The legend of Madame Carle's meadow
Between glaciers, hiking and alpine legend
Welcome to the Pré de Madame Carle, a must-see spot in the Pays des Écrins. At an altitude of 1,874 m, this glacial cirque propels you in front of the giants of rock and ice: the Pelvoux, the Glacier Blanc, the moraines… It is here that mountaineering takes off, but also that hiking is experienced at all levels. In the past, a huge glacier covered the entire site. Today, you can read the history of the landscape at a glance: glacial retreat, rock bars, faults. And as a bonus? Discreet alpine flora, marmots in ambush, and a few chough cries if you listen carefully.
Things to do on site
- Discovery trail – easy 45-minute loop with geology, fauna and flora panels
- Hike to the Refuge du Glacier Blanc – 2 hours of ascent (+600 m), an essential departure for the high mountains
- Landscape reading tables – to understand everything at a glance
- Access : paid parking, Vallouise ↔ Pré de Madame Carle shuttle in summer, water point available.
And the famous “Madame Carle”?
No romantic drama or murderous donkey. The real story is that of Françoise de Brun, widow of Jean Carle, a notable from Grenoble, who managed the summer pastures alone in the sixteenth century. An influential and independent woman. The “Pré de Madame” is therefore named after her in homage — and it’s anything but a sad legend.
- Download the Hautes-Alpes Heritage app to enrich your visit
- Summer shuttle from Vallouise
- Lace-up shoes? Here we go!
Le Pré de Madame Carle is the beginning of the adventure. It’s up to you.
