Hiking Around St Andre Les Alpes
Fly St Andre is a perfect location for lovers of the great outdoors with beautiful walks from the door of your apartment.
Perhaps take a gentle 30 minute stroll up the knoll behind the property to the statues of the Saints or meander through the open valley floor of Thorame Basse. If you like more demanding days challenge yourself to climb the nearby mountains of the Crete de Serres (1764 m), Le Chalvet (1609m) or visit the abandoned village of Courchons (1456m).
For more drama and within 45 minutes drive are the impressive gorges of St Pierre, Daluis and most famous of the all "Les Gorges du Verdon".
The latter is Europe's largest canyon at 25km long and 700m deep. Watch the resident vultures soar the cliffs from the dizzying belvederes or explore the gorge from one of its classic paths such as Sentier Martel (14km 6- 8 hours) which follows the river by a series of steps, tunnels, ladders and idyllic trails.

Here's a selection of shorter walks that may interest you:
The Saints
What - A short loop on the knoll behind the house to the statues of St Pierre and St Paul.
Why - Stunning 360 views of the lake and St Andre.
Time - 00:45
Distance - 2km
Ascent - 60m
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - ***
St Andre Village Loop
What - Walk into St Andre via the river and return via the flying school.
Why - Enjoy the beautiful walk along the riverside, lovely whatever the season.
Time - 00:45
Distance - 3km
Ascent - 30m
Difficulty - Green
Rating (1-4) - **
Discover the Forest
What - A short loop in the woods on the foot of Crete de Serres.
Why - Lovely sheltered walk.
Time - 00:45
Distance - 2km
Ascent - 30m
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - **
Les Greyttes
What - A short loop in the Les Greyttes woods gives fine views over the lake.
Why - Views, views, views...
Time - 01:45
Distance - 6km
Ascent - 150m
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - **
The Pixie Loop
What - Walk up the road opposite the supermarket and follow the red and white pixie symbols in the woods.
Why - Fantastic not too hard walk.
Time - 01:45
Distance - 7km
Ascent - 200m
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - **
Demandolx - Ancient Village
What - En route to Demandolux, park at a turn and walk an old track to an abandoned village.
Why - The most spectacular view of the lake from the castle view. There is a second track that goes up though the centre of the village to an old Chapel.
Time - 01:00
Distance - 2km
Ascent - 60m
Difficulty - Green
Rating (1-4) - **
Le Chalvet Low Level Traverse
What - Nice loop on the low-level traverse of Le Chalvet. From Col De Robines you can continue to Moriez and get the train back to St Andre (departs 11:17, 14:42 and 18:09)
Why - Great walk through beautiful countryside.
Time - 01:45 / 02:30
Distance - 10km
Ascent - 200m
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - ***
Le Chalvet Summit Tour
What - Short and steep walk to the table de orientation gives tremendous views and on most days a chance to view the hang gliders and paragliders.
Why - Great aerobic workout with awesome views - this is your hike and fly route if you want to!
Time - 00:45
Distance - 2km
Ascent - 90m
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - ***
Thorame Valley - Lac des Sagnes
What - Short mostly flat loop around the Lac des Sagnes reservoir.
Why - Gives nice views of the Thorame Valley.
Time - 00:30
Distance - 1km
Ascent - 0
Difficulty - Green
Rating (1-4) - *
Thorame Basse – Piegut Tower
What - From Thorame Basse take the Chemin de Croix to the remains of the Piegut Tower.
Why - Fine views. Alternatively tour around the knoll on the botanical trail.
Time - 01:00
Distance - 3km
Ascent - 125m
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - **
Thorame Basse - Château Garnier
What - Follow the narrow path GR de Pays to Chateau Garnier and return on tracks in the valley floor.
Why - A decent walk to lose yourself in a beautiful valley.
Time - 2:30
Distance - 8km
Ascent - 100m
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - ***
Argens – Sentier de découverte
What - Drive up the narrow road to this hidden high village between Mtgne Cordeil and Mtgne Maurel and discover a stunning path.
Why - Beautiful and secluded walk.
Time - 2:15
Distance - 5km
Ascent - 130km
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - ***
Allons – Les Champons
What - A path that follows the streams around Les Champons.
Why - Pleasant scenery and stunning scenery.
Time - 01:15
Distance - 3km
Ascent - 125m
Difficulty - Blue
Rating (1-4) - **
#walking #hiking #saintandrelesalpes #saintandre #standre #thingstodo