Mountain refuge Cabane des Prés

In the field of Barles , between the hillsides and summits of the Alpes de Alta Provence, the terrain changes with a rapid orientation and this conditions the progression. Cabane des Prés , about 1700 meters, it is left in a strip of medium-high mountain where the relief forces to read the valley and the slopes well before gaining height. It is not the same to advance through an open solana as by a more closed umbria or by loins exposed to the wind, something important in an area where the environment may become more rough than its altitude suggests.

The shelter fits as basic support to move to close peaks that draw a very close horizon: Sommet of Chine , Coche de Barles , Les Monges or Sommet de Coste belle . This concentration of reliefs around helps to understand its function: more than just an isolated coat, it serves to break days or to raise ascension on mountain terrain with continuous changes in slope, orientation and exposure. It can also be useful in hiking routes in the area, such as tours to Le Serre d'Eclangon or Sommet du Blayeul , always assessing that distances and real hardness will depend on the chosen route.

The approach and the movements through this environment call for effort management. The map can give a relatively simple impression, but the succession of crest, shoulders and side changes usually breaks the pace. In this type of mountain, attention should be paid to the direction of the itinerary, the continuity of the path and the state of the land, especially if the hills or summits are linked to the same exit.

In the logistics part, autonomy remains the most prudent reference. There are sources in the wide environment, but the nearest catalogued is several kilometres away, so it is not appropriate to have immediate water next to the shelter. No specific services or equipment should be taken for granted without prior verification. In an area with limited practical information, Cabane des Prés it is best understood as a point of coat and support to move with criterion along the mountain of Barles.