Immersive hike in the footsteps of the wolf in the Southern Alps
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrance / French Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions53 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Embark on an exceptional adventure in the heart of wolf country in the Southern Alps! Accompanied by a high-mountain guide and wolf expert , discover magnificent landscapes , learn about the local wildlife, and follow in the footsteps of one of the Alps' most mysterious predators... The wolf, a fascinating animal and the subject of countless tales and legends, is now established in the Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. This immersive trip is a unique opportunity for passionate hikers , lovers of wild nature, and photographers seeking adventure. Furthermore, you will spend the night in a church converted into a refuge , located in an abandoned village in the heart of wolf territory, adding a unique dimension to your experience.
The highlights
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Immerse yourself in nature amidst wild and unspoiled landscapes.
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Benefit from the expertise of an expert who has followed the wolf recolonization process
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Group adventure, sharing a rustic church-refuge
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
Management
Program
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Arrive, set up the shelter and begin your search
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 170km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will pick you up at Marseille airport at 10:30 am or at the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station at 11:00 am. Then, we will drive to the refuge (approximately a 2-hour drive) where we will have a picnic lunch before hiking there. Depending on the snow conditions, a 4x4 vehicle may be able to take us there; otherwise, we will carry everything on foot.
Once we arrive, we will set up the shelter. Afterwards, we will conduct an initial search with your guide to look for traces of wolves and other wild animals.
Back at the refuge, we will prepare dinner together by candlelight and discuss our plans for the following days based on recent observations and local information.
Day 1 -
Day two of the search
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a hot coffee and breakfast at the refuge, we'll pack our bags for the second day of our wolf-tracking adventure. The exact destination will depend on the wolves' presumed location, but the hike will likely be off-trail through a wild and varied landscape.
You will observe the signs of different animals living in wolf territory and learn to identify and interpret their tracks. If we find fresh wolf tracks, we will follow their trail and interpret their behavior.
By the end of the day, you'll have a good understanding of wolf behavior and mountain wildlife. Back at the refuge, we'll prepare for the evening, another night in the wild Alps under the moon and stars. We'll set up the camera again to observe what happens around the refuge at night.
Day 2 -
Third day on the trail of the wolf
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a hot coffee and breakfast, we'll pack our bags for the third day of our wolf-tracking adventure. By now, you'll have a good understanding of the local wildlife and know where to look for chamois and mouflon.
Depending on our findings, we might move to a different area to explore another wolf pack territory. We'll remain vigilant for wolves and their signs of activity, and even try to communicate with them by howling. A final evening at the refuge, perhaps ideal for an outdoor barbecue if the weather permits!
Day 3 -
Last day of searching for wolf tracks, followed by the return to the airport or TGV.
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 175km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we'll clean and tidy the refuge, making sure to leave it in as good, or even better, condition than we found it. Depending on the time available, we'll head out for one last hike from the refuge or to another area towards the airport, once again following the wolf tracks. This is our last chance to see them, so we'll take our time scanning the mountain slopes with our binoculars! We'll also spend some time howling to try and communicate with the wolves.
By the end of this adventure, you'll be able to distinguish dog tracks from wolf tracks, as well as those of chamois, deer, or wild boar, and determine whether a track indicates running or walking, and in which direction. You will have discovered animal hiding places and dens, and observed and heard a wide variety of wildlife. You might even have been lucky enough to see wolves in action or hear them howl!
Then we will return to civilization. We will take you back to the Aix-en-Provence TGV station at 5:35 pm or to Marseille airport at 6 pm to catch your evening train or flight home.
Day 4
Accommodation
You will be staying in a refuge church located in an old abandoned alpine hamlet, renovated with basic but functional facilities .
The hamlet's history dates back to 1492 , with evidence of a community, and between 1724 and 1740, it was under the jurisdiction of Archbishop Pierre IV Guerin, Cardinal Tencin . During the World Wars, the hamlet thrived with over 100 inhabitants, but it was abandoned due to the evolution of modern society and the allure of larger cities. To avoid paying taxes on "second homes," the owners removed the roof tiles, accelerating their deterioration. The ruined church was restored between 1974 and 1980 and is now privately owned and regularly maintained. Our partner is fortunate to have permission to use it for their wolf-tracking and nature trips.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 3 nights in a winter refuge
- Full board
- 4 days immersed with an experienced guide who has extensive knowledge of wolf habitat
- Transportation during the stay
- Transfers to and from Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV station
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point for the stay
- Your picnic for the first day
Options
- 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 to bring
- Binoculars
- Hiking boots – in winter conditions, sturdy boots made of leather or waterproof fabric, with ankle support. If there is heavy snow, you will need to attach snowshoes to your boots. Walking shoes or lightweight summer boots are not suitable. You can rent them if you don't have your own.
- Spare shoes or Crocs to wear in the shelter
- 2 or 3 pairs of good walking socks
- Large backpack
- Small backpack
- Good-sized water bottle
- Reusable lunch box for picnics
- Walking sticks (available to borrow upon request)
- Sleeping bag and lining
- Camping mattress to be placed on the floor in the church.
- Headlamp.
- Basic toiletry kit with biodegradable toiletries
- Emergency food (no shops in the mountains)
- Sunscreen - with a minimum SPF 50 for the face
- Lip balm with sun protection - even in winter.
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap.
- Camera, film or memory card and spare batteries
- Small ground mat or piece of camping mattress (optional)
- Phone charger battery (if needed).
Clothing to bring
- Gaiters to prevent snow from getting into your shoes
- Gore-Tex type waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- At least three layers - a thin thermal base layer or breathable t-shirt, a mid-weight fleece, and a thicker fleece.
- Fleece or extra sweater for breaks
- Walking trousers, fairly loose-fitting (jeans are not suitable)
- Thermal leggings or tights for cold days under trousers.
- Thermal clothing, underwear and spare clothes for evenings/nights.
- Gloves, hat, neck warmer or earmuffs (several pairs)
