Hiking week in La Meije
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration7 days
-
LevelAdvance
-
DestinationÉcrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
-
AgeAccessible to all ages
-
CO₂-Emissions102 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day adventure in the heart of the Meije region ! Your hike, far from the beaten track , will offer a majestic view of the iconic Meije peak, reaching 3,983 meters. This route will take you through exceptional landscapes. You will primarily hike off the marked PR or GR trails. The itinerary has been meticulously designed to respect the environment , with particular attention paid to avoiding any disturbance of local wildlife. Furthermore, your stay incorporates various themes related to understanding the mountain environment , especially regarding safety. You will even have the opportunity, for half a day, to actively participate in a flora and fauna survey , thus contributing to the research conducted by the Lautaret Alpine Garden.
The highlights
-
Breathtaking landscapes in unspoiled nature
-
Little movement
-
A stay rich in technical advice thanks to mountain guides
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
Management
Program
-
Welcome and check-in at Faranchin
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your room will be ready from 3pm.
Check-in and exploration of the hotel, followed by an aperitif at 6:30 pm with your guide for the presentation of the stay.
Meals at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Lake Arsine Glacier 2450m
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 3km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day of "warm-up" training
Hike departure: 8:00 am (transport by vehicle to the La Gravière parking lot). This trail, "the GR54", leads us to the Plan de l'Alpe, then we continue to the Lac du Glacier d'Arsine, probably with a detour to a small gem, the Lac de l'Etoile… After our lunch break, the descent will use a few slight variations, including the "Pas des Guides".
Picnic lunch at Lac du Glacier d'Arsine.
Elevation gain/loss: +/- 750m / 5h30 of actual walking time / Total duration of the day: 8h30
Themes: Flora, Arsine glacial lake, a marmot's life, mountain natural and human environment, panorama.
Day 2 -
Roche Colombe 2832m or Contrefort de Cassille 2936m
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 14km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day in the Cerces massif, "the little Dolomites"
Hike departure: 7:30 am (transport by vehicle to Pont de l'Alpe 14 km).
A discovery of the Cerces massif with this beautiful summit mainly frequented by ibex.
Picnic lunch at the summit.
Elevation gain/loss: +/- 1250m / 6.5 hours of actual walking time / Total duration of the day: 9 hours
Themes: Ibex, air traffic management, natural and human environment, panorama.
Day 3 -
Le Râteau des Rousses 2900m / Lakes of Malatres and Quirties
- Transportation Minibus - 00h35 - 20km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Grandes Rousses Massif Day
Hike departure: 6:45 am (transport by vehicle to Le Perron – 20 km).
This day will take us through a stunningly beautiful and secluded valley. Part of the route winds through alpine pastures and off-trail. This wild route offers breathtaking views from the Aiguilles d'Arves to the Écrins/Muzelle/Meije peaks. Griffon Vulture watching is possible. This is a long circuit in terms of distance.
Picnic lunch at the summit.
Elevation gain/loss +/- 1200m / 18 km / 7 hours of actual walking time / total duration of the day: 10h30
Themes: high-altitude lakes, vultures, natural environment, panorama.
Day 4 -
Paquier du Roi / Martignare circuit 2918m
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 22km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A Day in the Meije Country
Hike departure: 7:00 am (transport by vehicle to Chazelet – 22 km).
This loop hike, offering constant panoramic views of La Meije, allows us to discover a rarely explored high valley. This day will be an opportunity to find crystals while enjoying a sweeping vista. On the return, we can take our time at one of the beautiful pools of the Martignare stream.
Elevation gain/loss: +/- 1100m / 6 hours of actual walking time / Total duration of the day: 9 hours
Themes: natural environment, rock crystal hunting, panorama.
Day 5 -
Pointe Salvador 3202m
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 7km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A Day in the Meije Country
Hike departure: 7:00 am (transport by vehicle to Valfroide – 7 km).
This wild and challenging route, demanding in terms of elevation gain, altitude, and distance, will be one of the highlights of your stay. The return is breathtaking, with stunning views of La Meije and its glaciers. There's also a chance to soak your legs on the way back. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Aiguilles d'Arves.
Elevation gain/loss: +/- 1350 m / 7 hours of actual walking time / Total duration of the day: 10 hours
Themes: natural environment and human environment, panorama.
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
They've already set off...
Your stay ends after breakfast.
Day 7
Note
The proposed and scheduled outings are only indicative; we will need to adapt to the vagaries of the weather and the conditions of the mountain and the participants. Ultimately, the mountain professional remains the sole judge of the program, which they may modify due to safety imperatives.
Accommodation
The 3-star Hotel Le Faranchin is located in Villar d'Arène at an altitude of 1650 meters, in the Écrins National Park . La Meije Villar d'Arène is a picturesque village ideal for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
You will be accommodated in a double or twin room . Solo travelers can be grouped together in a twin room with two beds at no extra charge, or in a single room for an additional fee. Simply specify your preference when booking.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The welcome drink
- Full board accommodation (picnic lunch on hiking days), from dinner on day 1 to day 7 after breakfast
- Tourist taxes
- Supervision and activities
- The transportation necessary for the stay
- The activities and visits planned during the week
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Massages offered on site
- The tourist tax
Options
- 30-minute massage : CHF45.74 / unit
- 45-minute massage : CHF68.61 / unit
- 60-minute massage : CHF91.48 / unit
- Additional night - Single room : CHF88.74 / unit
- Extra night - Double room : CHF100.63 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Equipment rental or loan options available
Equipment to bring
- Sticks
- Hiking shoes
- Backpack (25-35L)
- Backpack cover
- Sunglasses with UV3 protection
- Water bottle and/or thermos.
- Sunscreen and lip balm (total sunblock preferred).
- Knife
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight or soft-shell pants for hiking
- Stretch fabric shorts
- Gore-Tex type mountain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Carline-style undershirt
- Pair of lightweight gloves
- Cap or hat
Our partner team
We are sorry to hear that.
Help us improve this page. Tell us what information you would have liked to see.
Have a question about this trip?
Select the type of request, and we will get back to you shortly.
- Valid for a first booking on our site, with no minimum purchase required.
- Can be combined with any other current promotion.
- Not valid on air transport, carbon offsetting and insurance.
- All you need to do is subscribe to our newsletter.
- You will receive your promo code by email immediately after registering.
- ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
- ✅ A public and accessible price: The offer must be proposed by a French professional website, in euros.
- ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
- ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.