Connected to the Roizonne valley by an old "calade" path (a rough cobbled trail made of embedded stones), the little-known Rif Bruyant valley is full of hidden treasures. Discover the stone houses of the old hamlet, with their slate roofs and stepped gable ends. As you stroll through the beautiful hay meadows bordered by low stone walls, you may come across the natural icehouses, once used to age the valley’s cheeses.

Parking from Alpe du Grand Serre:
Take the D114 towards La Mure. After passing the hamlet of Fontagneu, you’ll find a parking area on your left, near the hamlet of Le Mollard.

From La Mure:
Take the D114 towards Alpe du Grand Serre. After the village of La Valette, the parking area and the hamlet of Le Mollard are on your right.
If the parking is full, you can turn back to the hamlet of Fontagneu, which also offers parking. The additional few hundred meters are signposted and follow the river below.

Trail Directions:
Take the path toward Le Mollard. Once in the hamlet, turn right to reach the Rif Bruyant stream. Continue through the wooded area until you reach a stone-arched bridge. Do not cross this bridge — instead, follow the stream uphill. At the second bridge, cross over the Rif Bruyant and take the narrower trail to the left, which leads into the forest and up to the old hamlet.

Important:
You are in a protected natural area.
Please stay on marked trails, keep your dog on a leash, do not light fires, and carry out all your trash or dispose of it in the nearest bins. Respecting and preserving this special place is essential!
Marking : PDIPR Signage
Equipments : Parking nearby,
Good plans : For more adventurous hikers: experienced walkers can continue up the steep valley of the Rif Bruyant, lined with lush meadows, all the way to the lake of the same name, hidden in the heart of a wild, rocky cirque.

Opening : From May 1st to October 31st. Subject to snow conditions. The Rivobruenti refuge is open daily in July and August, and on weekends from May to October.

Area : Matheysine