In May, do as you please!
Micro-adventureThe off-season in the Pays des Écrins
The off-season is in full swing in the Pays des Écrins, because this is when the territory’s players prepare for the summer season. The month of May is particularly frenetic for the Tourist Office.
On the side of the tourist office
For their part, Marc, the community manager, and Juliette, the marketing manager, are working hard to prepare the launch of the new website. Cynthia, communications officer and press officer, takes care of the final changes to all the communication media to be published, while Laurène from the sales department contacts members to update their availability before the summer season.
Meanwhile, Sophie, the reception manager, and the stay advisors Ricarda, Raphaël, Valérie, Judith, and Francine remain faithful to their posts to welcome you in the information offices of L’Argentière, Vallouise, Puy Saint Vincent and Ailefroide.
But the month of May is also a month of well-deserved bridges, an observation that inevitably comes under the watchful eye of Halima, the administrative and accounting manager. What if this free time leads to a sudden desire to go and see if there is still snow up there?
Cathy, the director of the Tourist Office, talks to her father about it. At 75 years old, he is still up for a hike. And presto, shoes on, off they go! Head for the Freissinières valley : isolated from the rest of the world, its tranquillity, its waterfalls and its absolute beauty is a real haven of peace.
Outing to Dormillouse
Once parked at the Cascades car park, they take the path that goes up to Dormillouse, then turn left before the hamlet towards Lake Palluel. The more they progress, the more their smiles freeze in front of this lush nature. As for the fauna: marmots and chamois are there. On the flora side: trolls, spring and acaule gentians, not to mention the delicate larch flowers.
As far as the Palluel huts, the climb is good, but soon the snowfields appear… Fortunately, they brought small walking crampons, just in case. When they arrive at the shores of Lake Palluel, still covered in snow, they enjoy a good picnic while admiring the Freissinières valley, before descending. You’ll have to wait a few more days to enjoy the circuit of the three lakes — Palluel, Faravel and Fangeas — without getting your feet wet!