• Les Ecrins: Panoramic Alpine Trail

• Everyday (subject to availability) from 11 June to 16 September

• From £880
• From €980
• (single supplement: please contact us)

• 5 nights, 5 days self-guided walking moving between guest houses. 2 nights at Villar d'Arene

• Superb panoramic views of the dramatic and glacier-clad Ecrins mountains
• A wonderful traverse which goes around the northern edge of the Ecrins
• High altitude lakes and alpine meadows
• Chance to take a cable car up to 3,200m at the base of the Meije Glacier, plus chance to walk on the glacier with high alpine guide (not included in holiday price)
• Traditional alpine hamlets

• A mixture of hotels, gites and one refuge. They are comfortable family-run  hotels and gites with a mix of styles. Private rooms for 2, except at mountain hut, some with private bathrooms, some shared. You’ll be served wholesome local cuisine. All meals are included in your holiday price.

• 5 night’s half board accommodation in hotels and gites with private rooms and one refuge; taxi transfers on days 1, 4 and 5; detailed walking notes and walking maps, transport of luggage between accommodation except on night 2 when you'll need to carry overnight provisions.

• Travel to La Grave at start of walking holiday and from Le Monetier at end of holiday; drinks with evening meals, lunches, cable car fees, travel insurance, anything else not listed above

• See other similar holidays:
• All other mountain walking holidays - Tour of Queyras - Tour of Vanoise - Traverse of Pyrenees National Park - Marvels of Mercantour

Walking Profile

5 days self-guided walking holiday which traverses the north of the Ecrins, staying in 4 different locations. Walking per day amounts to an average of 5 - 6hrs walking (not including lunch stop) and 800m of ascent and descent. Maximum altitude gain in one day is 900m. The walks take place on good paths, although they are mountainous and sometimes rocky in nature. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable with walking on mountainous terrain. You should also be sure-footed on mountain paths and have a good head for heights.

Day 1: Arrival

Pick up at La Grave and taxi transfer to your accommodation in Besse en Oisans

Day 2: Besse en Oisans - Refuge du Pic du Mas de la Grave

Crossing the Emparis plateau (2365m): This first day is exceptional. The crossing of the plateau is one of the most beautiful balconies of the Oisans, offering breathtaking views of the Meije. With its small lakes your photos will look like real postcards! An old off-the-beaten track trail, missing from the maps, will allow you to reach the refuge.
Easy version: We can arrange this stage with for example a night on the Emparis plateau. The next day you can reach La Grave or Villar d'Arène without climbing to the Signal de La Grave.
+ 1085 m, - 750 m Time: 6 h 30 of walking

Day 3: Refuge du Pic du mas de le Grave - Crête de Côte Rouge (2 256 m) - La Grave - Villar-d’Arène (1 650 m)

The ascent of the beautiful Côte Rouge ridge offers unique views of the Meije massif and the Romanche valley while overlooking the small villages clinging to the slopes. As an option, you can continue towards the Signal de La Grave at 2,446m. The descent crosses old formerly cultivated terraces now abandoned and allows you to discover the beautiful hamlet of Ventelon (1 760 m) before reaching La Grave "capital" of mountaineering in the Oisans massif. Take the time to stroll through its sloping streets before joining the GR which will lead you through the Romanche gorge to the village of Villar-d'Arène.
Easy version: If you have chosen to spend the night in the refuge on the plateau, you can go directly to La Grave and/or Villar d'Arène without passing through the Signal de La Grave.
+ 730 m, - 830 m, + 200 m Time: 7 hours walking
Additional walking with option of the Signal (2 445m) : +/- 350 m - 1h00

Possible extra day: La Grave village and the Glaciers de la Meije
In order to make the most of this exceptional site, on request, you can spend an extra night in La Grave.
Whilst you are visiting La Grave you will be tempted to take the world famous cable car. If you book an extra night you can experience the delights of high altitude views at more than 3,200m. From the summit you can see the Alps from the Belledonne massif to the Thabor, via the Aravis and Mont Blanc. The cable car ride does not need to be booked in advance allowing for flexibility.

- From the Glacier de la Meije (3 200 m) to Villar-d'Arène (1 650 m)
After reaching the foot of the glacier, you go to the intermediate station to finish the descent on foot. From the station, you reach the Chancel hut and then descend to Villard d'Arène.
- Walk on the Meije glacier
A unique experience! At 3200m, at the top of the cable car, roped up with a high mountain guide, come and discover the secrets of the Meije glacier.
Duration of the walk: 1 h 30 from the terminal station - Technical equipment provided
Reservations can be made at the La Grave Guide Bureau or at the ticket office of the Glaciers de la Meije cable car. The walks take place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays

Day 4: Alfroide - Lac du Goléon - Villar d’Arene

After a taxi transfer to the hamlet of Valfroide (1850m), you’ll climb to the Goléon cirque via the typical alpine hamlets of Pramailler and Plot. Afterwards your mountain walking trail climbs more steeply to a plateau where the panorama of the aiguilles d’Arves and the Meige is superb. Return to Villar d’Arene via Valfroide and the alpine meadows of Envers. 6hrs, +900m, -1050m

Day 5: Villar d’Arene - Le Monetier

A taxi will transfer you to Pont d’Arsine (4km) where you’ll climb the Arsine Valley at the entrance to the Ecrins National Park to reach a pass at over 2300m with superb views of the Agneaux mountains. You can extend the walk to reach the lake and the foot of the glacier (2455m). A long, easy descent brings you to Le Monetier. 6hrs, +820m, -1000m.

Day 6: Tour from Le Monetier

Discover one of the most beautiful panoramic trails in the French Alps with great views of the Ecrins mountains. A great morning’s walk which also takes in historic hamlets and chapels. 3hrs 30, +/-400m. Walking holiday finishes after walk. Option of extra night at Le Monetier.