The Headdressed Ladies of Théus & Remollon

Description

The Durance Valley hides natural phenomena that are unusual to say the least: the "Demoiselles Coiffées" or "Fairy Chimneys". Take the height from our observation points and enjoy exceptional panoramas!

These spectacular geological formations are the result of rainfall and torrential erosion, and can be recognised by their shape of high columns topped by a rocky cap. Two villages in the Durance Valley allow you to get as close as possible to them by car and on foot.

- In THÉUS: the 65 ha site has been listed since 1939. The basin of the Vallauria torrent groups together a whole series of capped columns and constitutes a real geomorphological curiosity. The formations are so numerous that they are referred to as the "Ballroom".
Get a good view of them from our two lookouts!
The "Ballroom terrace", inaugurated in 2018, offers a view of these natural gems accompanied by a postcard background overlooking the Durance valley. Thanks to its deckchairs, tables, benches and explanatory panels, you will be able to relax in peace.

- IN REMOLLON: 1km from the fluvio-glacial formations of Théus, two sites of Demoiselles Coiffées exist on the mountainside in Remollon (1km away). The two landscapes are complementary in their geological history.

- WALKS & HIKING:
To admire these spectacular sites, you have the possibility to go on nice walks starting from the villages of Théus and Remollon.
To admire these spectacular sites, you have the possibility of making pretty hikes from the villages of Théus, Remollon and Espinasses.

DEPARTURES FROM THÉUS: a choice of a blue circuit and a longer red circuit which passes by the terraced belvederes, before descending to the car park. Departure: Théus before the village of Théus, in the last bend on the D53A: departure sign at the car park, take the forest track which crosses the torrent.
4 km 1h30 +320 m, longer variant.

DÉPART DE REMOLLON: only the West site of Remollon is accessible to pedestrians via a footpath which leads visitors to the foot of the site and less than 50 m from the formations! It ends with a small viewpoint
fitted out to discover, very closely, the first formations of the East site. The latter are not yet accessible to the public.

DÉPART D'ESPINASSES: a nice shaded hike at the foot of the Demoiselles coiffées along the Trente pas torrent.
6.5 km - 1h45 + 300 m
Start: from the Espinasses village hall

- ACCESS BY CAR:
> BELVEDERES OF THEUS: after crossing the village of Théus and its winding road (RD53), turn right at the hamlet of Poët (D53A) to the first belvedere and its car park.
If you continue a little further you can enjoy an exceptional 360° view, at Mont Colombis culminating at 1734 m (accessible by car).