GR54: Tour of the Ecrins Massif
A 180 km alpine loop around the Ecrins massif, through glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and mountain hamlets of the Hautes-Alpes.
Ten days on the GR54, the Tour of the Oisans and Écrins, considered one of the most demanding treks in the French Alps. The route circles the Écrins massif, from Bourg-d'Oisans to La Bérarde, Vallouise and L'Argentière-la-Bessée, crossing a succession of passes above 2,000 m. It's a wild high-mountain hike for hardy walkers: heavy daily ascent, little resupply and preserved nature at the heart of the national park. The season is short, July to mid-September, once the passes are clear of snow. Book refuges, set off with a reliable forecast and full mountain gear. The solitude and raw beauty of the Écrins are the reward.
Practical info
- Stops
- 6
- Duration
- 10 days
- Transport
- 🥾 On foot
- Distance
- ≈ 90 km
- Best time
- Spring and summer
Itinerary
- 1
Bourg-d'Oisans
Au pied de l'Alpe d'Huez, porte du massif des Ecrins et depart du tour.
- 2
La Berarde
Bout du monde alpin, face a la Meije et au glacier du Chardon.
- 3
Vallouise
Village de montagne typique, porte du Parc national des Ecrins.
- 4
L'Argentiere-la-Bessee
Confluence de la Durance et de la Gyronde, anciennes mines d'argent.
- 5
Monetier-les-Bains
Station thermale au pied du col du Lautaret, flore alpine exceptionnelle.
- 6
Villar-d'Arene
Face au glacier de la Meije, prairies alpines et col du Lautaret.
