Écrins de rando : forêt d’automne

In the heart of the Champcella Valley, autumn reveals a magical scene. The larch trees blaze with golden and copper hues, the alpine pastures take on a reddish tint under the first frosts, and on the shaded slopes, the first snow glistens against the sun-drenched hillsides. The deep blue sky, the murmur of torrents swollen by the rains, and the scent of the damp undergrowth come together to create a timeless setting.

For five days, let yourself be guided by a mountain guide—who is also a certified naturalist—who passionately shares the secrets of the local flora and fauna. In a small group of no more than 8 people, each outing becomes a discovery: watch the ballet of spotted nutcrackers, keep an eye out for black grouse at the forest’s edge, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the bearded vulture or the golden eagle.

The itinerary

Monday: Charming deciduous forests. A lovely loop through the old hamlets of the Vaudois region, high above the Biaysse Valley, among oaks, hazelnut trees, and berry-laden shrubs.

Tuesday: Famous larch trees. A trail through the flamboyant larch forest to a small valley suspended on the “balconies” of the Durance River, for a picnic facing the barely snow-capped peaks.

Wednesday: Sun-kissed alpine pastures and luminous landscapes. Head toward Freissinières and its glacial lakes, amid alpine pastures carpeted with blueberries reddened by frost, in a magnificent cirque.

Thursday: A hilltop village and red rowan trees. Climb to an alpine pasture steeped in history, where the forest

Friday: A colorful valley. To end on a high note, a splendid viewpoint overlooking the Pelvoux massif: blue sky, white peaks, russet forests, and a green valley.

A leisurely getaway

The hikes, which involve no technical difficulty, feature between 600 and 730 meters of elevation gain per day. The trip is organized as a series of day hikes radiating out from a quiet, authentic inn: no heavy backpacks to carry, and transfers to the trailheads are included. Each evening, enjoy the warmth of the stove, a steaming bowl of soup, and a cozy bed to recover from wonderful days spent outdoors.

Practical Information

Sunday, October 25 through Friday, October 30, 2026. Check-in on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the inn, or at 6:00 p.m. at the L’Argentière-les-Écrins SNCF train station.

Level 2 out of 5, suitable for any regular hiker.

Group size: 5 to 8 participants.