Glaciers, lakes, alpine pastures The most beautiful hikes in the Écrins
Want to hike in the fresh air? Welcome to the Pays des Écrins, the perfect destination for a hike in the Southern Alps, between glaciers, torrents and flowery mountain pastures. More than 900 km of marked trails await you, from family walks to more sporty ascents. Here, everyone walks at their own pace, without pressure, just for fun.
A range of valleys and peaks
From the bottom of the Durance valley to the glacial ridges, the network of more than 350 km of marked trails is available in a variety of routes. Hikers can take balcony paths, along torrents or climb passes that reveal, on a clear day, the silhouette of the Pelvoux (3,946 m) and the great peaks of the Ecrins (Bans, Ailefroide, Pic Sans Nom).
Hikes inthe top of the resorts
Starting from Vallouise, the trails wind between larches and torrents to offer panoramas of the mountain pastures and the surrounding massifs. The resort of Pelvoux-Vallouise offers direct access to 2300m of altitude by chairlift from where the trails start to the lake of Puy-Aillaud in an hour of walking or the summit of the Blanche (2953m). Not far from there, Puy Saint Vincent highlights the Giants’ Trail, which descends to the Pré Rouge mountain pastures, while the routes leading to the Narreyroux valley or the Plateau des Têtes (2,044 m) offer unobstructed views of the Vallouise valley.
High altitude routes
From mid-June, the high-altitude trails open up to hikers wishing to walk along moraines and firns. The approach to the Glacier Blanc from the Pré de Madame Carle or the ascent of the Pic du Glacier d’Arsine invite you to evolve in a mineral landscape, where the panoramas of the surrounding ranges reward the effort made.
Loops To the lakes
High-altitude lakes line the routes and offer refreshing breaks. Lake Ascension, perched at 2,100 m, or Lake Puy-Aillaud or Lake Eychauda from the Chambran plateau are routes that can be practiced without any particular technical equipment. These contemplative stops, with their clear waters, pleasantly punctuate the days of walking.
Discover the Durance Valley
The paths along the Durance reveal another facet of the Écrins, where pastures and hamlets alternate with orchards and pastoral remains. On routes without significant elevation, it is possible to discover the local heritage while enjoying views of the river and the peaks that frame it.
Freissinières and Dormillouse
The hamlet of Dormillouse, accessible only on foot from Freissinières in less than two hours, is a timeless getaway. Its slate roofs and small hanging vegetable gardens are reminiscent of traditional architecture, while the surrounding paths remain quiet and uncrowded.
In the heart of the Écrins National Park
The routes within the heart of the Écrins National Park are subject to strict regulations to protect the fauna, flora (including many rare or endemic species) and pastoral balances. It is forbidden to pick or take plants, flowers, mushrooms, minerals or fossils, and dogs are not allowed, even on a leash (except working dogs, guide dogs or dogs on official missions). The bivouac is very supervised : allowed only between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., more than an hour’s walk from the limits of the heart, and without lights. We also avoid the release of drones, motorized or mountain bike traffic, and each visitor must bring down his or her waste. These rules, applied and explained by the park rangers, ensure respectful visitation and preserve the tranquility of the environments and species.
4 must-do hikes
Need a guide? They support you
Discover our service providers specialized in hiking and trail running, who will guide you both during family walks and in your most demanding routes. Book your activity and explore the most beautiful trails in the Pays des Écrins.
Écrins Guides and Tour Leaders Office
Bookable online
Puy-Saint-Vincent
“Vagabond’ altitude” Mountain Guides
Hikes in Dormillouse with Sarah CIESLAR, Mountain Guide
Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, and Hiking with Terralpina
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