Grande Tête de l'Obiou

Park at the Chalet des Baumes (about 1,560 m), reached by a small road from Les Payas (Pellafol) near Corps; the road beyond to the Col des Faïsses is closed to motor vehicles. A path marked by a cairn climbs the pasture beside a fence to the Col des Faïsses (about 1,700 m), with the small Refuge Louis Debastiani shelter. From here carmine-red waymarks and cairns lead west over the grassy ridge and small rock bands of the Pas du Vallon, then traverse into the scree bowl of the Bénitier. Above, the path climbs a stony rib to the foot of the cliffs and then a long, steep gully of limestone strata like a staircase (the 'escaliers dévoluyards'), with hands needed in places, to the Col de l'Obiou (the 'Épaule', about 2,440–2,464 m) between the Petit and Grand Obiou. This gully is exposed to rockfall from parties above; a helmet is advised. From the col, go west up a scree cone past a big boulder, traverse south-west to the foot of an arête above the Combe de la Fuvelle and climb it (steep, easy, exposed), then traverse the west face on sloping, slippery slabs and ledges (the 'Cravate'). A last rocky couloir and some zigzags lead to the broad summit plateau (2,789 m). Descend the same way with extra care: although it is not climbing, a fall in the exposed passages would very likely be fatal. Snow patches can last into early July and then crampons and an ice axe are essential; several parties have turned back at a snowy Cravate. Only go in dry weather. The Chatières variant from the col (two narrow chimneys with UIAA II–III moves, rucksack hauled through) is less exposed but needs climbing experience.