Demoiselles Coiffées de Théus

Théus

On the heights above the village of Théus, in the Hautes-Alpes, differential erosion has carved from crumbly glacial moraines dozens of "fairy chimneys", columns of earth each capped by a protective boulder that shields it from run-off. This field of demoiselles coiffées, one of the most spectacular in the southern Alps together with that of Pontis, has been protected as a listed geological site since 1939. The local nickname "ballroom of the demoiselles coiffées" testifies to how long the site has drawn visitors, already noted in the 19th century. The coordinates given correspond to the sector of the La Combe valley, above the village; as the site covers several hectares, they should be treated as approximate.

Getting there : Listed geological site since June 1939; reached by a waymarked path from the village of Théus, in the small valley of La Combe

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound