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LES ECRINS: PANORAMIC ALPINE TRAIL

Highlights

Superb panoramic views of the dramatic and glacier-clad Ecrins mountains. A wonderful traverse which goes around the northern edge of the Ecrins.

Destinations

France

Budget

From $250 per person

Active & Outdoor Countryside & Nature

All highlights

Starting at Besse en Oisans, your spectacular traverse will follow one of the best sections of the Tour of the Ecrins. The Ecrins have several amazing alpine summits which plunge dramatically into the Romanche Valley. You’ll discover stunning panoramic views of glacier-clad mountains such as the Meije and the Barre des Ecrins at over 4000m in altitude. Your hiking trail takes you past high alpine lakes, through stunning valleys and along beautiful balcony paths in the heart of the French Alps . Benefiting from a relatively clement climate compared to the northern Alps, the Ecrins offer the walker a unique walking experience. The Oisans or Ecrins massif is situated at the heart of the French Alps between the Vanoise to the northeast and the Mercantour to the southeast. This position at the junction with a Mediterranean climate will be evident as you head east and then south during your 5-day walking trail moving from lush alpine meadows to striking barren mountains. You’ll also have the chance to take a cable car to the foot of the Meije Glacier at 3,200m and for the more intrepid to take a short walk on the glacier itself with a high mountain guide. Holiday Profile . 5 nights, 5 days of self-guided walking moving between guest houses. 2 nights at Villar d’Arene. Everyday (subject to availability) from 15 June to 16 September. Walking Profile & Grade . 5 days self-guided walking holiday which traverses the north of the Ecrins, staying in 4 different locations. Walking per day amounts to an average of 5 – 6hrs walking (not including lunch stop) and 800m of ascent and descent.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Pick up at La Grave and taxi transfer to your accommodation in Besse en Oisans. .

Day 2: Besse-en-Oisans - Refuge du Pic du Mas de la Grave

Crossing the Emparis plateau (2365m): This first day is exceptional. The crossing of the plateau is one of the most beautiful balconies of the Oisans, offering breathtaking views of the Meije. With its small lakes, your photos will look like real postcards! An old off-the-beaten track trail, missing from the maps, will allow you to reach the refuge. Easy version: We can arrange this stage with for example a night on the Emparis plateau. The next day you can reach La Grave or Villar d'Arène without climbing to the Signal de La Grave.. Overnight: Le Chazelet, Walk: +1085, -750m, 6 hours 30 . .

Day 3: Refuge du Pic du mas de la Grave - Crête de Côte Rouge (2 256m) - La Grave - Villar d'Arène (1650 m)

You have the choice of 2 options:. Option 1 - An hour panoramic trail to reach the pretty village of La Grave where you can explore its narrow alleyways. Here you'll take the cable car to 3,200m at the foot of the Meije Glacier for amazing views of the northern Alps. If you wish (and have booked in La Grave) you can have a short tour onto the glacier itself with an Alpine guide. On the descent, stop at the Peyrou d'Amont station for a walk to the Refuge Chancel with wonderful panoramic views. Afterwards descend by cable car and follow the Tour of Dauphiné mountain walking trail and in 2hrs you'll discover the pretty alpine village of Villar d'Arene.. Option 2 - Ascend the beautiful ridge Cote Rouge offering unique views of the Meige and the villages clinging to the valleys. You can extend the walk to take in the summit of Signal de la Grave at 2446m for wonderful views. Your

Day 4: Alfroide - Lac Goleon - Villar d'Arene

After a taxi transfer to the hamlet of Valfroide (1850m), you'll climb to the Goléon Cirque via the typical alpine hamlets of Pramailler and Plot. Afterward, your mountain walking trail climbs more steeply to a plateau where the panorama of the Aiguilles d'Arves and the Meige is superb. Return to Villar d'Arene via Valfroide and the alpine meadows of Envers.. Overnight: Villar d'Arene, Walk: +900m, -1050m; 6hr . .

Day 6: Tour from Le Monetier

Discover one of the most beautiful panoramic trails in the French Alps with great views of the Ecrins mountains. A great morning's walk which also takes in historic hamlets and chapels.. Walk: +/-400m, 3hr 30 . Walking holiday finishes after walk. Option of an extra night at Le Monetier. .

Prices

Price per person	2 pers	4 pers	6 pers	8 pers
Price per adult	$250	$180	$160	$150
Price per kid	$130	$90	$80	$80

Services

Included:

5 night's half board accommodation in hotels with private rooms;
Taxi transfers on days 1, 4 and 5;
Detailed walking notes and walking maps,
Transport of luggage between hotels

Excluded:

Travel to La Grave at start of walking holiday and from Le Monetier at end of holiday,
Drinks with evening meals,
Lunches,
Cable car charges,
Travel insurance
Visits and anything else not listed above

Optional:

Extra Nights
Combining walking holidays
Tailor-made holidays

Receive a free quote from your local travel agency within 48 hours by e-mail. No obligation to purchase.

Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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