HIKES IN VALLOUISE - Ecrins National Park

Walk to discover our mountains

Mountain hiking, for everyone

This time your decision is made, for the holidays it will be heading to "The Mountains" because you need to get some fresh air, breathe fully and expand the space around you.

In the heart of the Ecrins National Park, we are lucky to live in a magnificent landscape and nature, which we also appreciate ourselves every day. And we understand both our luck but also all that our wide open spaces can bring to your vacation!

These are protected areas where silence reigns supreme, occasionally punctuated by the natural sounds of wildlife and the earth. This environment allows everyone to rediscover a sense of serenity, the pleasure of reconnecting with something when, traversing valleys, passes, and peaks, time slows down.

So we take this time, to observe and marvel of course, but also to share this moment with our family, friends or tribe.

Hiking is the simplest and most accessible way to explore and enjoy our mountains: a pair of feet, a little equipment, a map or some route ideas and... off you go!

Eychauda east coast
White Glacier Downstream

The route: one of the keys!

Father of Mrs. Carle
Eychauda valley bottom

So your whole group is well motivated to explore the spaces around us, but where do we start?

Choosing a hiking route is key, even for a simple day trip. It depends on many factors: the group's composition and experience, the physical conditions on the day, the weather, and each person's desires and objectives.

But for our part, we always advise you on one essential objective: to please yourself, safely.

Here we offer you a small selection of hikes around the Clot Saint JosephSome of these hikes are within walking distance of the house. The list is not exhaustive, but it will allow you to plan, for example, a hiking itinerary for your week-long stay with us.

You will often be traveling within the protected area of ​​the Ecrins National Park. You will find extensive information on the dedicated page of our website, particularly regarding the strict environmental protection rules that apply there. 

If you are already a regular visitor to the valley, feel free to ask us for other routes: among the nearly 7000 km of marked trails that the Hautes-Alpes, we should be able to find something for you!

 

Easy walks or hikes

These routes are perfect for a first approach to hiking, around the house and Vallouise, and allow a discovery of the surrounding environment.

Iconic hikes not to be missed

Our valley is full of trails, each more beautiful than the last, but if you're only here for a few days, here are the "must-sees," the ones you "should have done." They are, of course, quite popular, but you can't come to Vallouise without climbing to the Glacier Blanc, a magnificent icy witness to our changing climate.

Lesser-known or more difficult hikes

After a few days of training, or because you already have some experience, you want to go a little higher, or get off the beaten track, the following routes are for you.

A map, with other selected routes

The Ecrins offer a vast area of ​​mountains to discover. We have grouped on this map again a selection of the routes that have been listed by several hikers around our valleys.

Think about your safety

You will be going hiking, sometimes on routes leading you to altitudes easily exceeding 2000m, so it is high mountain terrain, with its sometimes hostile nature.

Remember that you are hiking for pleasure, not out of obligation: So never put yourself in danger., in order to avoid any rescue operation which is always traumatic! We are not high mountain guides, but we can nevertheless give you some common sense rules.

  • Study your route, tailored to your group, before setting off. This is especially important if one of you is prone to vertigo, as you may have to turn back if a route leads you to a challenging section. And don't forget your map!
  • Inform someone of your departure, your planned route, and your estimated return time. This person will be able to call for help if necessary.
  • Check the weather forecast before you leave. Depending on how the weather develops, consider adjusting your route and be prepared to turn back in bad weather, as temperatures drop very quickly above 2000m. Thunderstorms, in particular, are weather conditions best avoided in the mountains.
  • Bring all the necessary equipment for your hiking trip, but no more, to avoid overloading yourself. Make sure you have sturdy, appropriate hiking boots, as too many accidents each season are caused by unsuitable footwear.
  • Hiking and mountaineering burn calories and dehydrate very quickly: always carry water, drink regularly, and eat properly to avoid those intense hunger pangs that will leave you feeling drained.
  • Stay on the marked trails. In case of difficulty, you will more easily find help and assistance if necessary.
  • In the Parc des Ecrins there are strict regulations, which we invite you to consult. Any waste disposal during your hike is obviously prohibited.

During the summer, many herds graze in the high mountain pastures, and you're likely to encounter them. They are accompanied by their guard dogs, which protect them from predators. Since their job is to protect the herd, these dogs may see you as potential enemies. The following video explains how to behave around them.