Bergerie du Carrelet

The place

Communal sheepfold at 2020 m in the Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes, Écrins National Park), reserved for shepherds. The Carrelet plain sits at the head of a rocky valley where the track climbs to the source of the Vénéon; the greenery contrasts with the steep slopes of the Ailefroide towering above the refuge. The Carrelet mountain-pine forest, at 2400 m, is considered the highest mountain-pine forest in Europe. A significant drop in visitor numbers has been observed since 2020 (-30% at the refuge).