The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the Écrins
Top 10: The Most Beautiful Hikes in the Pays des Écrins
Want to get away from it all in the heart of one of France’s most beautiful mountain ranges? Come enjoy the countless panoramic views of the Pays des Ecrins in complete tranquility!
The White Glacier
If I had to choose just one, it would be this one: leaving Ailefroide and the Pré de Madame Carle, with their unique atmosphere, to climb up the slopes of Mont Pelvoux. Hesitating for a moment between the Glacier Noir and the Glacier Blanc, only to finally climb along the torrent that seems to spring directly from the glacier. As you approach the Glacier Blanc shelter, the view opens up—on one side to the narrow Ailefroide Valley, and on the other to the Glacier Blanc. Just before reaching the refuge, turn around to take in Lake Tuckett, which reflects Mont Pelvoux and the peaks ofthe Ailefroide range.
The Dormillouse Loop
Dormillouse is a small, intimate hamlet, beautifully situated on slopes that are otherwise quite inhospitable—a testament to its founders’ knowledge of the mountains. The climb winds between cliffs and torrents, through a pristine valley floor at the entrance to the Écrins National Park. At the top, it’s hard to decide where to look—between the long Freissinières Valley and the little gem that is the Chichin Valley.
Clapouse’s Hump
Early risers, take note—this hike is perfect for you! Starting fromAilefroide, the climb to the Bosse de Clapouse is the perfect opportunity to spot some chamois in this small, high-altitude valley where snowfields linger until the end of summer. Family-friendly and very accessible, this hike alternates between ascents through larch forests and clever crossings of small ravines. It’s the ideal hike to discover the cool, refreshing atmosphere of this valley, which remains hidden from view for a long time and keeps you waiting for its reveal.
The Freissinières Lakes Trail
Peace and quiet, waterfalls, lakes, and wildlife? What more could you ask for that Lakes Palluel and Faravel don’t already offer ? Starting at the bottom of the Freissinières Valley, the ascent begins gently beneath the larch trees, then gradually approaches the glacial cirque where Lake Faravelis nestled and where the glacier has left behind stunning lapiaz formations. With a bit of enthusiasm, you’ll continue along a balcony trail offering a breathtaking view of the hamlet of Dormillouse, before emerging at Lake Palluel and its unmissable attraction: a field of cairns, gradually built up by hikers and other visitors.
Lake Eychauda
When you reach the hamlet of Chambran, it’s almost hard to keep going—this little valley is so idyllic, with its various waterfalls and flocks of sheep grazing here and there. But we press on nonetheless, heading toward the unmistakable peak of La Cucumelle, then the trail branches off to the left. As you climb, if you look back, you’ll see the ski runs of Pelvoux and Puy-Saint-Vincent, and in the distance, the peaks of Dormillouse, which are sometimes still snow-capped. This glacial lake with its milky waters remains hidden until the very end. Long covered in snow, let yourself be captivated by this little gem of rock, ice, and water, from which you can see the Séguret Foran Glacier.
The Ailefroide Loop
At the foot of Mont Pelvoux lies an unexpected treasure: a hamlet hidden among the larch trees— Ailefroide. You reach this hamlet via a very easy trail through a sun-dappled forest, which initially runs alongside the Ailefroide Gorge before climbing up the right bank. Toward the end of the hike, looking toward the forest, you’ll spot splashes of color on the large boulders—a glimpse of what gives the hamlet its soul: its climbers. Here, life revolves around the mountains; people go shopping with their climbing harnesses slung around their waists, and on the main street, they discuss the day’s climb with their ice axes in hand.
The Bans Shelter
A family hike designed to let everyone experience the unique atmosphere of a high-mountain refuge, nestled beneath the Bans and the Pic de Bonvoisin. Deep in the cold Entre-Aigues Valley, the trail follows the Bans torrent all the way, first alongside its meanders lined with larch trees, then climbs into the glacial valley where the refuge is located. Upon arrival, enjoy the warm, sunny atmosphere and take in the view of the Onde and the summit of the Aiglière.
The Mélézin Trail
Want to explore a picturesque valley while learning more about the local flora? That’s exactly what this downhill trail offers, starting from Puy-Saint-Vincent 1600 and following a ridge trail above the Vallouise valley to the charming hamlet of Narreyroux, with its refreshing stream and flower-filled meadows. There are many varied scenic viewpoints—be sure to bring your binoculars!
The Pelvoux Mountain Hut
At the foot of one of the most legendary mountains in French mountaineering lies the Pelvoux mountain hut, located at an elevation of 2,700 meters. A pleasant approach hike winds around the Ailefroide campground, following the Celse Nière torrent, before tackling the steep but steady climb to the refuge, facing the summits of La Blanche and the Pointe de Clapouse. Once you arrive, you can enjoythe quintessential mountain hut atmosphereand visit the museum housed in the recently renovated building of the former Lemercier refuge.
The Aup Martin Pass
The highest point of the legendary GR 54, the Col de l’Aup Martin is a challenging pass, particularly on the ascent through schist-covered slopes. The climb begins gently along the Selle torrent, occasionally requiring hikers to cross lingering snowfields . Then, as the view opens up and you pass the last mountain pastures and the Jas Lacroix hut, the slope steepens, and the landscape becomes increasingly rocky. At the summit of this pass, it’s hard to know where to look—between the Selle Valley and the Fournel Valley—unless the sublime peak of Dormillouse captures your full attention.
Plan your itineraries online
Check out our website dedicated to hiking in the Écrins and get ready for your next outing!