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
Meanwhile, Nicolas, the community manager, and Juliette, the marketing manager, are working hard to prepare for the launch of the new website. Cynthia, the communications manager and press officer, is handling the final changes to all upcoming communications materials, while Alicia from the sales department is contacting members to update their availability before the summer season.
Meanwhile, Raphaël, the reception manager, and the holiday advisors Ricarda and Valérie remain faithful to their posts to welcome you to the information offices of Argentière-la-Bessée, Vallouise-Pelvoux and Pelvoux-Vallouise and Ailefroide in season.
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.
Up to the Palluel huts, the climb is easy, but soon the snowfields appear… Fortunately, they brought along some small hiking crampons, just in case. Upon reaching the shores of Lake Palluel, which is still covered in snow, they enjoy a nice picnic while admiring the Freissinières Valley before heading back down. They’ll have to wait a few more days to enjoy the Three Lakes Trail— Palluel, Faravel, and Fangeas—without getting their feet wet!