Hiking in the balconies and villages of the Oisans
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationHautes-Alpes / Écrins Massif
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions91.92 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
In the heart of the Oisans region , nestled between the Arves and Écrins mountain ranges, discover authentic villages with stone and wood chalets, surrounded by sparkling glaciers , rushing streams, and crystal-clear waterfalls . This hike offers you the opportunity to admire legendary peaks such as La Meije and Les Agneaux , while keeping an eye out for the discreet silhouette of chamois and the playful antics of marmots . Each day ends in the comfort of a welcoming hotel , where you'll enjoy a delicious half-board meal. Free from the burden of luggage, you'll travel with a light heart through the largest mountain range in France, for an unforgettable adventure blending unspoiled nature , breathtaking landscapes, and moments of tranquility.
The highlights
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The Ecrins National Park
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Authentic mountain villages
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Spectacular viewpoints
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 670 m
- Average daily descent: 759 m
Management
Self-guided tour; we provide you with a digital travel pack that includes: access to our smartphone navigation app, a list of your accommodations, any vouchers, and all the information you need for a smooth trip. If you prefer, we can provide you with a printed version of the travel pack at your home, including maps, a guidebook, and a travel pouch, for an additional fee.
Program
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The Grave
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You settle in La Grave, a legendary mountaineering village in Oisans.
Day 1 -
From Besse to La Grave
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 865 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will be quickly transferred to Besse to begin your hike: you will cross the Emparis Plateau to reach the Souchet stream. On the descent, you will pass through the village of Chazelet and then return to your hotel in La Grave. This hike offers magnificent panoramic views of the Meije, the Râteau, and the glaciers that flow down towards the Romanche valley.
Day 2 -
From La Grave to Villar-d'Arêne
- Transportation Minibus - 00h09 - 4km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After a short transfer to the hamlet of Ventelon, you begin today's stage by heading towards Lac du Goléon (or even as far as the Carraud refuge, another fifty meters or so higher up, for those who wish). You will then descend to Villar-d'Arêne via the hamlet of Valfroide, then over the small Col de l'Aiguillon (2059m).
Day 3 -
From Villar-d'Arêne to Monêtier-les-Bains
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today you'll head towards Le Monêtier-les-Bains, passing through the Col d'Arsine at 2348m, which you'll reach via the Pas d'Anna Falque. Throughout the day, you'll enjoy views of the Glacier des Agneaux, as well as marmots nesting here and there. You'll then begin a bucolic descent through larch trees towards the village of Le Casset.
Day 4 -
Le Monêtier-les-Bains – Col de l'Eychauda – Le Monêtier-les-Bains
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
An intense day begins with a climb up the Vallon du Grand Tabuc, then continues to the Col de l'Eychauda via the Vallon de la Montagnole and the Pas de l'Ane. You then descend back to Monêtier-les-Bais. It's the perfect opportunity to end the day at its fabulous aquatic center!
Day 5 -
From Monêtier-les-Bains to the Lautaret Pass
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This stage begins with a climb to the Col du Lautaret, passing through the hamlets of Le Casset and Le Lauzet. The Alpine Garden at the pass completes a gentle day.
Day 6 -
From the Lautaret Pass to La Grave
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h45
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You end your stay with a descent from the Lautaret pass facing Pic Gaspard (3881m) and Meije Orientale (3891m) to La Grave.
Day 7
Note
We may sometimes need to slightly modify the indicated itinerary, particularly due to hotel availability. Rest assured, these changes are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
• Half-board accommodation in a double room
• Luggage transport
• The digital travel file
• Taxi La Grave-Besse on Day 2
• The transfer to Ventelon on Day 3
• Tourist taxes
The price does not include
• Individual drinks
• Lunches
• The travel file (paper version)
• Insurance
• Registration fees
• Site visits
• Anything not listed under "Prices include"
Options
- Additional night in Monêtier les Bains - Single room : CHF118.92 / unit
- Extra night in Monêtier les Bains - Double room : CHF100.63 / unit
- Additional night at the Col du Lautaret - Double room : CHF150.94 / unit
- Additional night at the Col du Lautaret - Single room : CHF279.01 / unit
- Additional night in La Grave - Single room : CHF141.79 / unit
- Additional night in La Grave - Double room : CHF118.92 / unit
- Paper Roadbook : CHF32.02 / 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 to bring
- A small, comfortable 40-50L backpack with a waist belt for carrying your personal belongings and picnic lunch during the day
- One piece of luggage: a backpack, a travel bag in good condition, or a not-too-bulky suitcase. Only one piece of luggage per person; limited to 15kg.
- Walking sticks (telescopic), very important for making walking easier
- Plastic bowl, box or plate
- Cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- A 1.5 liter water bottle (minimum) is required; a thermos water bottle for winter.
- High-protection sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hat, cap or bucket hat
- A rain cape or a Gore-Tex jacket and possibly Gore-Tex trousers
- Toiletry bag and towel (mini)
- Swimsuit and towel for the fitness areas
- A mini-pharmacy: personal medications, elastic bandages, biogauze or "second skin", gauze, disinfectant, arnica granules and aspirin for minor injuries... (quite a program! But rest assured, the pharmacy often returns untouched from your week of hiking)
Clothing to bring
- Hiking boots that provide ankle support, a good lugged sole, a reinforced heel counter, and good waterproofing.
- Comfortable "hiking-specific" socks (minimum 3 pairs)
- A fleece fur
- Comfortable trousers for walking (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Shorts, t-shirts and technical underwear (quick-drying material)
- A long-sleeved shirt (quick-drying technical fabric)