Top 10 trails in the Écrins

Home Top 10 trails in the Écrins

Come and let off steam on our 10 most beautiful trail routes in the heart of the Pays des Ecrins.

La Roche-de-Rame,circuit of the lakes

A superb climb in the woods, with a few steep slopes to get the cardio going, then the view that opens up on the Queyras and the Tête de Vautisse as you approach the Peyron pass. Finally arrived at the top, you enjoy a little, breathe a lot, enjoy the view of the Pic du Béal Traversier behind you, then you look a little towards the descent. And finally we discover the real goal of this race, Lake Escur and then Lake Ascension, which we can enjoy at leisure during the descent, very gentle and regular.

Leaving Les Vigneaux and the Vallouise valley, you gradually rise above two valleys, one eye towards Briançon, the other towards Vallouise, while you reach the hamlet of Bouchier in which you would like to stop as the atmosphere is so mild. We set off again in the woods following a regular slope, until the arrival under the pincers of the Montbrison, where the slope becomes steeper, the last efforts before arriving at the Croix de la Salcette, from where we dominate almost everything and from where the view is magical!

The VigneauxThe tour of Montbrison

Col de la Trancoulette and Col de la Vallouise are on the programme of this difficult but magnificent trail that takes you around the emblematic Montbrison. The long climb to the Col de la Trancoulette is rich and varied, we gradually leave Les Vigneaux and Bouchier to go deeper into the Montbrison massif. Then we come out of it by climbing towards the Col de la Vallouise, where the Pelvoux and the Blanche reveal themselves a little more with each stride. The end is a race downhill to Les Vigneaux.

Trail running has always fascinated you but you are afraid to take the plunge, fearing climbs that are too steep or descents that are too arduous? Fortunately, the Freissinières valley and the aptly named Monsieu r balladare there for you, with a start at the bottom of the valley, then a gentle climb on an excellent forest path. The descent is rolling and very pleasant, before reaching the bottom of the valley, where you can enjoy an exceptional setting, almost effortlessly!

The Col de la Pousterle

A climb to a pass is the assurance of a discovery that will occur, at some point, a landscape that opens up after a final bend. The climb to the Col de la Pousterle is all that, and even a little better. Because the landscapes are countless here, you almost forget that you are running and that the slope is going up, so captivating is the scenery. The arrival at the top could not be more magical, a wooded plateau, splendid lights… one would almost hesitate to go down!

At the start of this trail, if you go up, it is only to take a step back from the Vallouise valley, to be able to observe the village of Vallouise and the summits of the Bans more freely. By joining the balcony trail, you can taste the joys of the thorn-covered trail trails that make the stride so fluid and the support so flexible. The return is along the Gyronde on a flat path that calls for the final sprint.

The Lauzet Circuit

Are you a trail runner looking to improve your running technique ? The Circuit du Lauzet is for you! Forest track, torrent crossing, grassy track, forest crossing, steep ascent and descent in small switchbacks. This quiet itinerary explores two small valleys, with the typical chalets of Lauzet as a highlight.

The start along the Gyr is a perfect warm-up, from Vallouise to Pelvoux, before attacking the climb to Puy Aillaud. The climb is gentle and regular, and leaves time to admire the hamlets of Pelvoux below as well as the valley of Chambran, dominated by the pyramid of the Cucumelle. The arrival at the summit is in a flowery meadow, before reaching the hamlet of Puy Aillaud, then descending to Vallouise through the forest, looking towards the Queyras.

The DurancePink Marble Circuit

A very easy loop to climb above the Durance, between the pine forest and the lavender, on a forest track in very good condition. The unobstructed view allows you to admire the singular lake of the Roche de Rame, along a balcony crossing to the south, before returning to the Roche de Rame. For sure, the mere thought of soaking your tired legs in the clear water should make you speed up at the end.

If the slope scares you, if the sun worries you, then take your shoes anyway, and follow the forest track along the Onde, on a calm and quiet route. Perfect for initiation or recovery sessions, the Ondinette is an opportunity for you to close your eyes (not for too long while running) to enjoy the sound of the waterfalls and the torrent, and to feel the larches around you.

Did you like the experience and would you like to discover all our other trai l routes? Do you want to try the adventure of a 3-day trail around the Pays des Ecrins? Visit our Geotrek portal for a maximum of exceptional routes !