Immense stone giants towering over the Durance, the Pénitents des Mées are an intriguing sight as you make your way up the Durance. Let's discover them from below… and then from above! Here, we'll share an aperitif as the sun sets over the imposing Montagne de Lure. This hike will take us back through the geological history of Haute-Provence (a UNESCO Geopark), and show us just how important the erosive power of rivers can be.

Programme:

• Presentation of the Haute-Provence UNESCO Geopark and its amazing geology: conglomerates and poudingues of the Valensole basin.
• Real and fantasized stories about the Pénitents, huge boulders dominating the Durance valley
• Shared aperitif at the summit, as the sun sets
• Possibility of a detour to the Les Mées wetlands for birdwatching

Essential equipment :

• 1 comfortable backpack (20-30L) for your belongings
• Ideally, mountain boots with crampons. Failing that, a pair of trainers
• 1 suit suitable for walking (light, breathable clothing)
• 1 water bottle (minimum 1L/person for the outing)
• 1 extra jumper for the evening
• 1 cap or hat, sunglasses and sun cream
• 1 technical waterproof windbreaker (gore-tex type) or k-way (depending on the weather)
• Your medical treatment (if any).

Optional equipment :

• Your telephone or camera
• Binoculars for observation
• Trekking poles (if you're used to walking with them!)