Wild crossing of the Écrins

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.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Argentière station - Ravin des Serres

   17.89 km 1,391 m 68 m

   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

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2. 2
   

   Ravin des Serres - Vallonpierre refuge

   16.14 km 1,566 m 1,591 m

   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.

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3. 3
   

   Vallonpierre refuge - Sebeyras lakes

   22.91 km 1,308 m 1,297 m

   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.

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4. 4
   

   Lakes of Sebeyras - Le Lauvet

   18.12 km 1,643 m 1,893 m

   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.

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5. 5
   

   Le Lauvet - Lac Labarre

   19.05 km 1,484 m 1,131 m

   From Le Lauvet, descend to La Chapelle-en-Valjouffrey. Then take the Sentier du Facteur trail, cross the Haute Vallée du Béranger nature reserve in Valsenestre, and finish on the GR®54B trail to Lac Labarre.

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6. 6
   

   Lac Labarre - Lac du Vallon

   9.76 km 973 m 862 m

   From Lac Labarre, the route follows part of the GR®54B. You will cross the Col de la Romeïou, the Cabane de la Selle, then the Col du Paletas. From there, a wild hike along the ridges, passing by the Neyrard at an altitude of 2,796 m, will take you to Lac du Vallon.

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7. E
   

   Lac du Vallon - Le Bourg-d'Oisans

   14.10 km 326 m 2,099 m

   The last stage begins at the large Vallon Lake. You will then cross the Col du Rochail, which rises to an altitude of 2,756 metres. After this climb, your path will take you to the Refuge des Sources, then to Villard-Notre-Dame, a village offering a superb view of Bourg-d'Oisans, your final destination.

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