Orcières walks

A short, refreshing circular route on the north-facing slope of the Drac Noir and through the forest. Cool and lush with water, this route starting from the Orcières leisure centre is ideal on hot summer’s days. At the edge of the forest, you’ll find wild raspberry and strawberry bushes on one side, and on the other, views of the south-facing slope and the mountain hamlets.

A lovely, steady and pleasant climb to this summit, which offers breathtaking views of Orcières, the Durance Valley and the highest peaks of the Écrins.

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.

Summit at 3,071 m overlooking the Grands Lacs des Estaris and the resort of Orcières-Merlette.

A round trip climb in a very wild (and unfrequented) valley. Following the course of the Torrent d'Archinard, between pastures and forest, the trail passes under the Cabane de la Rouannette then climbs to the pass (Crête des Autanes with a magnificent view of the Vallon d'Ancelle) and to the summit of the Coupa, which offers a beautiful panorama of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the peaks of the Écrins. An ideal route for hiking and snowshoeing.

An ideal round trip route for hiking and snowshoeing, which follows the course of the Torrent d'Archinard, between pastures and forest, to the Rouannette hut. The trail then climbs to the pass (Crête des Autanes), which offers a beautiful view of the Écrins peaks. It is possible to continue to the summit of La Coupa.

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.

Loop starting from Prapic, passing through the Saut du Laïre to reach Les Bassets on the heights of Prapic.

A magnificent hike starting from the pretty village of Prapic to Lac des Pisses, a small, secluded lake in the Écrins National Park, in the heart of the Champsaur. The ascent is pleasant and wild.

An exceptional hike which, due to its elevation gain, technical sections and distance, requires excellent physical fitness. It took me 9 hours, including breaks, to complete this route, setting off at 6.00 am. At the summit of Mourre Froid, a 360° panorama offers views of the main peaks of the Queyras, Champsaur, Mercantour, Ecrins and Devoluy ranges... The technical section is mainly after the Col de la Tourette, where you’ll need to use your hands, as well as the section on the Crête de la Dent, up to the summit of Mourre Froid.

From Prapic to Dormillouse via the Fressinières Pass. Please note: the height difference is only 1200 m.

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.

This is a walk where you'll find shelter right in the heart of mountain pastures and where you can enjoy a friendly meal ... in very pleasant surroundings.

Hors des chemin battus, cette boucle fraîche est à découvrir. La montée est un peu raide, elle permet de prendre le temps de découvrir cette belle forêt de hêtres. Le chemin n'est pas du tout fréquenté entre les points (1) et (4).

An original way to reach the western shoulder of the Aiguille de Cédéra via a forgotten path on part of the ascent, then climb up the suspended mountain pasture to finish on the south-west ridge. The summit is optional for those who enjoy traversing scree slopes.

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

Opposite the famous Tourond Valley, the charming Méollion Valley takes you along old mule tracks to a ruined mountain pasture and an old village abandoned at the beginning ofthe 20th century. A refuge for resistance fighters in 1943, the ruins of Méollion are a feast for the eyes!

Climb up to this small mountain lake through a beautiful valley in the Champoléon valley. Méollion is a place steeped in history, between the abandonment of the village at the beginning of the century (rural exodus), the Maquis, and its destruction by the Germans on 13 November 1943.The final climb to the lake is steep and seems endless, but the reward is well worth it!

Overlooking the Champsaur valley and the southern Valgaudemar, the Vieux Chaillol offers a fantastic rocky setting and a dazzling panorama of a large group of mountains: Dévoluy, Vercors and Écrins. The view even extends as far as Mont Ventoux and the Lure mountain. The ascent to the Col de Côte Longue is made from the east, starting from the Champoléon valley. This hike is reserved for experienced and trained mountain hikers.

Visit to a village in ruins. Only two houses remain, the shepherd's house and the ONF's free lodge. Unfortunately, access to the village is not recommended in winter (see the description for more information). However, hiking in winter on the right bank of the Torrent du Méollion is very pleasant as it takes you through some beautiful landscapes.

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.

A lovely walk through mountain pastures and along the ridge, from where you can admire the whole southern part of the Écrins Massif and much more besides.

A pleasant circuit in Champsaur, allowing you to discover a small peak overlooking the Drac valley.

An ascent through mountain pastures and alpine meadows to the pass and then the summit of the Palastre, a renowned viewpoint over the Champsaur valley. The rest of the loop towards the pass between the Pic du Clot Lamiande and the Pointe Prouveyrat is not well marked, but the view of the Vallon du Tourrond is worth the detour. Note that the southern exposure of the slope is offset on the descent by streams and waterfalls that refresh this long route, which is best suited to experienced walkers.

On the edge of the Écrins National Park, from the small hamlet of Les Gourmiers, a beautiful path leads us to the Col de la Coupa; the cliffs serve as a perch for vultures, which can be admired gliding over the magnificent Réallon valley.

This round-trip route is one of many hiking options available from the hamlet of Les Gourniers, offering views of, amongst other things, the highest peak in the Embrunais region, the Mourre Froid at an altitude of 2,993 metres.

This round trip, which is more of a stroll than a hike, even if there is a little elevation gain and distance, allows you to gain a little height for a view of the beautiful landscapes at the southern end of the Écrins massif (Le Mourre Froid and other peaks), not to mention the beautifully carved Aiguilles de Chabrières mountains on the south-eastern side.

Une belle boucle dans les alpages du vallon de Réallon (Parc National des Écrins), avec des belles vues au milieu de la faune sauvage. Le panorama en hauteur donne sur le Sud des Écrins avec le Mourre Froid, les Aiguilles de Chabrières. Il s'agit d'une variante courte de la boucle, sans aller jusqu'au pic après le Col de la Gardette, et en "coupant" vers les Tomelles plutôt que de descendre jusqu'au torrent.

A pleasant circular family walk with a beautiful view over the Réallon valley. The ascent begins in the cool shade of a beech wood, then through a beautiful larch forest, before reaching old hay meadows, a reminder of past activities. The ruins of old alpine chalets evoke what life in the mountains used to be like. As the path reaches a balcony-like section, the landscape opens up to a sweeping view of the Réallon valley.

A beautiful, wild valley to explore on a round trip. It's a fairly easy walk to the Cabane du Pré d'Antoni, after which it gets a little steeper. The scenery is superb from start to finish. It's also a well-known spot for spotting chamois.

A short, easy walk starting from Les Gourniers (in the commune of Réallon) to reach the Saint-Marcellin Chapel via the discovery trail.

A lovely hike to discover an ancient village in ruins, offering panoramic views of the Champsaur valley.

A lovely circular route on the north-facing slope, mostly through woodland; allow 1 hour 15 minutes for the ascent and 2 hours 30 minutes for the gentle descent.

This hike to La Petite Autane leads to a popular viewpoint. The suggested route includes a section off the marked trail and therefore unmarked, apart from the occasional cairn. A keen eye for observation and a good sense of direction are required; however, the destination is very often in sight and the landscape is wide open. The return journey follows a marked route.

This is a beautiful little loop on the north side below the Autane and Petite Autane, ideal for hot summer days when you want to stay cool. If you set off early, you can see chamois in the ravines and birds. The crossing trail does not always seem to be maintained during the summer, which makes it more difficult (the trail slopes on some steep sections) and it is now classified as difficult, requiring good experience of this type of trail.

This relatively easy, scenic route offers magnificent views of the cirque and the Rouanne mountain pastures. You really feel cut off from the rest of the world here! The route is flexible, as there are several paths that allow you to extend or shorten the walk without any particular difficulty.

A splendid hike with a difficult route that will take you to the Col de Chorges. Climb Piolit and enjoy its 360° panorama, then descend via the Col de la Pourrachiére. From Piolit (2,464 m), there are views to the south over Lake Serre-Ponçon and Mercantour, and to the north-east, north and north-west over the peaks of Champsaur, Dévoluy and Ecrins. Caution: do not attempt this route too early in the season, as there is still a lot of snow due to the exposure. See § practical information.

At the gateway to the Parc des Écrins, in the Champsaur Massif, this magnificent hike begins at Rouanne Haute. The path winds gracefully through a larch forest, crosses streams of fresh, crystal-clear water and leads us, below the Col de Chorges, to the brown-tinged mountain pastures, sometimes still dotted with majestic snowdrifts despite the approach of summer.At the top of the Piolit, a breathtaking 360° panorama opens up, revealing the surrounding massifs and the splendid Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Descending via the Col de la Pourrachière, we plunge into a green and refreshing world, the perfect way to round off this wonderful outdoor activity.

A very beautiful high-altitude walk through the Rouanne mountain pastures, and not particularly difficult, apart from the climb to La Coupa, a rugged summit. The views over the Rouanne cirque are magnificent.

Long and difficult hike offered here as a circular route, first through mountain pastures then up steep slopes to the summit. It can also be done as a round trip, which is shorter but involves a tricky descent to the Col de Combeau. As a circular loop as described, the landscape and views are different and the slope is easier. It's up to you.

The hike is entirely along the ridge, below the Petite and Grande Autane. It offers beautiful views of the Col de Roinette, La Coupa and its pass, La Pointe de Fleurendon and, in the background, Le Piolit and Les Crêtes de Bonaparré.

We’re making the most of the August holidays to head up to the Crupillouse Lakes and then continue on to the Col de Parières. The route crosses several streams, but once you reach the first lakes, the view is superb. We continue on to the Col de Parières, where we can admire all the lakes below. We’ll do the round trip in a single day.

Very long, wild and challenging alpine hike. The first part is on a trail up the Val Estrèche, where you may see chamois and ibex. The second part is wild and off-trail, climbing up to the Col de Val Estrèche and then crossing over to the Col des Lauzières. Descent via Cros de la Casse to the Lacs de Crupillouse, where you finally find a good winding trail that descends southwards under the Aiguille de Crupillouse, crossing streams and waterfalls.

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.

A hike through the wild Estrèche valley which, as you ascend, allows you to spot chamois on the left bank, in the pastures of the Upper Estrèche Valley, and ibex in the area known as Les Vallons. It continues with a short circular loop at around 2,200 m offering a panoramic view of the cirque: what remains of the Mourre la Mine Glacier, the Pointe des Moutières, the Tête Virante, the Choucières Vertes, the Puy des Baumes, etc. Comment from a user on 19 June 2025:>The Champoléontown council has issued a municipal by-law prohibiting hikers from accessing the Valestreche trail from 1 June to 25 July and from 5 September to 30 October. This by-law has apparently been in force every year since 2024. Presence of a herd with guard dogs.

A short, easy snowshoe walk offering some beautiful views and accessible to most people.

The12th stage of this route features three passes to cross, the last of which is particularly technical and difficult. The panoramic views remain as exceptional as ever, with vistas of the majestic Chaillol, the Sirac and the Champoléon valley. The refuge is set in lush greenery at the bottom of a cirque at the foot of the Sirac and on the shores of the magnificent Lac de Vallonpierre. A campsite in a beautiful meadow at the foot of the Sirac, with a splendid view of the lake.

Many walks are signposted from Les Gourniers. But not the one to Lac de Laus. You will therefore encounter very few other walkers. A walk that begins through mountain pastures, in the shade in the morning, before turning onto a fairly wild mountain-side path. The slopes are steep and offer impressive views, without being vertiginous.

This isa physicallydemanding hike that is not particularly technical. Not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo. Set off early in summer to avoid the heat. This route is much less travelled than the "classic" GR®54.

This fairly easily accessible pass is located at the bottom of the Champoléon valley. You can make a circular loop by taking a little-used path that climbs parallel to the Prelles waterfall, passes by the small Lac de Prelles lake before reaching the Col du Cheval de Bois pass. Then descend via the marked trail that passes by the Refuge du Pré de la Chaumette.

Route on the Tour du Vieux Chaillol andGR®54trails. It takes you around the Puy de la Chaumette under the south face of the imposing Sirac.

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 hike begins with the ascent of the Pas de la Cavale, which rises to an altitude of 2,735 metres. After this climb, you will reach the Pré de la Chaumette refuge. From there, another climb will take you along the imposing Sirac, passing through the Vallette, Gouiran and Vallonpierre passes. The route ends at the Vallonpierre refuge.

A classic hike in Ancelle, starting near the village centre and climbing up the north side, through cool woodland. Can easily be done in reverse to enjoy the cool air on the way back.

This peak overlooks the Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes ski resort. It is home to the top stations of the resort’s ski lifts. However, the ascent described here starts from Ancelle.A snowshoe hike following the summer trail, which is marked in yellow. These markings are visible on the trees in winter, but not on the rocks.

This summit is a classic in the village of wooden roof tile in Champsaur.

A climb to the summit overlooking the village of Wooden Roof Tile and the ski resort of Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes. The circular offers beautiful panoramic views of Dévoluy, Champsaur and the Rouanne valley.

A pleasant walk in the Sapet National Forest, at the foot of Piolit (2,464 m), which marks the end of the Embrunais transport layers. The Piolit ridge offers superb views of the Embrunais, Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Gap valley, Dévoluy, Champsaur and the Écrins massif.

A walk that allows you to appreciate the lovely setting of the village of Ancelle, nestled at the end of the Plaine de Lachaup, with beautiful views over the village. You start by following the Rouanne (or Ancelle torrent), then follow a lovely ridge path overlooking Ancelle before tackling the only difficult part of the walk: the climb to the antennas before reaching the Plateau de Libouze and its lake. You then descend back into the Plaine de Lachaup via the Ancelle leisure centre and return to the village.

A gentle walk along a narrow path beside a torrent, then the view opens up onto snowfields. Once on the ridges, you can admire the Gap and Champsaur valleys dominated by beautiful peaks and, further away, the Écrins.

A lovely, easy snowshoe walk with very little elevation gain, which makes it very pleasant. You walk along the Rouanne stream, often through woodland, but are regularly treated to lovely views.

A lovely hike in the hills above Ancelle offering views of the Dévoluy and the Petite and Grande Autane mountains. For walkers, this is a good warm-up walk at the start of the week to prepare for longer routes.

This is a lovely, very pleasant snowshoe circular route, particularly along the stream. You walk partly through the undergrowth but still enjoy lovely views, especially around the mountain pasture. We did it in early March and there was still plenty of snow.

Starting from the hamlet of Moissière, a beautiful hike that begins in the forest before ending on the ridges and the summit, offering an unforgettable panorama of Lake Serre Ponçon, Gap and the Champsaur Valley.

A challenging hike in the hills above Ancelle. A very pretty hike with an initial climb through the woods, then the vegetation thins out to reveal breathtaking views of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Gapençais basin and even Mont Ventoux. 360° view from the summit.

A challenging loop that allows you to climb an easy and very popular summit in the most beautiful way and away from the crowds. The difficulty lies mainly in the return via the balcony, which has some aerial and exposed sections.

This is a short, half-day hike without any major difficulties, which takes us back to the difficult past of the mountain dwellers of yesteryear who lived in the village of Faudon, now in ruins, overlooked by the medieval fort of Saint-Philippe.