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