Shared and protected spaces | Dévoluy, in the Hautes-Alpes (05)

Mountain pastures Leisure and work

On your walks through the vast mountain pastures of Dévoluy, you are likely to come across herds of cattle, guarded by shepherds and their dogs. During the summer months, the mountains are where they live and work, so it’s important to respect their peace and quiet: don’t enter their huts without permission, don’t frighten the herds, and keep your dogs on a lead.

On foot :

Cycling and trail running :

Herding dogs how to react?

If you come across a herd on your way, you will very probably come across the dogs responsible for protecting it. First of all, signal your presence to avoid surprising them, and go around the herd if possible. Here are a few rules to follow if they approach you:

stop ;
face the dogs ;
Do not stare into their eyes;
speak to them calmly;
put an object between you and the dogs without waving it (rucksack, jacket, bicycle, etc.).

When a guard dog detects an intruder close to the herd, its reflex is to bark or run towards it.

This behaviour is normal: its purpose is to intimidate the intruder and dissuade it from attacking the herd. This behaviour is not a sign of aggression on the part of the dog. On the other hand, any aggressive gesture towards the dog will only aggravate the situation.

Whaou effect guaranteed

Dévoluy from the air. It’s truly something else. From up there, you can fully admire the magnificent horseshoe that is the massif. From the Pic de Bure to the Obiou, via the tête de Garnesier and the tête de Claudel, the giants of the Dévoluy will suddenly seem so close.

Bundle up warmly, pay close attention to the instructions you’re given, take a deep breath and set off. Take a few steps forward and the glider will soon be over your head. Make yourself comfortable in the harness and, above all, keep your eyes wide open!

The essentials

I'm keeping calm

I identify myself as a human and speak calmly to the dog.

In the event of a bite

I fill in a declaration form at the Pré Tourist Office, which will be forwarded to the relevant authorities.

I don't attack the dog

Throwing stones, hitting with sticks and pepper sprays all contribute to making dogs aggressive.

Focus on The ewes of Dévoluy

Have you come across the producers of Dévoluy on your walk? Discover their products!

Made in Le Dévoluy

Protected areas

A sensitive areaThe Bure plateau

The Bure plateau is a unique area: a gigantic high-altitude scree plateau, it is home to a rich diversity of protected animal and plant species that are found only in this type of environment.

In order to limit the disturbance to wildlife and the destruction of this biotope, and to ensure that the Bure plateau remains unspoilt and open to all, regulations are in place limiting practices.

The following are prohibited (among others)

Traffic off the marked footpaths (except during the winter months);
Motor vehicle traffic;
Fires;
Camping and bivouacs;
Mountain biking and electrically assisted mountain biking;
Dogs not on a lead;
Take-off and landing of any aircraft (drone, paraglider, etc.);
Aerotracted activities (kites);
Flying any motorised vehicle less than 300 m above the ground;
Flying drones over the entire perimeter (except in exceptional circumstances);
Picking, uprooting and destroying plants;
Collecting fossils, insects and other animals;
Deposit waste of any kind.
Picking, uprooting and destroying uncultivated plants and collecting fossils, insects and other animals.