Outdoor and multi-activity base camp in the Pays de la Meije
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationHautes-Alpes / Écrins Massif
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AgeFrom 18 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions24.75 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
German
In a few words
Nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes , this stay offers a complete escape at the foot of the majestic Meije glaciers. Each day invites you to explore a new face of the high mountains through a progressive and varied approach.
Designed for nature lovers, this route alternates between activities on foot , by bike , on the water, and climbing to reveal the secrets of this wild territory. The trails lead from shaded cliffs to the crystal-clear waters of high-altitude lakes , passing through the magnificent steppes of the Emparis plateau and the stark, mineral landscape of the Arsine glacier .
This adventure, both sporty and convivial , culminates in a powerful experience: a night in a mountain refuge . This suspended moment allows you to admire the last rays of sunlight setting the Écrins National Park ablaze. Accessible yet dynamic, this program guarantees a daily change of scenery amidst exceptional panoramas, dominated by the silhouette of the queen of the region.
The highlights
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Rock climbing on the Arsine gneiss and the Fréaux cliffs
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Discover the most beautiful lakes and alpine pastures in the area
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Bike descent from the Lautaret pass
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
The expert's opinion
Escalation
No experience required. The trip is particularly suitable for climbers between beginner and intermediate level (4b - 6b).
Mountain biking
To be comfortable on a bicycle and able to cycle for an hour on forest tracks or roads.
Hiking
Being able to walk for 2 to 3 hours with a small backpack.
Packraft
Beginners welcome. No kayaking or river experience necessary. Must be able to swim 25m.
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Predominant type of terrain : Dirt road
Rock climbing
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Predominant type of road : Cliff/Rack
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Majority river class : Class 2 - some simple rapids
Gravel
- Average duration/day: 2h
Management
French
English
German
Passionate about mountains and outdoor activities, Théo is a state-certified mountain guide and multi-sport instructor. Based in the Hautes-Alpes, he designs trips that combine hiking, climbing, packrafting and mountain biking, with an accessible, friendly and environmentally conscious approach.
A skilled teacher who is attentive to everyone, Théo likes to pass on much more than just a sporting activity: he shares his knowledge of the territory, the fauna, the flora and the local heritage, while ensuring that everyone progresses at their own pace, in complete safety.
His motto? To experience an authentic adventure, to take the time to explore, learn, share, and leave with a head full of memories. With him, each outing becomes a true immersion in the landscapes of the Hautes-Alpes and a convivial moment in a small group.
Program
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Installation at the foot of the glaciers
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at the Arsine campsite in the early afternoon.
Setting up base camp then first outing on mountain bikes to discover the Romanche valley, the mountain villages and the landscapes that will accompany us throughout the stay.
An ideal warm-up to get your bearings and meet the group.
Night at the Arsine campsite.
Day 1 -
Rock climbing and high-altitude lake
- Activity Rock climbing
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Predominant type of road Cliff/Rack
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, discover rock climbing on the Fréaux cliffs, followed by a picnic by the famous waterfall. An optional bike ride is available, starting downhill and returning uphill to the campsite (8km one way, 350m elevation gain, 25 minutes downhill and approximately 45 minutes uphill).
Late afternoon, hike to Lac du Pontet. An accessible route (8km, 350m elevation gain, approximately 2.5 hours) offering one of the most beautiful postcard views of the Pays de la Meije.
The environment is spectacular: cliff, lake, sculpted rock and views of the surrounding peaks.
Night at the Arsine campsite.
Day 2 -
The gneiss of Arsine and the kingdom of the marmots
- Activity Rock climbing
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Predominant type of road Cliff/Rack
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning climbing on the Arsine cliffs, next to the campsite (15-minute walk). The compact and grippy gneiss offers varied climbing in an exceptional environment at the foot of the glaciers.
After lunch, we set off on foot towards the Refuge de l'Alpe (5km and 400m elevation gain, approximately 1.5 hours). The ascent crosses vast alpine pastures where marmots are ubiquitous. We settle into the refuge and spend the evening in the mountains with a view of the Écrins peaks.
Night at the Alpe refuge.
Day 3 -
Col d'Arsine and discovering packrafting
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the refuge, ascend towards the Col d'Arsine. Magnificent panoramic views of the glaciers, lakes, and surrounding peaks. Descend towards Le Monêtier-les-Bains through the high mountain landscape. (11 km hike, 270m elevation gain and 860m elevation loss, approximately 3 hours)
In the late afternoon, it's time for a refreshing activity: discovering packrafting on the water.
First paddle strokes, balance games and fun navigation to conclude this great alpine day.
Night at the Arsine campsite.
Day 4 -
High-altitude climbing and descent of the Lautaret
- Activity Rock climbing
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Predominant type of road Cliff/Rack
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Last morning dedicated to climbing at a high-altitude site on the Col du Lautaret. For the more athletic, there's an 800m elevation gain by bike (approximately 1.5 hours), offering the possibility of halving the legendary climb of this classic Tour de France pass. The crag is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot; if you're too tired, a car shuttle can be arranged.
An opportunity to enjoy the rock and the unique atmosphere of the high mountains one last time.
After the picnic, we cycled back from the Lautaret pass to the campsite. A long, scenic descent to end the trip with the Meije glaciers as a backdrop.
The stay ended in the afternoon.
Day 5
Note
In order to guarantee the safety of the group and the quality of the stay, the supervisor reserves the right to modify the order of activities, itineraries, practice locations or certain program content depending on:
- Weather conditions;
- Terrain conditions (river flows, trail conditions, access to cliffs, etc.);
- The technical level, physical fitness or desires of the participants;
- From any event beyond our control.
These adaptations will, as far as possible, be discussed with the group and will always aim to offer the best possible experience while ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone.
Accommodation
Base camp
Arsine campsite – Villar d’Arene
Located at the foot of glaciers and in the immediate vicinity of major mountain passes and cliffs, it is an ideal starting point for exploring the territory.
Explored territory
- The high-altitude cliffs of the Meije region
- Lake Pontet
- The Alpe refuge
- The Arsine pass and the shower lake
- The mountain villages of Villar d'Arene and Monêtier-les-Bains
- The Lautaret pass, an iconic passage of the Tour de France
- The valleys and alpine pastures of the Pays de la Meije
Overnight stay at the Alpe refuge and evening in the mountains facing the peaks of the Écrins
Access
We may experience delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Please allow for some flexibility and anticipate any potential changes to your train tickets.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to the accommodation:
- From Grenoble train station: Take the T11 regional bus line (Réseau Cars Région: Grenoble - Le Bourg-d'Oisans - La Grave - Briançon). Get off at the "Villar-d'Arêne - Centre" stop. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (the ticket costs €5 ). The hamlet of Arsine is then about 2 km from the center (accessible on foot, by local taxi, or via the La Grave shuttles during peak season).
- From Oulx station (Italy): Take the Zou! bus line 3002 towards Briançon (approximately 35 min), then transfer to the T11 or Zou! L05 line towards Grenoble until Villar-d'Arêne.
- By taxi: Allow approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Grenoble (estimated fare between €140 and €180 ) or 45 minutes from Oulx.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide and multi-sport instructor.
- Accommodation in a campsite (3 nights) and in a mountain refuge (1 night)
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5
- Borrowing a bicycle to get around
- Loan of climbing equipment: helmet, harness, group equipment
- Packrafting equipment rental: individual packraft, paddle, buoyancy aid, wetsuit
- Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag and sleeping bag provided
- Organization and logistics of the stay
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Day 1 picnic
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Your climbing shoes and closed water shoes (old pair of sneakers or a second pair)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
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.
