Refine your search for walks in Refuge des Bans
Refuge des Bans walks
Refuge des Bans
Visorando member 
7.85 km
+512 m
-511 m
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?
Walks near Refuge des Bans
Vallonpierre refuge - Sebeyras lakes
Visorando member 
22.91 km
+1,308 m
-1,297 m
10h 15
Very difficult
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
From the Vallonpierre refuge, the hike takes you to the Rif du Sap chapel, then to the charming village of La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar, where you can stop for refreshments at a local grocery store. The route then crosses the Valgaudémar National Forest before reaching the magnificent lakes of Pétarel and Sebeyras.
Ravin des Serres - Vallonpierre refuge
Visorando member 
16.14 km
+1,566 m
-1,591 m
9h 05
Difficult
Departure from L'Argentière-la-Bessée (Hautes-Alpes)
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.
From Rif du Sap to Navette via Le Chapeau
Visorando member 11.89 km
+1,233 m
-1,311 m
6h 55
Very difficult
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful and challenging hike in the hills, varied with some unexpected sections. Stunning views. Be careful, there are many tricky and slippery sections. Avoid in wet weather.
The six lakes of Orcières-Merlette, including Les Estaris
Visorando member 
6.65 km
+91 m
-441 m
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.
The Col des Terres Blanches
Visorando member 19.00 km
+1,298 m
-1,165 m
9h 10
Difficult
Departure from Freissinières (Hautes-Alpes)
From Dormillouse to Prapic via the Col des Terres Blanches.
Lakes of Sebeyras - Le Lauvet
Visorando member 
18.12 km
+1,643 m
-1,893 m
9h 50
Very difficult
Departure from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar (Hautes-Alpes)
From the Sebeyras Lakes, the route will first take you to the Col de Pétarel. From there, you will descend towards Saint-Maurice-en-Valgodemar. You will then follow the old transhumance paths to reach the Six Cabanes, then climb the Col de Menoux to Lauvet.
Fressinières Pass (Col)
Visorando member 
21.23 km
+1,366 m
-1,497 m
10h 00
Difficult
Departure from Orcières (Hautes-Alpes)
From Prapic to Dormillouse via the Fressinières Pass.
Please note: the height difference is only 1200 m.
Argentière station - Ravin des Serres
Visorando member 
17.89 km
+1,391 m
-68 m
9h 05
Difficult
Departure from L'Argentière-la-Bessée (Hautes-Alpes)
For this first stage, you will begin your journey at the Argentière-les-Écrins train station. The hike follows the GR®54A, taking you through the Fournel valley and the Deslioures biological reserve. You will finally arrive at a plateau that is ideal for camping.
Please note: landslide in July 2025
Wild crossing of the Écrins
Visorando member 
117.97 km
+8,691 m
-8,941 m
7 days
Very difficult
Departure from L'Argentière-la-Bessée (Hautes-Alpes)
This 7-day trek is for hikers who are used to camping in tents.Although there are a few refuges along the route, the stages are designed for those who wish to sleep in the heart of nature.The circuit crosses the Écrins massif and offers total immersion in the alpine landscape, where you can encounter local flora and fauna.Ideal for walkers who are used to the mountains, it is a complete adventure that will challenge you with its significant elevation changes and occasional technical or unmarked sections.
From Villar-Loubière to La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar via Lac du Lautier
Visorando member 13.35 km
+1,457 m
-1,364 m
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Villar-Loubière (Hautes-Alpes)
A beautiful, varied hike with stunning views and a lake perfect for relaxing. A pleasant climb (a little steep at the start and very end), in the shade (early in the morning) for a good half of the route; a fairly long and difficult descent over scree. A full day's hike. Use the shuttle bus or bring two vehicles.