The 10 most beautiful hikes in the Jewels
Top 10The most beautiful hikes in the Pays des Écrins
Do you want to get away from it all in the heart of one of the most beautiful mountains in France? Come and enjoy the countless panoramas of the Pays des Ecrins in complete tranquillity!
The White Glacier
If we had to take only one, it would be this one. Leave Ailefroide and the Pré de Madame Carle and their very special atmosphere to rise under Mont Pelvoux. Hesitate for a while between the Glacier Noir and the Glacier Blanc to finally climb along the torrent that seems to emerge directly from the glacier. As you approach the Glacier Blanc refuge, the view opens up, on the one hand to the narrow Ailefroide valley, and on the other to the Glacier Blanc. Just before arriving at the refuge, turn around to observe Lake Tuckett which reflects Mont Pelvoux and the peaks of the Ailefroide.
The Dormillouse Loop
Dormillouse is a small, intimate hamlet, superbly set on slopes that are not very hospitable, a testament to the knowledge of the mountains of its founders. We climb between cliffs and torrents, in a preserved valley bottom, at the entrance to the Écrins National Park. At the top, it is difficult to choose where to look, between the long valley of Freissinières and the little jewel that is the valley of Chichin.
The Clapouse hump
Notice to early risers, this hike is for you! Starting from Ailefroide, the climb to the Clapouse hump is the perfect opportunity to observe some chamois in this small hilltop valley where the snowfields persist until the end of summer. Family-friendly and very accessible, this hike alternates between climbing under the larches and cleverly crossing small ravines. This is the ideal hike to discover the freshness of this valley which for a long time hides from view and knows how to wait.
The circuit of the Freissinières Lakes
Calm, waterfalls, lakes and wildlife? What more could you ask for than the Palluel and Faravel lakes that they don’t already offer? Starting from the bottom of the Freissinières valley, the ascent is first made quietly under the larches, then gradually approaches the glacial cirque where Lake Faravenestles and where the glacier has left sublime lapiaz. With a little enthusiasm, we set off again on a balcony path that gives a breathtaking view of the hamlet of Dormillouse, to emerge on Lake Palluel and its unmissable curiosity: a field of cairns, gradually built by hikers and other users.
The Lake of Eychauda
When you arrive at the hamlet of Chambran, you would almost find it difficult to continue, as this small valley is so paradisiacal, between the various waterfalls and the flocks of sheep grazing here and there. But we still move forward, towards the recognizable summit of the Cucumelle, then the path branches off to the left. On the way up, as you turn around, you can see the slopes of Pelvoux and Puy-Saint-Vincent, and in the background the sometimes still snow-capped peaks of Dormillouse. Until the end, this glacial lake with its milky waters hides away. Snowy for a long time, let yourself be captivated by this small setting of rock, ice and water, from which you can see the Séguret Foran glacier.
The Ailefroide loop
Under Mont Pelvoux hides an unsuspected treasure, a hamlet hidden by larches: Ailefroide. This hamlet is reached by a very easy path in the middle of a bright forest, which initially borders the Ailefroide gorges and then rises on the right bank. At the end of the route, looking towards the forest, you can see patches of colour on the large boulders, it is a foretaste of what makes the soul of the hamlet: its climbers. Here, you live in the mountains, you go shopping with your harness on your hips, in the main street you discuss the day’s ascent with your ice axe in hand.
The Bans refuge
A family hike to introduce everyone to the special atmosphere of a high mountain refuge, under the auspices of the Bans and the Pic de Bonvoisin. At the bottom of the cold valley of Entre-Aigues, the path follows the Bans torrent all the way, first next to the meanders lined with larches, then climbs into the glacial valley where the refuge is located. On arrival, a warm atmosphere under the sun, we enjoy the view of the Onde and the summit of the Aiglière.
The Larch Trail
Discovering a paradisiacal valley while enriching your knowledge of the local flora ? This is what this downhill itinerary offers, starting from Puy-Saint-Vincent 1600, which via a balcony path above the Vallouise reaches the warm hamlet of Narreyroux, its refreshing torrent and its flowery meadows. The viewpoints are many and varied, don’t forget your binoculars !
The Pelvoux refuge
Under one of the most mythical mountains of French mountaineering stands the Pelvoux refuge, located at an altitude of 2700 meters. A pleasant approach walk around the Ailefroide campsite, following the Celse Nière torrent, before attacking the steep but steady climb to the refuge, facing the peaks of the Blanche and the Pointe de Clapouse. Once you arrive, you can enjoy the atmosphere so typical of a refugee, and the museum installed in the building of the former Lemercier refuge, recently renovated.
The Col de l’Aup Martin
The highest point of the mythical GR 54, the Col de l’Aup Martin is a demanding pass, especially in its ascent through schist slopes. The climb is initially peaceful along the Selle torrent, which sometimes requires the crossing of some persistent snowfields . Then as the view clears, as you pass the last mountain pastures and the Jas Lacroix hut, the slope becomes stronger, the atmosphere becomes more and more mineral. At the top of this pass, we don’t know where to look, between the valleys of the Selle and Fournel, unless the sublime head of Dormillouse captures all our attention.
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