Alpine immersion: 3 days of trekking and bivouacking in the Écrins
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationÉcrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions11.84 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
In the heart of the Écrins National Park , this 3-day trek offers a unique immersion in one of the wildest valleys in the Alps. Starting from Valgaudemar , the route winds its way between roaring waterfalls , peaceful alpine pastures , and vertiginous cliffs , leading to the crystal-clear waters of Lac Bleu and then Lac de Vallonpierre , nestled at the foot of the Sirac . The journey, paced by nature and physical exertion, crosses the Cirque de Gioberney , a true high-altitude gem. Each evening, the bivouac is set up in unspoiled locations , chosen for their tranquility and stunning scenery . Accessible yet exhilarating, this adventure is ideal for a first bivouac experience , combining active exploration with complete disconnection .
The highlights
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Immerse yourself in the Valgaudemar, a raw and unspoiled alpine valley, in the Ecrins National Park
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Spend the night at Lac Bleu, at over 2000m, in a peaceful and wild setting
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Hike amidst protected alpine flora and fauna, among marmots and eagles
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
- You can walk 5 to 8 hours a day
- You can do an average of 800m of positive elevation gain
- Are you comfortable with a bag weighing 5 to 10 kg?
- You are comfortable on varied and technical terrain (rocky slopes, steep paths, off-trail)
- You are comfortable with aerial maneuvers and the occasional use of your hands
- Have you ever gone hiking in the mountains?
In figures
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 567 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
Management
French
English
As someone accustomed to long, self-supported treks, I'd be delighted to share with you the most secluded spots in a small, secluded mountain range, far from the tourist crowds. Nestled between Haute Provence and the high Alpine peaks, the Monges offer a truly wild escape with exceptional views. Discovering bivouacking allows for great flexibility in adapting the hike and letting our whims guide us each day.
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at noon at the Gioberney chalet, the starting point for this adventure at the end of the valley. After a welcome and explanations from the guide, the hike begins on a steady trail that climbs gently. The path winds between small lakes and open landscapes, until reaching Lac Bleu (Blue Lake). In the late afternoon, set up camp in this peaceful high-altitude setting, ideal for observing wildlife and enjoying your first evening in the great outdoors.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wake up to a view of the mountains. You'll resume your hike along a balcony trail, alternating between wooded sections and open areas, offering superb views of the Séveraisse valley. Breaks provide opportunities to admire the surrounding peaks. At the end of the day, you'll arrive at the Chabournéou refuge. You'll set up camp nearby, in a designated area, with breathtaking views of the Gioberney cirque.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final leg, you'll reach Lake Vallonpierre, overlooked by the Sirac peaks. Depending on the group's energy and preferences, there's an option to climb to the Vallonpierre pass to extend the hike and enjoy the panoramic views. Others can relax by the lake. In the early afternoon, a gradual descent through the Séveraisse valley will lead back to the starting point, concluding the trip around 5 pm.
Day 3
Accommodation
You will sleep in 2 to 3 person tents which will be provided by us - the opportunity to discover the joy of nights in a bivouac!
Access
We'll meet at 2pm at the Gioberney refuge.
Go to the starting point
Here are the correspondences:
- Departure station > Gare de Lyon
- Gare de Lyon > Gare de Valence Ville
- Valence Ville train station > Gap train station
It is possible to reach the Gioberney chalet by car and leave it in a free parking lot for the duration of your stay.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by an experienced mountain guide who knows the terrain perfectly.
- Camping accommodation (in 2-3 person tents) in incredible locations
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 to picnic on Day 3 (fresh and local produce, meals adapted to the effort, and gourmet breaks to regain strength)
- Hiking equipment: a sleeping mat, trekking poles, and a large backpack are available upon request.
- Kitchen equipment: all necessary cooking equipment (stove and cooking utensils) is included
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Day 1's picnic
- Your own sleeping bag to stay warm at night in the tent
- Anything not mentioned under "Price includes"
Options
- Additional night the night before the stay : CHF73.18 / person
- Additional night after the stay : CHF73.18 / person
- 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
- Tents and mattresses
Equipment to bring
- A down comforter
They traveled with us
