French Alps Trekking also offer a 6-day version which takes in the most remote southern section of the GR54.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe trek is usually started from near the town of Le Bourg-d’Oisans to the northwest of the park and follows a mountainous route around the Barre des Ecrins (the most southerly 4000 m peak in the Alps) as well as passing the spectacular peaks of La Meije (3983 m) and Mt Pelvoux (3946 m) and numerous other mountains over 3500 m. Main villages en route include La Grave, Vallouise and La Chapelle en Valgaudemar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The steep sided valleys typical of the Ecrins are rich with wildlife, including chamois, ibex, golden eagles, griffon vultures and marmots. A wealth of plants and wild flowers and impressive physical geography will delight nature lovers on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTour des Ecrins Trek Profile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Number of days walking:<\/strong> 10+ (or 6 day version along the southern section)
Pace:<\/strong> Each day will involve up to 1000 m ascent, between 10-18 km walking and time of 6-9 hours, including stops for photos, rest and refreshment.
Terrain:<\/strong> Good paths with some exposure and short sections of easy scrambling.
Longest day:<\/strong> 18km
Max altitude:<\/strong> The Pas de Cavale – 2735 m<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTypical Tour des Ecrins Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Day 1:<\/strong> La Danchere or Venosc passing lac du Chambon and on to refuge des Clots (1520 m)
Day 2:<\/strong> Refuge des Clots via the Plateau d\u2019Emparis (2365 m), lac noir and lac lerie to Le Chazelet (1800 m)
Day 3:<\/strong> Le Chazelet to Villar D\u2019Arene, up to Col du Arsine (2451 m) and on to Monetier les Bains (1500 m)
Day 4:<\/strong> Monetier to col de l\u2019Eychauda (2425 m) and on to Vallouise.
Day 5:<\/strong> Vallouise to Pas de Cavale (2735 m) and descent to refuge Pre de la Chaumette (1810 m)
Day 6:<\/strong> Ascent to Col du Vallonpierre (2530m) and on to refuge du Clot Xavier Blanc (1700 m)
Day 7:<\/strong> Pass through La Chapelle en Valgaudemar and up to Refuge des Souffles (1975 m)
Day 8:<\/strong> over the Col de la Vaurze (2500 m) and descent to gite in Le Desert du Valjouffrey
Day 9:<\/strong> Le Desert over la Cote Belle (2290 m) to Valsenestre.
Day 10:<\/strong> Valsenestre via Col de la Muzelle (2613 m) and return to La Danchere<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTour des Ecrins Trekking Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Available to all fit and adventurous walkers, guided Tour des Ecrins treks run between June and September. The full tour takes approximately 10 days and you can expect to walk about 15 km per day with 1000 m+ vertical ascent each day. The cost generally includes guiding, accommodation in mountain huts and most meals.<\/p>\n\n\n