44.52987 / 6.54908)

Le Méale, rising to 2,421 meters, isone of the most accessible peaks from the town center of Les Orres. It offers an exceptional panoramic view of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Écrins, and the Parpaillon massif. Fall is a particularly good time for this hike, with often pleasant weather and spectacular landscapes ablaze with red and gold. This hike is intended for hikers accustomed to strenuous ascents.

Once you’ve parked at the forest parking lot, above the village, head toward Le Méale. The trail climbs through the forest. At the “Piste de la Plâtrière” sign, you have two routes to choose from: via Le Serre, the trail is more direct but also more technical; via La Plâtrière, the ascent is more gradual. From there, simply follow the directional signs at each intersection. 

The final, steeper section of the climb is rewarded by the arrival at the summit of Le Méale. From there, the view is breathtaking: Lake Serre-Ponçon sparkles in the autumn sunshine, while the surrounding mountains are bathed in golden hues. It’s the perfect spot for a well-deserved break—or even a picnic—while enjoying the silence of nature.

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💡LA PLATRIÈRE

During the hike, you’ll come across signs marked “La Platrière.” La Platrière is that whitish area visible from afar, below the Méale. It’s a former limestone quarry that was used to produce lime. When mixed with water, this powder forms a protective coating used to cover the exterior walls of homes and barns. Lime covers notable landmarks in the area, such as the old Vauban fortifications. 

Autumn, with its shimmering colors and peaceful atmosphere, transforms these routes into veritable tableaux vivants. Whether it's the Sources de Jérusalem, where an atmosphere of calm and serenity reigns, or the ascent of the Méale, with its impressive panoramas, these two hikes are a must for all mountain lovers. So put on your hiking boots and set off to discover the wonders of Les Orres in autumn!