Must-Do Hikes This Fall in the Écrins
When fall starts to show its face, it’s the perfect time to get out for some fresh air and watch the colors change. In the Pays des Écrins, in the Hautes-Alpes, just a stone’s throw from Briançon, deciduous and larch forests blanket the valleys and paint the landscape a vivid orange. Around the same time, the first snows blanket the peaks of the Écrins massif, creating a palette of colors you won’t want to miss. Discover our selection of hikes to enjoy this fall in the Pays des Écrins.
When is the best time to see the golden larch trees?
In the Pays des Écrins, the deciduous trees begin to change color in early October. The larch trees, on the other hand, take on their golden hue between late October and early November. The spectacle of the golden larch trees lasts only about fifteen days: it’s best to keep an eye on the weather and not wait too long!
Check out our selection of hiking trails
La Tome or Le Peyron: A Wilderness Hike Above Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières
The Tome hike, also known as the Peyron, starts in Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières and follows the Fond Froid Valley. The route alternates between sections through larch forests and rocky terrain as it approaches the summit, which rises to an elevation of 2,744 meters. The panoramic view of the Durance Valley makes the effort well worth it. Rarely visited and very wild, the Tome area also hides a pretty little lake behind the summit of the Peyron.
Dormillouse, the inhabited hamlet in the heart of the Écrins National Park
It’s impossible to talk about fall without mentioning Dormillouse, the only village inhabited year-round in the heart of the Écrins National Park. The hamlet of Dormillouse is nestled at an altitude of about 1,750 meters, deep in the Freissinières Valley. It’s accessible only on foot, via a trail that runs alongside the stream and through the forest. If you’re looking for a place far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to unwind and enjoy unspoiled nature, Dormillouse is the perfect retreat. There are several guesthouses in the village where you can take a break or spend the night.
- Starting point: Cascades parking lot, at the end of the Freissinières Valley Road
- Duration: about 1 hour of hiking uphill
- Elevation gain: approximately 350 m
- Difficulty: easy
The Celse Nière Valley and the Bosse de Clapouse, as seen from Ailefroide
The Celse Nière Valley is a stunning, wild high-mountain valley in the Écrins Massif, starting from the hamlet of Ailefroide (in the municipality of Vallouise-Pelvoux). From the Celse Nière Valley, the Bosse de Clapouse trail winds through the larch trees before opening up to views of major peaks such as Pelvoux: an ideal hike in the fall. The Celse Nière Valley also leads to the Sélé and Pelvoux mountain huts, which are currently unstaffed.
- Starting point: Ailefroide parking lot
- Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes round trip (Bosse de Clapouse)
- Elevation gain: 650 m
- Level: Intermediate
The Entraygues Valley, the gateway to the Écrins National Park
The Entraygues Valley, or Entre-les-Aygues, is located above Vallouise, at the entrance to the Écrins National Park. You can reach Entre-les-Aygues, at the confluence of the Selle and Bans torrents, after a 30-minute walk from the parking lot at the Béassac Chapel. From there, two easy hikes are available: to the Jas Lacroix shepherd’s hut, following the Selle torrent, or to the Bans mountain hut (2,083 m), perched on a promontory facing a cirque of high peaks. The Bans mountain hut is currently unstaffed. In the Entraygues Valley, silence reigns, inviting you to recharge your batteries.
- Starting point: parking lot at the Béassac Chapel (+ 30-minute walk to Entre-les-Aygues)
- Jas Lacroix’s Cabin: 2 hours 30 minutes round trip, 350 m elevation gain, easy (from Entre-les-Aygues)
- Refuge des Bans: 3-hour round trip, 470 m elevation gain, easy (from Entre-les-Aygues)
- Allow about 1 hour extra for the round trip from the parking lot
The Tramouillon Stream: A Hidden Trail Above Champcella
The Tramouillon Stream Trail, above Champcella, is a little-traveled yet very scenic route. As you hike upstream along the Tramouillon Stream, you’ll come across unoccupied shepherds’ huts—remnants of mountain pastoral life—as well as several small waterfalls. An ideal hike for enjoying the tranquility and fall colors away from the crowds.
Pelvoux-Vallouise and the lower part of the valley, for leisurely walks
You don’t have to climb high to enjoy fall in the Pays des Écrins! In the lower Vallouise Valley, around the villages of Vallouise and Pelvoux, the entire landscape is transforming. Numerous trails lead off in all directions: perfect for a relaxing stroll amid the fall colors, with family or friends.
Hiking in the alpine pastures:
—Plan Your Hike
In the Pays des Écrins, many trails wind through alpine pastures where herds still graze, accompanied by guard dogs. Before each hike, check the interactive map of alpine pastures to see if there are any pastures along your route.
When you’re out in the field, a few simple precautions can help ensure a peaceful coexistence: give the herd a wide berth without cutting through it, stay calm, avoid sudden movements, and let the guard dog get a good look at you. Find all the best practices to follow on our page “Coexisting with the Alpine Pastures of the Pays des Écrins.”
Discover our fall getaways
FAQ: Hiking in the Fall in the Pays des Écrins
When is the best time to see the golden larch trees in the Écrins?
In the Pays des Écrins, the larch trees turn golden between late October and early November. This phenomenon lasts about 15 days, depending on the weather and altitude. The deciduous trees, on the other hand, begin to change color as early as the beginning of October.
What’s an easy hike to take in the fall in the Pays des Écrins?
The hike up to the hamlet of Dormillouse (about 1 hour, 350 m elevation gain) and the hikes to the Jas Lacroix cabin or the Bans mountain hut, starting from Entre-les-Aygues, are suitable for families. The trails in the lower part of the valley, around Vallouise and Pelvoux, are also ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Are the mountain huts open in the fall in the Écrins
?
In the fall, most of the mountain huts in the Écrins Massif are no longer staffed, such as the Bans, Sélé, and Pelvoux huts. You should therefore plan your meals and check for information before setting out. In Dormillouse, some lodges remain open year-round.
How do I get to the Entraygues Valley?
The Entre-les-Aygues parking lot is no longer accessible by car. You must park at the Béassac Chapel parking lot, above Vallouise, and then walk about 30 minutes to Entre-les-Aygues.
Can you go hiking with your dog in Écrins National Park?
No, dogs are not allowed in the core area of Écrins National Park, even if they are on a leash. Dormillouse, the Celse Nière valley, and the Entraygues valley are located in the core area of the park. The trails in the lower part of the valley, outside the core area, remain accessible with your dog on a leash.