Treks in the Écrins

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Cécile Henard

Travel expert in France and Switzerland

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Estelle Torterotot

Travel expert in France and Switzerland

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Cassandre Dufour

Travel expert in France, Switzerland and Italy.

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Why choose the Écrins massif for your next trek?

Choosing the Écrins means opting for a high mountain experience that is both demanding and preserved. Far from the hustle and bustle of certain peaks, this national park offers raw landscapes, dominated by mythical peaks such as Meije or the Barre des Écrins. It is the ideal destination for hikers seeking wide open spaces and silence, who appreciate mountain hiking where alpine fauna and flora reveal themselves with every step.

The diversity of itineraries is the other major asset of the massif. From the famous Tour of the Oisans (GR®54) to the more confidential trails of Vallouise or Valgaudemar, each valley has its own identity. Whether you are drawn to flowery alpine pastures, glacial lakes or high passes, you will find a route that meets your expectations.

Our travel options: in groups or self-guided

Self-guided trekking in the Écrins

Our self-guided hikes in France are designed for walkers who wish to progress at their own pace. We take care of all the logistics: booking accommodation, transporting your luggage and providing a detailed route guide. You fully enjoy your immersion in the Écrins, with peace of mind and a lighter backpack, following an itinerary tested and validated by our experts.

Accompanied group travel in the Écrins

For those who prefer to share their experience and benefit from a professional’s knowledge, our accompanied hikes in France are the perfect solution. Guided by a mountain guide passionate about their territory, you will discover the secrets of the Écrins in complete safety. It is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the mountain environment and live an enriching human adventure within a small group.

Which stay in the Écrins is right for you?

Depending on your level and preferences, we have developed several approaches to the massif. For an itinerant and sporting adventure, the grand tour of the Oisans is a must that will take you closest to the glaciers. If you are looking for a gentler experience, the Balconies and villages of the Oisans offer you magnificent panoramas without the difficulty of high passes. In winter, the massif transforms and is discovered differently, such as during our Wonders of the Écrins on snowshoes, an immersion in the silent magic of the snow-covered mountain.

Practical advice for your hike in the Écrins

When to go to the Écrins?

The ideal season for hiking extends from mid-June to mid-September, when high-altitude trails are generally free of snow and refuges are open.

For snowshoe stays, the winter period, from January to March, offers the best snow conditions.

How to choose your trek?

Physical commitment is an essential criterion. Pay attention to daily elevation gain and the duration of stages indicated on our technical sheets. The Écrins massif is a high mountain terrain that requires good physical condition. For personalized advice, do not hesitate to contact our experts who will be able to guide you towards the stay most suited to your profile.

The Écrins as a family: an adventure to prepare

The wild and sometimes demanding nature of the Écrins makes it more suitable for families with teenagers already initiated to mountain hiking. For family nature holidays with younger children, we recommend more accessible massifs offering fun courses. The trek in the Vercors or the trek in the Queyras are excellent alternatives for a first discovery of the joys of mountain hiking as a family.

Expand your horizons after the Écrins

Travellers who have appreciated the authentic character and grand landscapes of the Écrins often turn to other preserved alpine massifs. If you enjoyed this immersion, you might be interested in a trek in Vanoise, France’s first national park, or a crossing of the Mercantour, where Alpine and Mediterranean influences meet.

For another great adventure, why not consider a trek in the Pyrenees, which offer culture and landscapes just as striking, or a grand hiking journey in the Dolomites?