{"id":46304,"date":"2025-07-29T11:55:41","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T09:55:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paysdesecrins.com\/the-10-most-beautiful-hikes-in-the-jewels\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T16:30:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T14:30:50","slug":"the-10-most-beautiful-hikes-in-the-jewels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paysdesecrins.com\/en\/the-10-most-beautiful-hikes-in-the-jewels\/","title":{"rendered":"The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the \u00c9crins"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t \t \"\"\n\t \t <\/div>\n\t
\n\t
\n\t

\n\t The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the \u00c9crins\t \t <\/h1>\n\t <\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n\t \n
Home<\/a><\/span> The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the \u00c9crins<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

Top 10<\/em>: The Most Beautiful Hikes in the Pays des \u00c9crins<\/h2><\/div>\n\n

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! <\/p>\n\n

\n
\n

The White Glacier<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If I had to choose just one, it would be this one: leaving Ailefroide and <\/strong>the Pr\u00e9 de Madame Carle<\/strong>, with their unique atmosphere, to climb up the slopes of Mont Pelvoux<\/strong>. Hesitating for a moment between the Glacier Noir<\/strong> and the Glacier Blanc<\/strong>, only to finally climb along the torrent that <\/strong>seems to spring directly from the glacier. As you approach the Glacier Blanc shelter, the view opens up\u2014on 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<\/strong> and the peaks ofthe Ailefroide<\/strong> range. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
<\/div><\/div>

<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The Dormillouse Loop<\/h3><\/div>\n\n

Dormillouse is a small, intimate hamlet<\/strong>, beautifully situated on slopes that are otherwise quite inhospitable\u2014a testament to its founders\u2019 knowledge of the mountains<\/strong>. The climb winds between cliffs and <\/strong> torrents<\/strong>, through a pristine valley floor at the entrance to the \u00c9crins National Park. At the top, it\u2019s hard to decide where to look\u2014between the long Freissini\u00e8res Valley and the little gem<\/strong> that is the Chichin Valley. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"\/<\/a><\/div>
\"\"\/<\/a><\/div>
\"\"\/<\/a><\/div>
\"\"\/<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"
<\/div><\/div>

<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Clapouse’s Hump<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Early risers, take note\u2014this hike is perfect for you! Starting fromAilefroide<\/strong>, the climb to the Bosse de Clapouse<\/strong> is the perfect opportunity to spot some chamois in <\/strong>this small, high-altitude valley where snowfields linger <\/strong>until the end of summer. Family-friendly and very accessible, this hike alternates between ascents through larch forests and <\/strong>clever crossings of small ravines<\/strong>. It\u2019s the ideal hike to discover the cool, refreshing atmosphere of this valley<\/strong>, which remains hidden from view for a long time and keeps you waiting for its reveal. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The Freissini\u00e8res Lakes Trail<\/h3><\/div>\n\n

Peace<\/strong> and quiet<\/strong>, waterfalls<\/strong>, lakes, and <\/strong> wildlife<\/strong>? What more could you ask for that Lakes Palluel and <\/strong> Faravel <\/strong> don\u2019t already offer ? <\/strong> Starting at the bottom of the Freissini\u00e8res Valley, the ascent begins gently beneath the larch trees<\/strong>, then gradually approaches the glacial cirque<\/strong> where Lake Faravel<\/strong>is nestled and where the glacier has left behind stunning lapiaz formations<\/strong>. With a bit of enthusiasm, you\u2019ll continue along a balcony trail offering a breathtaking view of the hamlet of Dormillouse<\/strong>, before emerging at Lake Palluel<\/strong> and its unmissable attraction: a field of cairns<\/strong>, gradually built up by hikers and other visitors. <\/p>\n\n

\n
\n

Lake Eychauda<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you reach the hamlet of Chambran<\/strong>, it\u2019s almost hard to keep going\u2014this little valley is so idyllic<\/strong>, with its various waterfalls and <\/strong> flocks of sheep<\/strong> grazing here and there. But we press on nonetheless, heading toward the unmistakable peak of La Cucumelle<\/strong>, then the trail branches off to the left. As you climb, if you look back, you\u2019ll see the ski runs of Pelvoux and Puy-Saint-Vincent<\/strong>, and in the distance, the peaks of Dormillouse<\/strong>, which are sometimes still snow-capped. This glacial lake with its milky waters<\/strong> remains hidden until the very end. Long covered in snow, let yourself be captivated by this little gem<\/strong> of rock, ice, and water, from which you can see the S\u00e9guret Foran Glacier.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
<\/div><\/div>

<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The Ailefroide Loop<\/h3><\/div>\n\n

At the foot of Mont Pelvoux<\/strong> lies an unexpected treasure<\/strong>: a hamlet hidden among the larch trees\u2014 Ailefroide<\/strong>. You reach this hamlet via a very easy trail<\/strong> through a sun-dappled forest, which initially runs alongside the Ailefroide Gorge<\/strong> before climbing up the right bank. Toward the end of the hike, looking toward the forest, you\u2019ll spot splashes of color on the large boulders\u2014a glimpse of what gives the hamlet its soul: its climbers<\/strong>. Here, life revolves around the mountains<\/strong>; people go shopping with their climbing harnesses<\/strong> slung around their waists, and on the main street, they discuss the day\u2019s climb with their ice axes in hand. <\/p>\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"
<\/div><\/div>

<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

The Bans Shelter<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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 Aigli\u00e8re. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The M\u00e9l\u00e9zin Trail<\/h3><\/div>\n\n

Want to explore a picturesque valley<\/strong> while learning more about the local flora<\/strong>? That\u2019s exactly what this downhill trail<\/strong> offers, starting from Puy-Saint-Vincent 1600 and following a ridge trail above the Vallouise valley to the charming hamlet of Narreyroux<\/strong>, with its refreshing stream and flower-filled meadows. There are many varied scenic viewpoints\u2014be sure to bring your binoculars! <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

\n
\n

The Pelvoux Mountain Hut<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

At the foot of<\/strong> one of the most legendary<\/strong> mountains in French mountaineering<\/strong> lies the Pelvoux mountain hut<\/strong>, located at an elevation of 2,700 meters. A pleasant approach hike<\/strong> winds around the Ailefroide campground, following the Celse Ni\u00e8re torrent, before tackling the steep but steady climb to the refuge, facing the summits of La Blanche and <\/strong>the Pointe de Clapouse<\/strong>. Once you arrive, you can enjoythe quintessential mountain hut atmosphere<\/strong>and visit the museum housed <\/strong>in the recently renovated building of the former Lemercier refuge<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
<\/div><\/div>

<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

The Aup Martin Pass<\/h3><\/div>\n\n

The highest point of the legendary GR 54<\/strong>, the Col de l\u2019Aup Martin<\/strong> is a challenging<\/strong> pass, particularly on the ascent through schist-covered slopes. The climb begins gently along the Selle torrent<\/strong>, occasionally requiring hikers to cross lingering snowfields <\/strong>. Then, as the view opens up and you pass the last mountain<\/strong> pastures and the Jas Lacroix hut<\/strong>, the slope steepens, and the landscape becomes increasingly rocky<\/strong>. At the summit of this pass, it\u2019s hard to know where to look\u2014between the Selle Valley and the Fournel Valley<\/strong>\u2014unless the sublime peak of Dormillouse captures <\/strong>your full attention. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"\/<\/a><\/div>
\"\"\/<\/a><\/div>
\"\"\/<\/a><\/div>
\"\"\/<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n

Plan your itineraries online<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Check out our website dedicated to hiking in the \u00c9crins<\/strong> and get ready for your next outing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

all itineraries<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Did you like this page?<\/span>Share it!<\/span>