Tête de la Cluse

Tête de la Cluse is a 2683 m summit in the Dévoluy massif, rising above the village of Le Dévoluy in the Hautes-Alpes. A metal cross marks the top, and the peak's prominence of roughly 173 metres makes it a clearly defined point along the ridgeline.

Where is the summit located?

Tête de la Cluse sits on the western edge of the Bure plateau (2595 m), close to an astronomical observatory recognisable by its antennas. It's the high point of the La Cluse area, a small settlement in the Dévoluy municipality that gives its name to one of the approach routes. From the top, the view stretches across the Écrins massif, the Baronnies Provençales, and the Vercors.

How do you get to the top?

The most popular route starts at SuperDévoluy (1479 m), following a 4x4 track and the GR 94B trail alongside the ski slopes. From there the path climbs beneath the cliffs of Montagne d'Aurouze, crossing a rocky section equipped with a fixed cable before reaching the Bure plateau and, from there, the summit itself. An alternative goes through the Combe de la Cluse, a wild, almost desert-like valley enclosed by tall rock walls, often rated as one of the more dramatic approaches in the region. A third option starts from the village of La Cluse (l'Oche, 1265 m), reached from Gap via Veynes and the Col du Festre, for a quieter valley approach.

What will you see along the way?

The route crosses landscape typical of the Dévoluy massif: dry, rocky slopes, narrow gullies, and stretches of alpine meadow higher up. The cable-protected section below the Aurouze cliffs demands attention and sure footing, though it isn't technically difficult for hikers used to exposed mountain trails. Once on the Bure plateau, the observatory's radio-astronomy installations come into close view before the trail turns toward the Tête de la Cluse summit.

When should you go?

Summer through early autumn (June to September) is the best window, when the trails are free of snow and the cabled section is safe to cross. In spring, lingering snow patches at higher elevations can make the approach to the Bure plateau harder going. Dévoluy is also a well-known ski-touring destination in winter, but reaching the summit in that season calls for experience and proper equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Tête de la Cluse? The summit stands at 2683 m, with a prominence of about 173 m.

Where's the best place to start the hike? SuperDévoluy (1479 m) is the most common starting point, following the GR 94B trail across the Bure plateau. Routes from the village of La Cluse or through the wild Combe de la Cluse are also possible.

Does the route need special preparation? Yes - one section below the Montagne d'Aurouze cliffs is equipped with a fixed cable and requires sure footing, though it isn't a technical climbing route.

What can you see from the top? A wide panorama over the Bure plateau and its observatory, plus the Écrins massif, the Baronnies Provençales, and the Vercors.