8-Day Tour des Ecrins Trekking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Monêtier-les Bains

After arriving in Monêtier-les Bains, you will get together at 6pm to meet your guide and be briefed for the start of this beautiful trek in the Alps. You have 8 idyllic days in the mountains ahead of you, so make sure to get some rest ahead of your adventure!
Overnight Location: B&B in Monêtier-les Bains
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Trek to the Grave Valley

Day 2 of the tour will see you start your loop from the eastern end of the Ecrins massif. The first ascent is to the Col d’Arsine at 2,340 m (7,680 ft), beneath the Pic de Neige Cordier. The outstanding views that you will experience here will immediately set the mood for the rest of the trek. Afterwards, you will descend to the valley of La Grave to spend the night there.
Overnight Location: B&B in La Grave
Distance: 6h, 850m ascent/750m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Traverse the Plateau D’Emparis

Today will begin with a short morning transfer to the hamlet of Le Chazelet, where you will cross the Plateau d’Emparis. Here, you will experience some of the most beautiful views looking out onto the peaks of La Meije and Le Rateau. You will then make your way back downhill to the Lac de Chambon, where you will spend the night.
Overnight Location: B&B in Lac de Chambon
Distance: 6h + 15 min transfer, 800m ascent/1300m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Explore Valsenestre

This morning you will be driven first to the village of Venosc, before continuing on towards the Col de la Muzelle at 2,613 m (8,570 ft), passing by the refuge and the wonderfully scenic lake of the same name. Your surroundings will become rockier and wilder as you head back downhill towards the B&B in Valsenestre.
Overnight Location: B&B in Valsenestre
Distance: 7h + 30 min transfer, 1500m ascent/1300m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Trek from Valsenestre to Le Désert en Valjouffrey

By day 5 of the tour you will have reached the western end of the Ecrins massif. From now on, you will be walking in a southerly direction, experiencing a change in the landscape along the way. You will be heading for the Valjouffrey Valley via the Col de Côte Belle at 2,290 m (7,510 ft), before making your way down to the B&B in Le Désert en Valjouffrey for the night.
Overnight Location: B&B in Le Désert en Valjouffrey
Distance: 6h, 1000m ascent/1250m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Make Your Way to Valgaudemar

Today’s stage will see you climb up to the Col de la Vaurze at 2,520 m (8,270 ft) beneath the Pic des Souffles, before going back down to the famous and magnificent Valgaudemar Valley that is dominated by the Olan. In the afternoon, you will be driven to the other end of the valley where you will spend the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h + 30 min transfer, 1300m ascent/1500m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Trek to Pré de la Chaumette

On day 7 of the tour you will set out on a long and magnificent journey with the crossing of three mountain passes beneath Le Sirac. You will walk from one valley to the next, crossing the Col de Vallonpierre at 2,607 m (8,555 ft), the Col de Gouiran at 2,597 m (8,520 ft) and finally the Col de la Valette at 2,668 m (8,755 ft). You will spend the night at the small Pré de la Chaumette refuge.
Overnight Location: Mountain refuge with no luggage
Distance: 7h, 1500m ascent/1150m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 Return to Monêtier-les Bains and Departure

Today is the last day of your magnificent circuit of the Ecrins, and you will climb towards the Pas de la Cavale at 2,735 m (8,975 ft) to cross the Col de l’Aup Martin at 2,761 m (9,060 ft), traversing a very rocky and lunar landscape. You will then start a long descent toward the Entraigues valley, where you will be transferred by car to Monêtiers-Les-Bains. Take in the scenery one last time before the trip comes to an end and the group disperses.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 6h + 1h transfer, 1000m ascent/1200m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch