4-day trek in the heart of the Écrins National Park

Your second day begins at the peaceful Refuge de l'Alpe de Villar-d'Arène, surrounded by open meadows and the distant murmur of meltwater streams. From the very first steps, you reach the Romanche Valley and descend gently, following a magnificent alpine landscape sculpted by glaciers and rivers. The trail offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and the shimmering Arsine lakes, creating a serene and gentle start to the day.

With moderate ascents and long, flowing descents totaling approximately 510 meters of elevation gain and 800 meters of descent, the trail winds past viewpoints overlooking the Arsine Glacier and the waterfalls of the upper Romanche valley. As the route continues, the terrain gradually levels out, and the valley becomes greener and more pastoral, with the Romanche River guiding you through a mix of woods, open meadows, and rocky sections. It's a day to enjoy a steady hike, rich alpine scenery, and plenty of peaceful spots along the water.

The last few kilometers follow a pleasant path along the river leading to the hamlet of Villar-d'Arêne. Here, surrounded by traditional stone houses and the quiet rhythm of village life, you arrive at the Gîte Auberge Chez Baptiste. Expect a warm welcome, hearty home-style cooking, and more.

The scene begins in the quiet hamlet surrounding the Gîte Auberge Chez Baptiste, and shortly after setting off, you pass through the small village of Le Clot Raffin. Here, the valley opens onto gentle pastures with sweeping alpine views. As soon as you leave the hamlet, the trail begins a steady climb towards the open hills above Villar-d'Arêne. The landscape becomes increasingly wild and expansive, with rolling grassy slopes, scattered streams, and the rugged silhouettes of the Écrins peaks framing the horizon.

The route climbs gradually along natural mountain trails, gaining approximately 690 meters in altitude as it leads you deeper into the highlands. A highlight of the stage is reaching the Emparis Plateau, a vast and magnificent alpine plateau known for its panoramic views and tranquil grassy expanses. This area was shaped by ancient glaciers, creating a mix of open plateaus, rock formations, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valleys and peaks. The hike offers a diverse mix of forest edges, open alpine meadows, and small streams that bring life to the landscape. Towards the end of the stage, the path descends gently before climbing back up to the basin where the Refuge du Fay is located.

The day begins in the tranquility of the alpine basin around the Refuge du Fay, where grassy slopes and scattered rock formations set the tone for your final day. The trail winds across open highlands before gradually descending, offering sweeping views of the deep valley carved by the Romanche River. As you traverse the valley, the landscape alternates between vast meadows, patches of forest, and steep mountain slopes overlooking the Lac du Chambon far below.

A long descent characterizes this final stage, with over 1,200 meters of negative elevation change as the route leads down to Mizoën. The trail alternates between rocky switchbacks, natural paths over the hills, and easier forest tracks, giving each section its own distinct character. With every step down, the landscape opens up to the blue surface of the lake, framed by dramatic ridges and the last high peaks of the Écrins massif. It's a varied and rewarding finish, with numerous viewpoints inviting you to pause and take in the surroundings. The final part of the stage continues down to the shore, eventually reaching the Chambon Dam bus stop.