Refine your search for walks in Ecrins
Ecrins walks
Le Saut du Laïre
Visorando Member
5.57 mi
+1,240 ft
-1,240 ft
3h 40
Easy
Departure from Orcières (Hautes-Alpes)
Discover the Marmottes de Prapic.
This easy, gentle hike is ideal for all the family. As well as the valley's magnificent scenery, it's also an opportunity to meet marmots almost without fail.
The Lac du Lauvitel from La Danchère
3.79 mi
+1,821 ft
-1,827 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Vénosc (Isère)
The Lac du Lauvitel and its integral reserve (the first in France, created in 1995).
Lac Bleu - Lac le Lauzon
4.34 mi
+1,729 ft
-1,729 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
A family loop trail among waterfalls and flowers to Lac Bleu and Lac Lauzon, in the exceptional setting of the Cirque du Gioberney, above the Voile de la Mariée waterfall.
Moderator's warning on 12/10/2020: Caution! The two small bridges over the Lauzon Torrent have been washed away. See the notice from Lnltrn dated 12/10/2020.
Arsine Lake
9.61 mi
+3,127 ft
-3,130 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
The Lac d'Arsine, which has been split in two for several years, nestles in the cirque formed by the Agneaux and Neige Cordier mountains and is a real gem.
Lac de l'Eychauda
6.93 mi
+2,684 ft
-2,671 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Pelvoux (Hautes-Alpes)
In the Crête des Grangettes cirque, there is a particularly famous mountain lake at 2,514 metres, called the Eychauda.
The Pétarel Lakes
7.22 mi
+2,900 ft
-2,871 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
Lakes of breathtaking beauty in a mineral setting, with magnificent views of the Valgaudemar peaks.
Orcières-Merlette - Discover the lakes in the Estaris area
7.04 mi
+2,359 ft
-2,339 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Orcières (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful loop that allows you to admire beautiful mountain lakes.One criticism might be that it gets quite busy during the holidays and at weekends (mountain biking, skiing and maintenance vehicles).
Please note that there may be guard dogs present.
The Palluel and Faravel Lakes
8.18 mi
+3,698 ft
-3,698 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Freissinières (Hautes-Alpes)
This circuit in the PNE (Écrins National Park) will take you to two beautiful lakes at the foot of the two Pinier peaks that dominate the area.
Along the Tourond
5.06 mi
+1,650 ft
-1,647 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Champoléon (Hautes-Alpes)
An easy loop that follows both banks of a pretty torrent, with a possible stop at the Tourond refuge.
With a bit of luck, you may be greeted by a few marmots.
You can extend the walk to the Pisse waterfall
Le Vieux Chaillol from Chaillol 1600
14.63 mi
+5,338 ft
-5,338 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Michel-de-Chaillol (Hautes-Alpes)
This is a long hike to reach the Pic du Vieux Chaillol (3,163 m), a landmark peak in the southern Hautes-Alpes landscape.
Please note that the elevation gain is only 1,530m and not 1,706m as stated on the information sheet.
The Balcony of Champsaur
6.14 mi
+1,572 ft
-1,558 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Michel-de-Chaillol (Hautes-Alpes)
A balcony walk offering magnificent views of the plain at the entrance to the Champsaur.
Refuge des Bans
4.88 mi
+1,680 ft
-1,677 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Vallouise (Hautes-Alpes)
This hike is easy, with only a few short sections requiring a little more attention. Easy to access, the Bans refuge has the feel of a high mountain refuge. The climb along the Bans torrent is gradual. After a small rocky outcrop on which the refuge is perched, the reward is there! The view is unique, overlooking a cirque enclosed by magnificent peaks.
And what can we say about the kindness of the refuge wardens, who will serve you meals and drinks?
Les Bassets via the Saut du Laïre
8.83 mi
+2,070 ft
-2,041 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Orcières (Hautes-Alpes)
Loop starting from Prapic, passing through the Saut du Laïre to reach Les Bassets on the heights of Prapic.
Oules du Diable, Cascade du Buchardet and Cabane de l'Aup
8.64 mi
+1,978 ft
-1,969 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
Very nice, accessible hike: no difficult passages, breathtaking views of the glaciers all the way, regular waterfalls, marmots, an incredible end to the hike with the Oules du Diable.
Hike done on August 23, 2014, a year with a lot of water, we were lucky: waterfalls and torrents "at full throttle" and a very flowery route!
Pétarel Lakes via the Col de La Béranne
9.24 mi
+4,039 ft
-4,009 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful loop in the Valgaudemar valley above the Pétarel Lakes.
The Crupillouse Lakes
8.47 mi
+4,304 ft
-4,304 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Champoléon (Hautes-Alpes)
In July, head for the Crupillouse lakes: small high-altitude lakes that are still frozen, alternating between earth and stone. The trail crosses three streams and snowfields and sometimes climbs in tight switchbacks from 1,400 to 2,600 metres.
Watched over by chamois, the arrival at the lakes is a reward for the fairly long climb.
The thawed sections were magnificent colours.
Écrins - 2 days around the Refuge de la Muzelle
12.41 mi
+5,732 ft
-5,748 ft
10h 40
Difficult
Departure from Vénosc (Isère)
Loop in the Écrins National Park. Tour of the Aiguille de Venosc via the Lauvitel and Muzelle lakes, then the Vénéon Valley.A rich and varied itinerary! It is relatively long. It can be done in two days by spending a night at the Refuge de la Muzelle or bivouacking near the refuge.
Lac de la Douche from Le Casset
4.98 mi
+1,319 ft
-1,319 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
A classic family hike. Most of the trail is in the forest, sheltered from the sun, except at the end of the trail to reach the lake.
The trail runs alongside the Parc des Écrins and enters it in places. Please note the National Park regulations, in particular the ban on dogs, even on a leash (see the notice at the start of the trail).
Champoléon Valley
5.69 mi
+1,165 ft
-1,148 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Champoléon (Hautes-Alpes)
A peaceful exploration of the upper Champoléon valley, on either side of the Drac de Champoléon or Drac Blanc torrent in the heart of the Champsaur Massif, to the Pré de la Chaumette refuge on the edge of the Écrins National Park.
⚠️ 15/09/2025: Left bank impassable due to a landslide. The route is a return trip 1-4-3 to the refuge on the GRP®. Please read the notices carefully.
The Cime des Conchiers at the start of the Monêtier-les-Bains trail
4.05 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,463 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
A pleasant walk above the large village of Monêtier, famous for its hot springs and ski resort.
Lac de L'Hivernet
5.37 mi
+2,598 ft
-2,602 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Embrun (Hautes-Alpes)
A pretty little lake in a green setting above Embrun and at the foot of the Tête de l'Hivernet (2,824 m).
The foot of the Jean Gauthier Glacier via the Glacier Blanc refuge
6.87 mi
+2,959 ft
-2,930 ft
5h 45
Difficult
Departure from Pelvoux (Hautes-Alpes)
Hike in a high mountain setting overlooking the Glacier Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
La Blanche via Lac de Puy Aillaud and the Belvédère des Trois Refuges viewpoint
8.49 mi
+4,751 ft
-4,731 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Vallouise (Hautes-Alpes)
This is a must-do hike in Vallouise, offering views of the Écrins, the Cerces and the Queyras, and in particular, thanks to its proximity, the Pelvoux, the Pic sans Nom and the Ailefroide.
La Bosse de Clapouse
4.77 mi
+2,169 ft
-2,162 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Pelvoux (Hautes-Alpes)
This early morning hike is a sure-fire way to see chamois. It is easy to access and well-equipped photographers will be able to take some beautiful shots. For everyone else, the views alone will be a feast for the eyes.
The only difficulty is getting up very early
Glacier Noir to the Balmes de François Blanc
4.92 mi
+2,192 ft
-2,192 ft
4h 10
Difficult
Departure from Pelvoux (Hautes-Alpes)
A high-mountain route leading along the edge of a moraine ridge with breathtaking views of the high peaks of the Écrins.
Lac de l'Eychauda via the Pas de l'Âne and the Col des Grangettes
9.12 mi
+3,927 ft
-3,907 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Pelvoux (Hautes-Alpes)
This route takes you to Lac de l'Eychauda, looping back via the pass of the same name, then Pas de l'Âne and finally Col des Grangettes. The view of the lake from Col des Grangettes is panoramic.
The sources of the Romanche
10.05 mi
+1,932 ft
-1,916 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Villar-d'Arêne (Hautes-Alpes)
A relatively low-altitude foray into a high mountain landscape where the Romanche river rises in the scree following the Plate des Agneaux glacier.
Reyssas Canal and abandoned farms
5.72 mi
+1,201 ft
-1,201 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Puy-Saint-Eusèbe (Hautes-Alpes)
Hike along the Reyssas irrigation canal. To maintain a steady gradient, the canal passes through some unlikely and beautiful places. Admire the work of our ancestors. Discover abandoned farms. Hike through the forest, including a majestic larch grove. Beautiful views of Lake Serre-Ponçon.
This hike requires a bit of agility (crossing the Coulet torrent) and balance (walking on a narrow path along the canal). From 12 years old.
Mont Guillaume
8.01 mi
+3,114 ft
-3,114 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Embrun (Hautes-Alpes)
This is a pleasant route to one of the main and most beautiful viewpoints of Lake Serre-Ponçon.
Due to the large number of intersections, I recommend using the Visorando app.
Lac le Lauzon
3.71 mi
+1,217 ft
-1,214 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
A short walk leads to a peaceful lake where, in good weather, the neighbouring peaks are reflected.
Moderator's warning on 12/10/2020: Caution! The two small bridges over the Torrent du Lauzon have been washed away. See the notice by Lnltrn dated 12/10/2020
The Pontet Lake
Association / Club / Walk leader
2.34 mi
+778 ft
-778 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Villar-d'Arêne (Hautes-Alpes)
Le Pontet is a magnificent turquoise lake above the hamlet of Les Cours, near Villar d'Arêne. You can get close to it by car, but the walk from Les Cours is very pleasant and, depending on the season, you may see edelweiss and marmots.
Vallonpierre Refuge - Chabournéou Refuge
9.95 mi
+2,799 ft
-2,822 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful climb to the Vallonpierre refuge is followed by a superb crossing that leads to the Chabournéou refuge, in high mountain terrain beneath the elegant north face of the Sirac.
Combeynot Lake
4.99 mi
+3,071 ft
-3,071 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
Hike to a high-altitude lake nestled in a glacial basin at the foot of the Pics de Combeynot.
Tour des Têtes
7.23 mi
+2,516 ft
-2,507 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from L'Argentière-la-Bessée (Hautes-Alpes)
The first part of the hike is sunny. At the top of Les Têtes, you can enjoy a 360° panorama of the Pelvoux massif to the north and west and the Durance Valley to the south.
The Lake of La Muzelle
7.38 mi
+4,101 ft
-4,101 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Vénosc (Isère)
A well-deserved but spectacular view. A magnificent lake at the foot of the Muzelle glacier that is not to be missed!
Arsine Glacier Lakes
9.12 mi
+2,664 ft
-2,641 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Villar-d'Arêne (Hautes-Alpes)
Hiking in the Ecrins massif towards glacial lakes.
Les Têtes via Lac des Charbonnières
3.84 mi
+994 ft
-994 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Les Vigneaux (Hautes-Alpes)
This family hike allows you to discover the discreet but magnificent little Lac des Charbonnières and a splendid panorama from the summit of Les Têtes. The route is mainly through larch forest, alternating between trails and tracks, but does not present any major difficulties.
The six lakes of Orcières-Merlette, including Les Estaris
4.13 mi
+299 ft
-1,447 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Orcières (Hautes-Alpes)
This hike has been suitable for all ages since 2020. Using the chairlifts (Drouvet 1 and 2 for the outward journey and Roche Rousse for the return journey) makes it easy. The six large lakes are visited on the way down. A variant towards the Col de Freissinières is possible. The landscapes are magnificent, especially at the starting point at the top of Drouvet. The lakes are all very beautiful and diverse.
Mal Cros Canal starting from Chaillol 1600
4.40 mi
+814 ft
-781 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Michel-de-Chaillol (Hautes-Alpes)
Hike along the remains of the Mal Cros Canal, starting from Chaillol 1600. This canal supplied water for irrigation in the area from a glacier above the Champoleon valley (Drac Blanc).
Below Grand Renaud and Croix du Carellet
5.14 mi
+1,946 ft
-1,919 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Villard-Reymond (Isère)
Starting from Villard-Reymond, there is a very pretty circular walk under the Grand Renaud cirque, through the mountain pastures and back via the Croix du Carrelet.
Les Oulles du Diable
1.92 mi
+187 ft
-187 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
This family-friendly loop follows the torrent to the Romanesque bridge of Les Oulles and continues with a visit to the bubbling giant's pots, the "Oulles du Diable".
Le Pied du Col - Lac du Pontet - L'Aiguillon
7.66 mi
+1,834 ft
-1,824 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Villar-d'Arêne (Hautes-Alpes)
This hike is accessible to all without any particular difficulty and allows you to walk with the magnificent panorama of the Meije glaciers as a backdrop.
What's more, the remarkable exposure of the circuit and its relatively modest altitude mean that this loop can be completed as soon as the snow melts.
Moderator's note added on 26/07/2021: please note that part of this circuit is no longer passable. See reviews for an alternative route
The Col du Palastre
6.90 mi
+3,074 ft
-3,012 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas (Hautes-Alpes)
A pleasant circuit in Champsaur, allowing you to discover a small peak overlooking the Drac valley.
Mont Guillaume and Col de Trempa-Latz from Les Muandes de Bourlinche
7.31 mi
+3,209 ft
-3,182 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Embrun (Hautes-Alpes)
The ascent of Mont Guillaume and its ridges via the Sentier des Pépinières trail from the Bourlinche car park.
Arsine Glacier Lake from the Col du Lautaret
12.82 mi
+1,923 ft
-1,932 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Villar-d'Arêne (Hautes-Alpes)
For me, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in this magnificent region of the Alps, with breathtaking views of the eastern glaciers of the Meije massif.
It is a long walk through the mountain pastures, but with very gradual climbs.
However, there is one section that may be tricky for those prone to vertigo.
A great alternative to the hike to Lac d'Arsine, which starts from Monêtier-les-Bains.
The Blue Thistles of the Fournel Valley
6.52 mi
+787 ft
-787 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from L'Argentière-la-Bessée (Hautes-Alpes)
This hike takes us to see the largest concentration of blue thistles in the entire Alpine arc.
The Laurichard Pass
3.80 mi
+2,093 ft
-2,087 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
Hike to discover the Combe and the Col de Laurichard, west of the Combeynot Massif.
La Cabane de Jas Lacroix
5.30 mi
+1,129 ft
-1,109 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Vallouise (Hautes-Alpes)
Venture into the Torrent de la Selle valley towards a charming cabin (used as a shelter) on the road to Col de l'Aup Martin, an important passage on the Tour de l'Oisans.
The Orgues de Valsenestre and return via the Combe Oursière
7.98 mi
+3,632 ft
-3,609 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Valjouffrey (Isère)
Hike in several stages:
- The Orgues de Valsenestre (or "great library"), a geological curiosity with a multitude of perfectly aligned vertical strata.
- The Col de Côte Belle with a panoramic view of the Font Turbat valley.
- Return via the balcony path to the small suspended valley of Combe Oursière.
- Finally, you cross a forest of "crooked" larch trees (larch trees deformed by the weight of snow).
... Not forgetting the Hobbit house
Tour de Planure
8.12 mi
+3,232 ft
-3,202 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Champoléon (Hautes-Alpes)
The Tour de Planure is a hike that starts at the bottom of the valley, following the Tourond torrent, and ends in a magnificent cirque where you can discover a pastoral environment in a high mountain atmosphere.