french-alps-tour-of-the-ecrins-national-parc

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 4
Mon Roadbook App
Rooms and dorms
Multi-day hike
Réf : E3N3
8 days from 1220 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • A logistic manage by our team, located in the region to provide more services, a great adaptability and responsiveness.

  • Hike to the Glacier Blanc included, an emblem of the Écrins National Park.

  • An accessible high-altitude trek via three of the most beautiful passes of the Écrins.

  • Accommodations in private room for most nights.

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

The Écrins National Park is located in the south of the French Alps and at the heart of the Hautes Alpes, and rises like a true rampart. This vast high mountain complex comprises 150 peaks over 3000 meters (9842 feet) and 10,000 hectares of glaciers. Pelvoux (3943 m/12936 ft), Meije (3983 m/13067 ft), and Barre des Écrins (4102 m/13458 ft). It is within this exceptional mineral universe that some of the Alps' most prestigious summits stand. Hike through a wild and preserved mountain environment in the European park of high-mountain. It contains an impressive faunal (chamois, ibex, marmots, golden eagle...) and floral (larches, rhododendrons, queen of the Alps...) richness. The tour of the Écrins National Park, through the high passes and high valleys, is an essential route with no technical difficulty, aimed at good walkers who wish to approach the glacial world. From Vallouise to Serre Chevalier, passing through Champsaur, Valgaudemar, and Oisans valleys, the Tour des Écrins is among the mythical alpine routes.

Tour des Ecrins is a very popular hike and the number of accommodation limited. We highly recommend to book early for 2025!

Your travel options

Rooms and dorms

Rooms and dorms

With luggage transfer Contact us
Without luggage transfer Contact us
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Itinerary

Level 4: An average of 6 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails or off trail, and/or 700 to 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances of 15 to 18 kilometers.

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.
Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 8 days
Luggage transfers : 2 options: with or without luggage transfer
Lodging : Hotel, Mountain Hut, Gite, Rooms and dorms
Guiding : self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-July to late September

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome in Briançon !

Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.
Partially built within the Vauban city at an altitude of 1326 meters (4350 ft), Briançon is considered the highest city in France and the highest fortified city in Europe. Once settled in your accommodation, located right in the heart of this picturesque fortress listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll through its cobbled streets and relax in the Schappe park. Overnight in a 3-star hotel.
Day 2

The Glacier Blanc refuge (8339 ft)

Distance : 10 km (6 mi) - Ascent : 700 m (2296 ft). Descent : 700 m (2296 ft). 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 1h15.
Private transfer from Briançon to the start of the hike (50 min). The trail first climbs in switchbacks and then cleverly crosses the large rock barrier. Arriving at Tuckett Lake, facing the impressive seracs that end the glacier, a sustained climb leads you to the Refuge du Glacier Blanc (2542 m or 8339 ft), the starting point for many alpine ascents. The most courageous can continue up to the foot of the Glacier Blanc and thus catch a glimpse of the Barre des Écrins (4102 m or 13458 ft), the highest peak of the massif. Return by the same route and private transfer to your accomodation (25 min). Overnight in a hotel.
Day 3

From Vallouise to the Pré de la Chaumette refuge

Distance : 16 km (10 mi) - Ascent : 1200 m (3937 ft). Descent : 1000 m (3280 ft). 6,5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 25 min.
Private transfer to the ruins of Entre-les-Aigues (25 min), from where you join the Col de l'Aup-Martin through the vast pastures of the Selle valley. Shortly after this first pass, the Pas de la Cavale (2735 m or 8973 ft) opens the gates to Champsaur. You descend to spend the night at the guarded refuge of Pré de la Chaumette, nestled in the high valley of Champoléon. Overnight in a guarded refuge.
Day 4

From Pré de la Chaumette refuge to La Chapelle en Valgaudemar

Distance : 17 km (10,5 mi) - Ascent : 1150 m (3773 ft). Descent : 1400 m (4593 ft). 7 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 19 min.
You head north behind the refuge to the Col de la Valette. Be careful as the descent through the shale can be slippery in wet weather. You climb up to the Col de Gouiran and after a beautiful descent, you ascend to the Col de Vallonpierre (2607 m or 8553 ft). You descend to picnic by the lake (2271 m or 7450 ft) under the mass of Sirac. Finally, descend into the Valgaudemar valley up to the Gioberney parking lot for a short shuttle transfer to La Chapelle en Valgaudemar (15 min). Overnight in a hotel.
Day 5

From La Chapelle en Valgaudemar to Désert-en-Valjouffrey

Distance : 16 km (10 mi) - Ascent : 1550 m (5085 ft). Descent : 1250 m (4101 ft). 7,5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : gite. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 25 min.
After a short transfer (5 min), you leave from Villar-Loubière for the Col de la Vaurze. The well-marked trail ascends in regular switchbacks amidst varied vegetation, up to the small Souffles refuge, a haven of peace overlooking the valley, welcome for a break. Up to the pass, you will have the pleasure of admiring the majestic Mount Olan (3554 m or 11003 ft), before descending to Désert-en-Valjouffrey, a kind of end of the world. Transfer to Valsenestre (20 min) and overnight in a lodge (in dormitory).
Day 6

From Valsenestre to Venosc

Distance : 15 km (9,3 mi) - Ascent : 1350 m (4429 ft). Descent : 1700 m (5577 ft). 7 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
The Col de la Muzelle is well-earned: once reached, the panorama offered by the Lake Muzelle (2100 m or 6889 ft) and the imposing glacier reflected in it will quickly make you forget the effort of the morning! Descent to Venosc. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 7

From Plateau d'Emparis to Villar d'Arène

Distance : 20 km (12,4 mi) - Ascent : 1200 m (3937 ft). Descent : 1100 m (3609 ft). 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 35 min.
Transfer to Besse-en-Oisans in the morning (35 min). The crossing of the Plateau d'Emparis, where herds graze against the backdrop of the white summit of the proud "queen" Meije (north face), is unforgettable. From La Grave, you reach Villar d'Arène on foot along the Romanche river. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 8

From Villar d'Arène to Le Casset

Distance : 20 km (12,4 mi) - Ascent : 800 m (2624 ft). Descent : 850 m (2789 ft). 5,5 hrs of hiking.
Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 30 min.

You make your way to the Arsine bridge. The route follows the wooded banks of the Romanche river for a while before climbing towards the alpine meadows of the Arsine pass (7677 ft). The mountain of Agneaux with its glaciers, which you leave to your right, gives birth here to the little Tabuc, an astonishing turquoise torrent that winds through the meadows. After descending, you arrive at Le Casset, the end of the hike. Transfer and end of the stay in Briançon (30 min) around 4:30 PM.

Please note : If you wish, we can book additional nights for you after your stay as well as an airport transfer. Do not hesitate to make the request to our specialists.
Additional night in Le Monêtier-les-Bains at a 4-star hotel:
Enjoy a final night at the fabulous "Le Monêtier" hotel and take advantage of the naturally warm waters of the Grands Bains du Monêtier to relax at the end of your trek. (Le Monêtier is located 2.8 km or 17.4 mi from Le Casset on foot. You can choose to walk there by continuing the hike on the last day or by booking a taxi transfer.)

The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

Pricing

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:

  • Accommodations as described in the program.
  • Breakfast for days 2 through 8.
  • Dinners for days 2 through 7.
  • Transfers scheduled in the program.
  • Luggage transfer, if you have chosen this option (Except day 3 at the Pré de la Chaumette refuge).
  • The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a 2 to 4 person group.
  • The access to the travel assistant "Mon Roadbook" via our mobile application.

The price does not include:

  • Diner in Briançon the first day.
  • Lunches, drinks, and personal expenses, tips.
  • Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
  • For reservations made less than 15 days before the start, all additional fees for priority processing.
  • Anything that is not specified in the "price includes" list.

Personal expenses:

  • Lunches: to buy at grocery stores or to be ordered with the accommodation providers (10 to 15 € per picnic) for the next day.
  • Drinks, and personal expenses, tips.
  • Tickets to visit monuments or museums.

Currencies

France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate

 

Access

Access

This trip starts and ends in Briançon. The nearest airports for this trip are Turin Airport or Lyon St Exupery Airport.
For arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, take the RER B (Regional Express Network) to the St Michel Notre Dame stop - Trains every 15 mins. Then at the St Michel Notre Dame stop, take the RER C to the "Gare Austerlitz" stop - Trains every 10 mins. Finally, take the night train and stop at Briançon station.

All of our self-guided tours are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the most flexibility.
Allibert can book for you a private airport transfer service to Briançon.

- For an arrival at Turin airport (about 110 km or 68 mi from Briançon), we can provide a taxi for you :
285 € for 2 persons at least and 8 persons maximum
- For an arrival at Marseille airport (about 260 km or 162 mi from Briançon), we can provide a taxi for you :
625 € for 2 persons at least and 8 persons maximum
- For an arrival at Lyon airport (about 220 km or 137 mi from Briançon), we can provide a taxi for you :
555 € for 2 persons at least and 8 persons maximum
- For an arrival at Nice airport (about 370 km or 230 mi from Briançon), we can provide a taxi for you :
745 € for 2 persons at least and 8 persons maximum

You can add one or several nights in the town of arrival or for the return journey. Prices on request.

During your trip

Transfers

Included transfers:
  • Day 2: By taxi from Briançon to Pré de Madame Carle and from Pré de Madame Carle to Pelvoux (or Vallouise, depending on the availability of accommodation).
  • Day 3: By taxi from Pelvoux or Vallouise to Entre-les-Aigues.
  • Day 4: By local shuttle from Gioberney to La Chapelle en Valgaudemar (After the 25th of august, the local shuttle will not be operational anymore. So we will need to book a taxi for this transfer. That is why the price is higher at the end of the summer season).
  • Day 5: By taxi from La Chapelle en Valgaudemar to Villar Loubière and at the end of the hike from the Desert-en-Valjoufrey to Valsenestre.
  • Day 7: By taxi from Venosc to Besse-en-Oisans.
  • Day 8: By taxi from Le Casset to Briançon.

Lodging

  • Days 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7: In a double room in a hotel or inn with private bathrooms.
  • Day 3: In a dormitory in a refuge with shared showers and restrooms.
  • Day 5: In a dormitory or shared room in a lodge with shared showers and restrooms.

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.

  • Dinners (hot meals, very filling) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations. Your dinner in Briançon the first day is not included.
  • We can reserve picnic lunches that your accommodations along the tour will prepare for you. Please confirm with your hosts the night before and pick up your lunch the morning before leaving. Read the section "Additional Services".

There area few grocery stores and small shops all along the tour where you will also be able to purchase food supplies. Your accommodations should be able to cater to your needs as well.

Luggage transfer

Depending on the package you choose:

  • With luggage transfers included: you will only carry what you need for the day's hike. Your bags are transported to your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them every night. Except for the night 3 at the Pré de la Chaumette refuge (no accessible by vehicle). So you will have to carry your belongings days 3 and 4.
  • Without luggage transfers, plan to carry everything you need for the entire week on your back (pay attention to weight!).

Trails

Well-marked itinerary, previously recognized by our guides. You are in charge of your route and must know how to read a map and use a compass. You also have precise directions in the "Mon Roadbook" app and in the paper roadbook that will be given to you before departure (maps, descriptive plan, specific information...). The "Mon Roadbook" app allows you to centralize all the necessary information for your trip:
  • The identification of service providers operating during your stay
  • GPS guidance on a map background
  • Photos of crossings
  • The various points of interest on the hike: natural or heritage.
This application offered free of charge for this trip must be downloaded before your departure and works offline (without network).
To learn more: https://www.allibert-trekking.com/1136-application-itineraire-randonnee

For each stage, make sure you check the latest information on trail conditions; the manager at your accommodations should also be able to provide you with up-to-date information if you ask.

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.

Here are some simple tips:

- pick up any litter along the trail.
- burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
- drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
- stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
- ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance:
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
- To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
- Respect privacy when taking photographs.
- Your attempts at speaking some French will open hearts and break the ice!
- Protect the natural environment, see above.

Required before leaving

Formalities

Please check with your embassy.

Health

Vaccinations

Required vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 4

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least once per week (around 15km to 18km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (350m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity to build endurance.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

What we supply for your trek

We provide 1 set for every 4 participants, which includes detailed hiking maps of the region, and a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip (a lot of tips and some alternative routes are included).
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary descriptions as well GPS guidance.
 
What you need to bring:

If you don't have the luggage transfer option, pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight. Take only the essentials.

Essentials :
- Hiking backpack. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight. The size 30 L to 45 L, will depend on whether you have booked a luggage transfer or not. 
- Comfortable and worn in trekking boots.
- Warm hat.
- Cap.
- Sun glasses.
- Good quality Merino Wool walking socks.
- Base layer tops - Merino Wool is the best choice.
- Warm mid-layer tops.
- A water and windproof layer (jacket and pants) eg. Gore-Tex.
- 1x Walking trousers.
- Light gloves.
- Shorts.
- Buff or Snood.
- A natural or synthetic down jacket.
- Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. One set is enough as you will not wear them for a long time.
- Nightwear and underwear.
- Sleeping bag liner - either silk, cotton or fleece (only if you're staying in dormitories in Moutain Huts).
- Sandals or flip flops. 

Essential Accessories :
 - Personal toiletries: shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel (if you're staying in Mountains Huts), etc.
- Toilet roll/tissues.
- Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage.
- Sun block and lip balm.
- Electrical socket adapter.
- Energy bars/snacks.
- Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take.
- Phone, Camera, batteries and charger.
- Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags' are great for keeping your clothes dry and storing your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes!
- Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too).
- Walking poles are highly recommended on Alps paths.
- Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs).
- Pocket knives or cutlery can be useful for picnics.
- WATER - please be able to carry 2 liters of water.
- Your sense of humour and adventure!

If you've booked the luggage transfer:
- Duffle bag (soft) and not exceeding 15 kg to carry your extra stuff.

Useful extras

- Binoculars.
- Book to read or Kindle.
- Notebook and pen.
- Ear plugs.

Note: All of these items can be purchased there. Please ask us if you'd like some advice about where to go to get any gear.

What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:

- 2 liters of water.
- sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm.
- warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves.
- water proof layer.
- Lunch
- head torch.
- hand sanitiser/soap and toilet paper.
- your camera.
- any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail.
- Important - take any personal medications you require during the day - you will not see your kit bag until evening.

The rest you can put into your main bag which will be carried to the next accommodation, only if you've subscribed to this option.

What about gear I want to leave before the trek?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes' or anything you don't want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel). If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose. We can also help you organise the storage of a larger suitcase, Please ask us for advice.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.