The Écrins massif is home to many glaciers and very high peaks. The Barre des Écrins peaks at 4 m and the Dôme de Neige des Écrins at 101 m!
To discover this space and more particularly the Ecrins National Park, what's better than a hike? There are dozens ofhiking routes in the Écrins massif, you can find some for all levels.
Take a tour of Oisans and Écrins!
Among the many trails that dot the massif, we note the GR® 54 which allows you to do the Tour of Oisans and Écrins in about 2 weeks and almost 200 km. It is a difficult circuit, to be reserved for trained walkers. It gives the opportunity to have a breathtaking and unforgettable view of the peaks of the Southern Alps.
Of course, you can take this path partially, starting from one of the villages and hamlets that are on the route (La Grave, The Argentiere, Le Bourg-d’Oisans…). As soon as you start your journey, you find yourself in the middle of nature, surrounded by remarkable flora and fauna. Perhaps you will come across ibex, chamois or marmots… You might even spot a lynx or a golden eagle!
There are also more than 2000 species of plants covering the Écrins massif: pines and larches around you, blue thistles from the Alps and edelweiss at your feet...
Discover the refuges of the Écrins massif!
If you are going on a hiking route in the Écrins massif for several days, you can take the opportunity to meet the refuge keepers.
Most of them offer half-board, even full-board and even picnic baskets to continue your hike in peace. It is best to book your overnight stay in advance, but you can do it online for some refuges, such as the Chamoissière refuge chaletThis is a fully restored old sheepfold, at an altitude of 2106 m, which accepts animals on request.
From this refuge, you can also set off on circuits more suited to beginners. That of sources of the Romanche is easy and can be covered in 4 hours 30 minutes, with a difference in altitude of 557 m.
You will also come across another refuge on this path: that of the Alpe de Villar d'Arêne. It can be a starting point for new hiking routes in the Écrins massif, such as the climb to the Arsine Glacier Lakes via the Crevasses Trail.
The Écrins natural park, a preserved space
When visiting the Écrins National Park, you must respect the regulations in force regarding natural, cultural and landscape heritage. This includes, among other things, the ban on dogs in the heart of the national park, marked by blue-white-red painted flags.
It is also forbidden to pick plants and to collect fossils or minerals throughout the park. Fishing is, however, permitted, but it is regulated so as not to threaten biodiversity. The alpine newt, for example, is a native species that is subject to special protection measures.
