Tour des Écrins

8-DAY ALPINE TREK

8 days

3/5

8 people max.

TrekkingFrance

Created in 1973, the Ecrins National Park is part of the Oisans massif. Much less well known than the Mont Blanc massif, the region offers hikers who dare to undertake this Grand Tour a multitude of beautiful and varied landscapes.

This rugged and remote massif acts as a natural barrier between the northern and southern French Alps.

8

1050,00 €

About this trip

Created in 1973, the Ecrins National Park is part of the Oisans massif. Much less well known than the Mont Blanc massif, the region offers hikers who dare to undertake this Grand Tour a multitude of beautiful and varied landscapes.

This rugged and remote massif acts as a natural barrier between the northern and southern French Alps.
Listen to the description of the Tour des Ecrins

Pierrick Delattre
+33 (0)665 932929
contact@watse.fr

Pierrick, the founder of the agency, grew up in the Mont Blanc region.

As a true mountain lover, he has made the area his playground and his profession. He will take you off the beaten track on routes that he has designed and mapped himself. Sharing his experience and passion with you every step of the way, you can entrust yourself completely to his guidance.

Program

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Information

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Highlights of the trip

A complete tour of the Ecrins with lightweight packs, avoiding the local ski areas of Alpe d'Huez and Les 2 Alpes.
Definitely one of the most beautiful treks in the French Alps.
A noticeable change in surroundings between the north and south of the massif.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT MONÊTIER-LES BAINS
Night in a B&B or inn
Get together at 6pm in Monêtier-les Bains to meet your guide and be briefed for the start of this beautiful trek in the Alps.

You have 8 idyllic days in the mountains ahead of you.
DAY 2: FROM MONÊTIER-LES BAINS TO THE GRAVE VALLEY
6 hours walking time - Night in a B&B or inn - 850 m (2,790 ft) ascent / 750 m (2,460 ft) descent
You will start your loop from the eastern end of the Ecrins massif. The first ascent is to the Col d'Arsine at 2,340 m (7,680 ft), beneath the Pic de Neige Cordier.

The outstanding views will immediately get you in the mood for the rest of the trek. Afterwards, you will descend to the valley of La Grave to spend the night there.

DAY 3: CROSSING THE PLATEAU D’EMPARIS
6 hours walking time - 15 minute transfer - Night in a B&B - 800 m (2,625 ft) ascent / 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent
After a short morning transfer to the hamlet of Le Chazelet, you will cross the Plateau d’Emparis, with one of the most beautiful views of the peaks of La Meije and Le Rateau.

You will then go back down to the Lac de Chambon where you will spend the night.

DAY 4: DISCOVERING VALSENESTRE
7 hours walking time - 30 minute transfer - Night in a B&B - 1,500 m (4,920 ft) ascent / 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent
This morning you will be driven first to the village of Venosc. From there, you will head towards the Col de la Muzelle at 2,613 m (8,570 ft), passing by the refuge and the superb lake of the same name.

Your surroundings will become rockier and wilder as you head back down towards the B&B in Valsenestre.

DAY 5: FROM VALSENESTRE TO LE DÉSERT EN VALJOUFFREY
6 hours walking time - Night in a B&B - 1,000 m (3,280 ft) ascent / 1,250 m (4,100 ft) descent
You have now reached the western end of the Ecrins massif. From now on, you will be walking in a southerly direction and see a change in landscape.

You will be heading for the Valjouffrey valley via the Col de Côte Belle at 2,290 m (7,510 ft) and down to the B&B in Le Désert en Valjouffrey for the night.

DAY 6: ON THE WAY TO VALGAUDEMAR
6 hours walking time - 30 minute transfer - Night in a refuge - 1,300 m (4,265 ft) ascent / 1,500 m (4,920 ft) descent
During this stage, you will climb up to the Col de la Vaurze at 2,520 m (8,270 ft) beneath the Pic des Souffles, before going back down to the famous and magnificent Valgaudemar valley dominated by the Olan.

In the afternoon, you will be driven to the other end of the valley where you will spend the night.

DAY 7: FROM VALGAUDEMAR TO PRÉ DE LA CHAUMETTE
7 hours walking time - Night in a refuge without luggage - 1,500 m (4,920 ft) ascent / 1,150 m (3,770 ft) descent
Today, you will set off on a long and magnificent day with the crossing of three mountain passes beneath Le Sirac.

You will walk from one valley to the next, crossing the Col de Vallonpierre at 2,607 m (8,555 ft), the Col de Gouiran at 2,597 m (8,520 ft) and finally the Col de la Valette at 2,668 m (8,755 ft). You will spend the night at the small Pré de la Chaumette refuge.
DAY 8: END OF THE TREK AT MONÊTIER-LES-BAINS
6 hours walking time - 1 hour transfer - 1,000 m (3,280 ft) ascent / 1,200 m (3,940 ft) descent
This is the last day of this magnificent circuit of the Ecrins. To round it off, you will climb towards the Pas de la Cavale at 2,735 m (8,975 ft) to cross the Col de l'Aup Martin at 2,761 m (9,060 ft) in a very rocky and lunar landscape.

You will then start a long descent to reach the Entraigues valley.
From there, you will be transferred by car to Monêtiers-Les-Bains. Take in the scenery one last time before the trip comes to an end and the group disperses.

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TOUR DES ECRINS

Photos and videos

sommet de montagne
lac et brouillard
lac au coeur des montagnes
plaine des écrins
tour des écrins
brouillard sur le sommet
rocher
pause en montagne

Practical information

Time difference
No time difference.
Safety

You can find advice on foreign travel from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on their official website at diplomatie.gouv.fr under the heading “Conseils aux voyageurs”.

Information published on the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs is subject to change and is provided for guidance only. Furthermore, please remember that no country or region of the world can be considered safe from the risk of terrorism.

Climate

Temperatures vary according to the altitude. It can be as hot as 30°C (86°F) in summer at low levels and minus temperatures on the summits.

Summer thunderstorms are common in the French Alps.

Infos
Luggage
You will only carry what you need for the day. Your luggage will be waiting for you every evening in your accommodation except on day 7. We will bring your luggage to you each evening, as indicated in the schedule, except on the evenings that are specified as without luggage. We recommend that you pack your trekking gear in duffle bags, which are easier to transport.
Transport

Travel overland is by private vehicle.

Air
No specific instructions.
Electricity
Some (but not all) refuges allow small electronic devices (smartphones, cameras) to be charged.
Meals

Breakfast and dinner are served in the accommodation. We provide a picnic lunch every morning.

You can also bring your own favourite snacks.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know as soon as possible.

Accomodation

During the trek, we stay in B&Bs, inns or refuges and in mixed dormitories:

  • 4 nights in a B&B or inn in a mixed dormitory.
  • 3 nights in a refuge in a mixed dormitory.
Health and vaccines

No compulsory vaccines.

We strongly recommend that you make sure you are up to date with the standard vaccinations: diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

We recommend that you have a check-up with your dentist before you leave.

Ifremmont
No specific instructions.
Supervision

Supervised by a qualified French mountain leader.

Formalities and Visa

No visa is required for French nationals and citizens of bordering countries.

BUDGET, CURRENCY AND TIPS
The trip is all inclusive from departure to arrival. Only personal expenses (drinks etc.) are not included in the price. Details of the services provided or not provided are indicated in the "price includes" and "price does not include" sections. Tipping is not mandatory and should reflect your satisfaction with the team.
Registration

By post:

Ask us for a registration form

Send us your registration along with a copy of your passport, your details (postal address, phone numbers and email address) and a deposit of 30% of the cost of the trip.

Also, if you wish to take out a Comfort or Comfort Multi-risk cancellation insurance policy, this must be paid at the same time as the deposit when you register. You can consult the insurance contracts on our website.

On the internet:

Book your stay directly on our website: on the page for the trip by selecting your date and insurance options.

PLEASE NOTE: Airfares will be maintained until 3 months before departure and may be readjusted if necessary if you are booking less than 3 months before.

Insurance and assistance

We strongly advise you to take out insurance for the duration of the trip.

We offer two tailored insurance policies: Comfort Cancellation and Comfort Multi-risk to be taken out when you register for the trip.

Details of this insurance cover can be provided on request or can be viewed by clicking here.

There are other insurance options available, such as Mondial Assistance, your own insurance company or the Club Alpin Français. You should check that they cover trekking.

Make sure that your insurance covers all medical costs in the event of an accident.

It is essential that you check and ensure that you have insurance cover for mountain rescue costs. If this is the case, you must provide us with the following information prior to your departure on the trek:

A certificate from the insurance company stating that mountain rescue costs are covered.

The contract number and telephone number of the assistance centre.

Be aware of the restrictive clauses contained in certain insurance policies (particularly those linked to bank cards such as Visa Premier, Gold or others), for example mountain insurance restricted to snow activities and altitude sickness not recognised as an illness requiring repatriation, resulting in refusal to repatriate.

Please check the actual content of your insurance and make the necessary arrangements where required.

TOUR DES ECRINS

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Added benefits from Watse

A CHOICE OF QUALITY ACCOMMODATION

We have chosen accommodation to offer you maximum comfort and quality cuisine.

CAREFULLY PREPARED PICNICS

Picnics are prepared by our team using fresh and local products.

TRANSFERS BY PRIVATE VEHICLE

To ensure complete freedom and independence, all transfers will be made by private vehicle.

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Next dates and prices

TOUR DES ECRINS TREK, 8 DAYS

Date of departure Formula DescriptionTotalPeople
Dormitories Registrations in progress 1050,00 €
-
+
Dormitories Registrations in progress 1050,00 €
-
+

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP

  • Supervision by a qualified French mountain leader
  • Accommodation in refuges, B&Bs or inns, in dormitories and on a half-board basis
  • Possible showers at the accommodation
  • Luggage transfers except on the nights indicated in the description
  • Picnics bought at the refuges, in town or brought to the refuges
  • Snacks during the walk in the form of dried fruit

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP

  • Transfers to the meeting point and from the end of the trek
  • Personal trekking and travel equipment (boots/shoes, poles, sheet sleeping bag, etc.)
  • Cancellation and repatriation assistance insurance to be taken out at the time of registration
  • Anything not listed in “What’s included in your trip”

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TO GET BACK TO YOU, WE’LL ALWAYS FIND A SIGNAL, EVEN WHEN THERE ISN’T ONE


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