Independent Walking
Les Ecrins: Panoramic Alpine Trail
S tarting at Besse en Oisans, your spectacular traverse will follow one of the best sections of the Tour of the Ecrins. The Oisans or Ecrins massif has a number of amazing alpine summits which plunge dramatically into the Romanche Valley. You’ ll discover stunning panoramic views of glacier-clad mountains such as the Meije and the Barre des Ecrins at over 4000m in altitude. Your trail takes you past high alpine lakes, through stunning valleys and along beautiful balcony paths. Benefiting from a relatively clement climate compared to the northern Alps, the Ecrins offer the walker a unique walking experience. You’ ll also have the chance to take a cable car to the foot of the Meije Glacier at 3,200m and for the more intrepid to take a short walk on the glacier itself with a high mountain guide.
Walks: day-by-day Day 1: Arrival – Meeting point at La Grave and taxi to Besse en Oisans
Day 2: Besse en Oisans- Le Chazelet
You’ ll traverse the Emparis plateau at 2365m with its numerous alpine lakes. Discover this stunning balcony trail with terrific views of the high alpine summits, notably the Meije. Afterwards you’ ll descend to the village of Chazelet, built on a terrace on the valley side of the Meije Massif. 6hrs, + 900m,-720m
Day 3: Le Chazelet- Villar d’ Arêne
You have the choice of 2 options: Option 1- An hours panoramic trail to reach La Grave where you take the cable car to 3,200m at the foot of the Meije Glacier for amazing views of the northern Alps. On the descent, stop at the Peyrou d’ Amont station for a walk to the Refuge Chancel with wonderful panoramic views. Descend by cable car and follow the Tour of Dauphiné and in 2hrs you’ ll discover the pretty alpine village of Villar d’ Arêne. 5hrs, + 250m,-450m.
Option 2- Ascend a beautiful ridge offering unique views of the Meije and the villages clinging to the valleys. You can extend the walk to take in the Signal de la Grave at 2446m. Your descent to La Grave allows you to discover old terraces used for farming, now abandoned, and the pretty hamlet of Ventelon. After exploring the steep alleyways of La Grave climb the Romanche gorge to reach Villar d’ Arêne. 5hrs 30, + 850m,-950m
Day 4: Valfroide- Lac du Goléon- Villar d’ Arêne 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. Climb more steeply to a plateau where the panorama of the aiguilles d’ Arves is superb. Return to Villar d’ Arêne via Valfroide and the alpine meadows of Envers. 6hrs, + 900m,-1050m
♦ 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
♦ Traditional alpine hamlets
At a Glance
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Independent Walking
Day 5: Villar d’ Arêne- 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 Alps with great views of the Ecrins mountains. A great morning’ s walk which also takes in historic hamlets and chapels. 3hrs 30, +/-400m. Option of extra night at Le Monetier.
Price: See Price List Grade: Profile:
Dates: 15 June 15 Sept
Price P / P See Price List or Web Site for details
Walking Profile
5 days self-guided walking traversing 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.
Accommodation
You’ ll be staying in 4 different hotels. They are comfortable family-run hotels with a mix of styles. You ' ll be staying in private rooms for 2 with bathroom. You’ ll be served wholesome local cuisine. All meals are included in your holiday price.
Holiday Profile
5 nights: 5 days self-guided walking moving between hotels, staying 2 nights in Villar d’ Arêne. Option of booking extra night at Le Monetier.
What’ s Included
5 night’ s half board accommodation in hotels with private rooms; taxi transfers on days 1, 4 and 5; detailed walking notes and walking maps, transport of luggage between hotels.
What’ s not included
Travel to La Grave at start and from Le Monetier at end of holiday; drinks with evening meals, lunches, cable car charges, travel insurance, anything else not listed above
contact @ highpointholidays. co. uk
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