Écrins Massif
/ Hautes-Alpes
Photo adventure: discovering the golden larch in the Hautes-Alpes
Réf : GXOHVQ
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationÉcrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions67.86 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
In the heart of a generous nature, experience a 5-day photographic and human immersion , from October 21 to 25, 2026. Guided by your mountain guide and photographer , this small group stay prioritizes the exploration of magnificent autumnal atmospheres .
Your base camp will be an eco-renovated mountain chalet , nestled at the foot of the unspoiled village of Narreyroux. A true haven of secluded greenery , this eco-friendly accommodation promotes respect for the Earth and all living things . This warm and welcoming space will become your ideal retreat to recharge after each outing.
Beyond the photography, the experience is based on special moments of conviviality: participants prepare shared and nurturing meals together, designed to nourish both body and soul. Between field trips, photography workshops , passionate discussions, and adventure stories, this enchanting break offers a rejuvenating respite, close to nature.
The highlights
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Each hike will be balanced between active walking, contemplation, and photo breaks.
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Professional support from photographer Florent
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Laurence and Marc's warm welcome in their tastefully renovated mountain chalet
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision or program is tailored to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
Whether you're a beginner, amateur, or semi-professional, this tailor-made photography workshop will support your progress. After an initial assessment to evaluate your skills and goals, the small group format allows for individual coaching adapted to each participant. From basic settings ( shutter speed, aperture, ISO ) and light management to composition principles, astrophotography, and nature portraits, you'll leave with all the tools you need to enhance your shots and get the most out of your camera.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 530 m
- Average daily descent: 530 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 4 to 6 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Florent
Florent
Passionate about photography since childhood and a lover of wild peaks, the mountains have become my favorite playground. High-altitude sports allow me to access the most beautiful panoramas to capture the perfect moment.
As a qualified mountain guide and professional photographer for 9 years, I have specialized in alpine landscapes and adventure photography, with particular attention to the place of humans at the heart of these vast spaces.
Today, my deepest desire is to build bridges and share this dual passion. I'm here to guide you, helping you sharpen your perspective and open up new creative horizons. Are you ready for the journey?
Program
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Discovery hike through the larch forest and viewpoint overlooking the Ecrins mountains
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After being picked up at the Argentière-la-Bessée train station , you will drop off your belongings at the chalet, ideally located at the entrance to the Narreyroux road. Marc and Laurence, your hosts, will offer you a warm welcome and help you settle in comfortably. You will then set off on a hike along old irrigation canals and through forest paths to the authentic village of Tournoux . The route will take you to the Pousterle massif , a perfect viewpoint for taking in panoramic views of the valley. This first hike will be an opportunity to understand the local geomorphology and the vertical layers that stretch across 2,800 meters of elevation gain , from the Vallouise plain to the Écrins glacial domain , in the heart of the larch forests . You will return to the refuge at sunset to share your first evening and spend the night there.
Day 1 -
Exploring the Entre les Aigues valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After an autumnal awakening, you'll set off for Entre les Aigues , a wild area born from the confluence of the Bans and Selle streams. Located at the gateway to the Écrins National Park , this site is home to the new Lac des Écrins , formed by the 2024 landslides. You'll have time to compose your photos against this impressive natural backdrop, dominated by the Pic de Bonvoisin , which rises 2,000 meters higher than the Onde stream. The day will continue with a gradual ascent in the Selle valley , one of the most pristine areas of the Vallouise . Surrounded by larch trees , alpine pastures, steep cliffs, and glacial cirques, you'll follow the stream to a communal hut , the highest point of the hike and an ideal refuge in the heart of the massif.
Day 2 -
Alpine Tour in the Narreyroux Valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at the chalet, you'll gradually ascend through a refreshing forest. Your route will be punctuated by beautiful, wild waterfalls before opening onto vast alpine pastures . You'll reach the Shepherd's Hut at 2180m altitude, offering a breathtaking view of the Montbrison massif . This alpine trail provides an ideal panorama for planning the next day's route. The hike continues in a loop along the Reychard ridges , offering a diverse landscape. Between the wooded atmosphere of the larch forests and the wide-open spaces of the high-mountain meadows, this varied walk will gently lead you back down to the valley.
Day 3 -
Tour of the Cabins in the Montbrison massif
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After an early start to admire the sunrise , you'll set off from the village of Pelvoux . You'll climb the sunny slope to enjoy a spectacular view of Mont Pelvoux . The route ascends through alpine pastures and passes the Coul d'Aval and Coul d'Amont chalets before entering a larch forest. During this long, panoramic traverse, keep your eyes peeled: you might be lucky enough to spot a golden eagle in flight. You'll take a well-deserved break at the Chouvet cabin at 1800m altitude, a true haven of peace surrounded by greenery and fed by a natural spring. Back at the chalet , the final evening will be dedicated to a friendly get-together, sharing your photos on a large screen.
Day 4 -
Contemplative rest and photo debrief
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Your last morning at the chalet is dedicated to relaxation and freedom. You can extend your stay, stroll peacefully, enjoy a moment of meditation, or set off on a gentle hike near Narreyroux . This free time is a wonderful opportunity to solidify the memories of your stay in this haven of peace and to enjoy the natural surroundings one last time. If you wish, you can also wander through the charming streets of the typical village of Vallouise to discover its local heritage. After a final meal together, you will pack your belongings to leave this mountain retreat. The return transfer to the Argentière-la-Bessée train station is scheduled for 3:00 PM at the latest, marking the end of your alpine immersion in the heart of the Écrins mountains .
Day 5
Note
The programs are provided for informational purposes only. Unpredictable mountain conditions, weather conditions, or the group's skill level may lead us to adjust the route at any time to ensure everyone's safety.
Your trip is led by a state-certified mountain guide and professional photographer. They will ensure your safety, foster a friendly group atmosphere, and share their passion through personalized guidance. To offer a balanced pace between exertion and contemplation, the group is intentionally limited to six participants. Mindful of our environmental impact, we prioritize organic and local food, minimizing packaging, notably through bulk purchasing and a ban on disposable tableware for picnics. Finally, we carefully accommodate your specific dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free) with simple notification when you register. For very strict dietary requirements, we advise you to bring your usual supplements.
Accommodation
🏠 Private chalet - Days 1 to 4
Throughout the four seasons, you will be amazed by the diversity and beauty of the elements.
Our authentic, simple and warm mountain chalet, located at an altitude of 1500 meters, can accommodate 8 to 10 trainees.
Access
Departure
Gare de L'Argentière-les Écrins
Day 1
: 09h00
End of stay
Gare de L'Argentière-les Écrins
Day 5
- 15h00
The group will be met on the first day at the L'Argentière-les-Écrins train station (located in L'Argentière-la-Bessée). At the end of your stay, the return transfer will drop you off at the train station at 3:00 PM.
Go to the starting point
Take the train toL'Argentière-les-Écrins
The group will be met on the first day at the L'Argentière-les-Écrins train station (located in L'Argentière-la-Bessée). At the end of your stay, the return transfer will drop you off at the train station at 3:00 PM.
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
You can arrive directly by car at the chalet at the following address: 286 Rte de Narreyroux, Puy-Saint-Vincent, France.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by Florent, a qualified mountain guide and professional photographer.
- Accommodation in comfortable chalets and dormitories
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5
- Knowledge transfer and photographic support
- Observing and photographing the night sky
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Photography equipment
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Marc team
5/5
(28 reviews)
• 10 stays
Installé à 1500 mètres d'altitude, au cœur du majestueux massif des Écrins, notre partenaire local propose depuis deux ans une immersion rare dédiée au ressourcement et à la reconnexion profonde. L'établissement se distingue par son cadre d'exception : un chalet d'alpage authentique niché en pleine montagne, offrant un panorama unique où la nature brute devient le principal moteur de l'apaisement. L'agence place l'humain au centre de sa démarche, favorisant l'émergence d'une écoute mutuelle et de moments de partage sincères au sein de petits groupes.
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save 5%
by joining
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Best price guaranteed:
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Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
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