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).

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.

Shelters

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.

Rogier VANRIJN

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.

Thibaut BLAIS

Narreyroux

Narreyroux

Dormillouse

Dormillouse

Entraygues Valley

Entraygues Valley

Vallon du Fournel

Vallon du Fournel

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.

L'Argentière-la-Bessée

PAN – Plantes Aventure Nature, botanical field trips and wild plant cooking

PAN – Plantes Aventure Nature, botanical field trips and wild plant cooking

Bookable online

Vallouise-Pelvoux

Watogla Adventures

Watogla Adventures

L'Argentière-la-Bessée

Guillaume CHRISTIAN

Guillaume CHRISTIAN

Vallouise-Pelvoux

Écrins Guides and Tour Leaders Office

Écrins Guides and Tour Leaders Office

Champcella

SENTONA, Pierre BONNEAU, mountain guide

SENTONA, Pierre BONNEAU, mountain guide

L'Argentière-la-Bessée

SLOWO, Mountain Hikes

SLOWO, Mountain Hikes

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Looking for adventure? Discover itinerant hiking and evolve over several days of marked stages (walks, long routes, country trails), changing accommodation every evening (refuges, gîtes or campsites) treat yourself to a prolonged immersion in the contrasting landscapes of the Pays des Écrins!

• Tour of the Pays des Écrins: Discover Bouchier, Ailefroide, Freissinières, and more… the Pays des Écrins will hold no secrets for you!
• Tour des Refuges: These hikes take you through breathtaking high-mountain landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, combined with the unique, timeless atmosphere of nights spent in high-altitude mountain huts!
• GR®54 – Tour of Oisans and Écrins: A challenging hike lasting about 15 days, starting in Bourg d’Oisans. The GR®54 invites hikers to explore the Écrins National Park and take in the views of the peaks of the Southern Alps.
• Tour du Grand Pinier: A challenging two-day loop hike, reserved for experienced hikers, between Champsaur and Vallouise.
• Trail No. 15 – The “Super Noir” of the Pays des Écrins: A complete loop of the Trail Resort, so you can fully soak up the atmosphere of the Pays des Écrins!

Need to move without pushing your joints too much? Nordic walking in the Pays des Écrins is the perfect ally. Two poles, one dynamic stride, and you’re off between forests, torrents and glacier views.

The basics to get started

To get Nordic walking off to a good start, adopt the essential gesture: synchronize the arm opposite the leg, plant the poles behind you and push up to the toes, opening your hand to release the strap. Start on flat ground, then gradually integrate 200 to 300 m of elevation gain to strengthen your movement and improve your breathing.

To refine your technique and vary the pleasures, here are three must-see sites:

• Vallouise Valley: flat route along the Gyronde, ideal for testing the movement and finding your rhythm.
• Freissinières: wide forest tracks with enough space to set your pace and enjoy the shade of the larches.
• Narreyroux: gradual ascent to a panoramic belvedere, perfect for working on endurance and hill climbing.