Trek Through the Alps on the 8-Day Tour des Ecrins Trekking Tour
The 8-Day Tour des Ecrins Trekking Tour, also called GR54, is the ideal adventure for anyone with a love for breathtaking mountain scenery. The route leads through the beautifully scenic Ecrins National Park, which was created in 1973 and is part of the Oisans massif. Although it is much less well known than the Mont Blanc massif, the region offers hikers who dare to undertake this grand tour a multitude of beautiful and varied landscapes.
This rugged and remote massif acts as a natural barrier between the northern and southern French Alps, providing the opportunity to gaze out and admire the imposing peaks that tower high above the valleys below. If you have been searching for a mountain adventure in the Alps that isn’t as busy as Mont Blanc, then the 8-Day Tour des Ecrins Trekking Tour is the perfect adventure for you!
Highlights of the Tour des Ecrins Trekking Tour
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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
8-Day Tour des Ecrins Trekking Tour Price and Dates
This tour is always run either as a private tour for your group only or you can choose to join a group on a fixed departure. The pricing for this tour depends on the size of your group and whether you choose to go private or with a mixed group.
Prices below are per person and apply to private groups:
- Guided group of 4+: from $1,495 USD per person
Join a group tour! The prices below are per person:
Book NowAccommodation on the 8-Day Tour des Ecrins Trekking Tour
This tour is based in refuges and inns where you will be sharing the dormitory rooms with other travellers. Please note that in some cases you can upgrade to double rooms with an extra supplement (please contact us for the pricing).
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Single Rooms are not available on this tour, as some nights take place in mountain huts, gites and/or inns, and you will be sharing rooms/dormitories.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Inns or B&Bs Along Ecrins Trekking Tour
Spend several nights in charming inns or B&Bs along the route. Experience warm hospitality in a comfortable mountain setting.
Mountain Refuges Along Ecrins Trekking Tour
Spend several nights high up in the mountains surrounded by incredible scenery. Accommodations will be dormitory style, with the possibility of having showers in some cases.
What’s Included in the 8-Day Tour des Ecrins Trekking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodation before and after the tour can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included in the tour as indicated in the itinerary.
Also Included
- Supervision by a qualified mountain leader
- Transfers as indicated in the programme
- Snacks during the walk in the form of dried fruit
Not included
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Food/drink not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal hiking and travel equipment
- Transportation before/after the tour
- Anything not listed in “What’s included in your trip”.
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Private transfer to hotel from airport
- Upgrade to double rooms (where possible)
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