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Holidays

The Ecrins Circuit - GR54

France, Queyras
5 reviews
Available Departures: Jul, Aug

8 days from

US$2,050

without flights
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
CHALLENGING CHALLENGING

A superb trekking holiday in the Ecrin, a peaceful corner of France's Southern Alps

Trip Code: TEC
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

The Ecrins Circuit - GR54

Highlights
  • Trek on the GR54, one of the finest Alpine `Grande Randonees`
  • Experience the wildest and most spectacular National Park in France
  • Enjoy views of the Barre des Ecrins and Meije on this alpine walking holiday
  • Hotel and gite accommodation throughout

At a Glance
  • Group Size 6 to 14
  • 6 days trekking
  • Max. altitude - 2750 metres
  • Join In Turin

Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Dinners
  • 2 nights Hotel
  • 4 nights Gite / Hostel
  • 1 nights Mountain Hut / Refuge
Overview

This truly classic walking holiday in France's southern Alps takes us around the high peaks of the Ecrins National Park, along a route that has long been a favourite and well kept secret amongst French 'randonneurs'. Largely following the route of the GR54, we explore the high valleys of the Valgaudemar Oisans and Briancon regions with their picturesque villages high trails and spectacular viewpoints. This is one of the wildest regions in the Alps and has a central core of high and glaciated peaks including the Meije (3983m), the Barre des Ecrins (4102m,) the Pelvoux, the Agneaux, the Ailefroide and the Olan. Circling these peaks with our English-speaking local 'accompagnateur' we have the chance to experience the pastoral heritage of this delightful region where shepherds and their shaggy 'patous' dogs still roam the high flower-filled pastures. With an average of around 7 hours walking per day on good way-marked trails, this is a reasonably challenging and very rewarding Alpine trekking holiday.

This is a superb walking week in a quiet corner of the Alps. Completing a clockwise circuit around the Ecrins Massif we follow the way-marked footpaths of the GR54 for most of the route. Each day we have between 5 and 8 hours of walking with a considerable amount of ascent and descent. Our main baggage is transported between overnight stops and is accessible each evening with the exception of the night we spend at the Refuge de la Chaumette which cannot be reached by road. This is a relatively tough Alpine trekking holiday with 6 long days.

Why KE?

Shhhhhhhhh!

Despite being the oldest and largest of the french National Parks, with some of the most dramatic scenery, the remote location of The Ecrins means it remains a well kept secret. If you are looking for stunning scenery, but tranquil trails, then this is the walking holiday for you.

 

Expert Knowledge

KE's very own Martina travelled on this holiday in 2019, and she loved it!  Get in touch with the KE office and Martina will be happy to answer your questions.

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Itinerary

Your holiday starts at the group hotel in Briancon. A single transfer is provided from Turin Airport to the group hotel in Briancon.

Accommodation

Hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, we meet our support vehicles and make the short transfer to the hamlet of Les Combes, where we begin our clockwise circuit. Our route takes us through the rhododendrons of the Partias Reserve, gaining height steadily to the Col de la Trancoulette (2293m). We then follow a meandering path between the glacial moraines and Alpine meadows of the high corrie of the Peyre du Fey to reach a second pass, the Col de Vallouise (2589m) where we have great views of the Pelvoux and the Barre des Ecrins. Crossing the pass, we drop down into the Vallouise Valley, where we check in at our gite accommodation.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

850 M

Descent

1550 M

Time

8 - 9 hrs walking

Distance

17 KM

In the morning, we let our support vehicles take us as far as the roadhead at Entre les Aygues. From here, we cross a gravel outwash plain and follow a track through scrubby trees to enter the pretty Vallon de la Selle. To begin with the angle of ascent is very gradual and we pass the Lacroix Refuge before starting a steeper climb across high pasture and then scree to the first of the day's passes, the Col de l’Aup Martin (2761m). It is only a short distance to the next pass, the Pas de la Cavale (2735m), where we begin our descent into the Valley of Champoleon. Zig-zagging down, we arrive at our overnight accommodation at the Refuge du Pre de la Chaumette (1810m), hidden in its high valley amongst green grazing land. The support vehicle cannot access the Refuge de la Chaumette and group members will need to carry a few personal items including a sheet sleeping bag for the overnight at this refuge.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1100 M

Descent

950 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs walking

Today, we climb up directly behind the refuge and take an impressive path that contours around the imposing peak of Sirac (3441m), with its hanging glaciers. There are 3 cols to negotiate; Valette, Gouiran and Vallonpierre (2607m), before we can descend into the valley of Valgaudemar and take our picnic lunch beside the lake of Vallonpierre. Reaching the chalet at Gioberney, we take a shuttle bus down the valley to La Chapelle en Valgaudemar, where we check in at our gite accommodation.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1130 M

Descent

1250 M

Time

7 - 8 hrs walking

Distance

13 KM

After another short transfer to Villar-Loubiere, we start our ascent to the Col de la Vaurze (2500m) on a well-marked trail that zig-zags upwards through forest and pasture to the Souffles Refuge (1968m). This haven of peace and tranquillity, overlooking the valley, is a great place to take a break, with excellent views of the magnificent Mont Olan (3564m). After completing our climb to the Col de la Vaurze, we are faced with a long and at times rocky descent to the village of Désert en Valjouffrey, which has something of an 'end of the world' ambience. From here, we make the short transfer into the Beranger Valley to our gite at Valsenestre (1295m).

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1750 M

Descent

1550 M

Time

8 - 9 hrs walking

Distance

17 KM

Our route leads up to the headwaters of the Beranger torrent, easily at first. Then, we get a view of the impressive Col de la Muzelle (2613m) ahead, a squarish pass between two craggy mountains. It is a steep and zig-zagging climb up to the pass, where our efforts are rewarded by magnificent views of Lac de la Muzelle and a number of glaciated peaks. We make the long descent to Venosc at the junction of 2 valleys and from there transfer to the village of Besse en Oisans and our overnight gite.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1460 M

Descent

1700 M

Time

8 - 9 hrs walking

Distance

15 KM

Today's hike takes us up onto a high grazing area on the north side of the Romanche Valley and opposite the snowfields and rocky summits of the Meije (3983m). Known as the Plateau d’Emparis, this grassy 'alpage' at a height of between 2200 and 2400 metres is well used by shepherds and their flocks during the summer months. Descending by way of a number of impressive waterfalls, we reach the ski station of La Grave and complete our day's hike with a walk alongside the Romanche stream to Villar d'Arêne (1670m). Here, we meet our support vehicle and drive back to the hotel in Briancon.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

1010 M

Descent

1070 M

Time

7 - 8 hrs walking

Distance

18 KM

Your holidays ends after breakfast. A single early morning transfer to Turin Airport is provided.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Point Point
Peaks Peaks
Direction Direction
Transfer
Trek

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A group transfer from Turin Airport on Day 1 and back to Turin Airport on Day 8
  • An experienced English-speaking local tour leader
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers between each overnight stop with the exception of Day 3 to the Refuge de la Chaumette

  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers other than the group transfer
  • Some meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc..


TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

In some cases you may choose to take a ferry and/or train to your holiday start and end destination. Please see further information on Travelling by Train.

If flying from the UK there are low cost airlines available to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive that low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

Included in the Land Only cost of the trip, we provide a single group transfer in each direction between Turin Airport and the group hotel in Briancon.

It is also possible to travel direct to Briancon on the train from London. Take the Eurostar train from London Saint Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Then, take the overnight (sleeper) train from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Briancon, which arrives at breakfast time. For information about train travel between the UK and Briancon, check out www.seat61.com

Contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

When in the towns and villages all tap water is drinkable. In mountain huts there is usually not a sustainable drinking water supply. Water in plastic bottles is brought in to the hut. All huts have a recycling point. If you have to purchase water in plastic bottles please buy the largest bottle you can so as to use less plastic. Please take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water if you can fill from a local stream. Bottled water is not provided. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles. Local authorities are working to find solutions to using plastic water bottles in huts. We monitor the situation carefully for updates.

Continental breakfasts are provided - cereals, fruit juice, tea and coffee, bread and a variety of spreads including jam, honey and Nutella, for example. Each day at breakfast, the tour leader will lay out the items that will make up the group's packed lunches - bread, cheese, sliced ham, tinned tuna, sausage, salad, fruit. For each day of the trip there will also be a couple of small high-sugar 'energy food' items provided for each group member. At each of the gites and at the mountain refuge, a full 3-course dinner will be served, usually a soup dish, followed by some wholesome local speciality and a desert.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

During this trip, the group will spend 2 nights at an hotel in Briancon. The accommodation here is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. Once on trek, we have 4 nights in gites and 1 night at the Refuge de la Chaumette. Accommodation for these 6 nights is generally in non-segregated dormitory style rooms with bunk beds and shared facilities.

The group will be accompanied by an experienced and qualified, English-speaking local 'accompagnateur'.

This holiday involves going to moderately high altitude.  During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 2500 metres.  Most people will have no difficulty with this level of altitude but before coming on the holiday, we recommend you read the advice on trekking at high altitude.  You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude.

150 euros will easily cover all personal expenses including the 2 evening meals in Briancon. There are cash point facilities in Briancon.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage (maximum weight 15kg) and a daypack (of around 30 - 40 litres). Luggage with wheels is useful for this holiday. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline. Your main bag will be transferred between overnight stops. There is one night when you will not have access to your main bag. It is not possible to ride with the baggage transfer vehicle.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking trip getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. We would suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime leading up to your trip. Before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country.

Generally, the temperatures that we can expect to encounter during the day will be reasonably warm, in the range 18 to 28 degrees centigrade. At night in the valleys we can expect the temperature to drop to between 10 and 15 degrees centigrade. The weather is usually stable at this time of year, but mountainous areas do generate their own weather systems and occasional rain and even stormy weather cannot be ruled out

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Ecrins National Park. Kev Reynolds. (Cicerone)

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You must bring the following items:

  • Hiking boots

  • Gaiters

  • Socks

  • Underwear

  • Trekking trousers

  • Lightweight waterproof overtrousers

  • Thermal baselayer - leggings

  • Baselayer shirts (1 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve) – quick dry, not cotton

  • Lightweight trekking shirts (not cotton)

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Warm fleece gloves or mittens

  • Warm hat

  • Sunhat

  • Sunglasses

  • Ear plugs (especially if you are not the one snoring)

  • Sheet sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner

  • Daypack 30 - 40 litres

  • Headtorch and spare batteries

  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

  • Water bottles 1 litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets
  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Small towel

  • Antibacterial hand wash

  • Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

  • Small Tupperware or similar box with lid (Approx 1 Litre capacity) for lunch salads

  • Spoon and penknife

The following items are optional:

  • Spare laces

  • Shorts

  • Trekking poles

  • Camera

  • Travel clothes

  • Small padlock to lock trek bag

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 5 reviews

Trek among spectacular peaks and overnight in remote mountain hamlets ★★★★★

Make no mistake, this trek is physically demanding; however, the rewards are therefore all the greater. From the views of cascades falling from hanging glaciers, to the sense of achievement in reaching that seemingly insurmountable col, each day delivers memorable experiences. The trek also provides an insight into the traditional rural life among high alpine pastures, with their flocks of sheep guarded by imposing Patou dogs and deep valleys with their picturesque hamlets. Guided by Marylène, an outstanding professional, each individual's needs were considered and overall the group benefitted from her cheerful manner, local knowledge and impeccable planning. Comfortable walking boots or approach shoes and lightweight but dependable rucksack and clothing were essential, while trekking poles helped with steep descents. We enjoyed delicious and filling meals in simple but comfortable refuges and gites, supplemented by memorable picnic lunches of locally supplied food surrounded by panoramic mountain views. Overall, this was a superb trek that inspired future visits to this stunning region of France.
By Adam Mamer | 10 September 2022

A superb trek, and a superb team - will leave many happy memories! ★★★★★

A previous reviewer from this trip (Kevin from Stevenage) has provided a lot of very useful information, and I totally agree with the points he's made. I would only add that the Écrins Circuit has a 'wilder' feel to it than the other treks I've done in the Alps (Tour du Mont Blanc and Tour de Monte Rosa). I liked it so much that I'd consider doing it again! The KE itinerary doesn't involve completing the whole circuit (which would take an extra 3-4 days, I think), but there could legitimately b e demand for an extended circuit in the future. As usual, great service from KE, and I'd add my voice to Kevin's that Nirmal, our guide, was fantastic, and it was a pleasure that Martina, from KE, could join us.
By Philip Auchterarder | 29 September 2019

A challenging trek, rewarded by stunning views ★★★★★

The Ecrins circuit is a quiet, beautiful area of the Alps that seems fairly much undiscovered by the Brits. This trek takes some of the best parts of the GR54 route and combines them into an amazing trip which gives some of the best and diverse views you are likely to see. You have to work hard to get these views, as the paths are often very steep and you are rarely walking on anything that is remotely flat. Consequently, a good level of fitness is required to get the most enjoyment out of this trip. We had a great group of people on our trip and the banter throughout kept us laughing for much of the time. We were also fortunate enough to have an enthusiastic member of KE's office team on the trip who, not having done a trip of this nature before, immersed herself in the experience and added much to the group's enjoyment. Our guide, Nimal, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, very helpful, flexible and adopted a pace which suited the group well. He also did an excellent job in providing the food for lunch everyday, which we carried between us. One of the best decisions that we made between us was to alter the route on Day 5 of the schedule. Rather than walking from Villar-Loubiere to Desert en Valjouffrey (17km & 1750m climb), we chose to walk from Desert en Valjouffrey to our next accommodation at Valsenestre (14km & 1400m climb). This provided us with with what, we believe, were even better views, with a less challenging climb & a shorter day (after the two previous hard days). It also enabled us to climb the amazingly spikey crag top of Cote Belle. One of the highlight of the trip! The accommodation on the trip was generally good and in line with what you would expect from a trek in often remote areas. The hotel Edelweiss at Vallouise, the gite Le Beranger at Valsenestre and the gite Le Sarret at Besse were all excellent, as was the food at these places. As with all of these types of trip, your will sometimes find yourself sleeping in one room with the whole group and it can then be a matter of luck as to how bad the snoring is! At least you'll be exhausted from a hard days trekking, so it shouldn't be a problem. We were particularly lucky with the weather on this trip (although Nimal tells us this is normal), as we didn't have any rain during our walking days, although we did see and hear some storms in other valleys. Consequently, the waterproofs remained in the rucksack throughout! Our luck extended to the fact that, as soon as we got into the van at the end of the last day the heavens opened! In conclusion, this is a fantastic trip that will give you some of the most amazing views you will ever see. As one of the group put it at the time - Every view is "THE VIEW". You might have to work hard to see them, but it's worth it!
By Kevin Stevenage | 05 September 2019

A Wonderful Week in an Untouched Corner of France ★★★★★

I have just returned from a wonderful week of walking in the Ecrins National Park. The trip encompassed long, varied walks, with significant ascents each day - but it was well worth some thigh burn for the spectacular views! Our guide, Myriam, was extremely competent as a leader; knowledgeable, approachable, and organised, adjusting the pace of walks as required by the group. She also had a wonderful sense of humour and very much enjoyed giving us melons to take up the mountain each day for our picnic lunches! Highlights: amazing views especially during the 3 cols day, staying overnight at a remote mountain hut (with hot showers!), Myriam's delicious lunchtime salads, excellent company of 5 other wonderful hikers, and the quietness of the routes (meaning regular marmot and chamois spotting!) Notes to other hikers: take all weather gear (we had blistering sun, pouring rain and snow showers across the week!), take a lunch pot with a well fitting lid (to avoid any beetroot disasters!), take any extra snacks (especially fruits) from the UK as you don't get to go to many/any shops during the week, embrace drinking coffee from a bowl (it is delicious despite lack of mug!), and note that the sleeping sheet liner and towel are needed most nights so don't get your towel dirty paddling in a stream on the first day! I highly recommend this trip for anyone wishing for: spectacular, high-up views; remote, quiet routes; happy shoulders (main luggage transported so day pack can be relatively light) and an overall wonderful week in a magical, somewhat untouched region of France.
By Lucy DORCHESTER | 14 September 2017

Beautiful and challenging alpine walking ★★★★★

The Ecrins trip travels through classical Alpine scenery of rugged peaks, meadows, lakes and waterfalls. We encountered other walkers, but it is quieter than other regions of the French Alps and wildlife is abundant. Our local guide was excellent and made the holiday a five star experience for us. The walking is not technically difficult or exposed, but the accommodation is mainly in the valleys so the walking involves big ascents and descents every day, and so a good level of fitness is require d as reflected by the KE rating. The accommodation was mostly dormitory based, clean and simple. The food was excellent. We had hot and sunny days at the start of the week, followed by rain, cool sunshine and finally snow on the last day, so it is important to be fully prepared for all weather regardless of the forecast.
By Anna Cardiff | 04 September 2017

Traveller Reviews
5 out of 5 from 5 reviews

Trek among spectacular peaks and overnight in remote mountain hamlets
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Make no mistake, this trek is physically demanding; however, the rewards are therefore all the greater. From the views of cascades falling from hanging glaciers, to the sense of achievement in reaching that seemingly insurmountable col, each day delivers memorable experiences. The trek also provides an insight into the traditional rural life among high alpine pastures, with their flocks of sheep guarded by imposing Patou dogs and deep valleys with their picturesque hamlets. Guided by Marylène, an outstanding professional, each individual's needs were considered and overall the group benefitted from her cheerful manner, local knowledge and impeccable planning. Comfortable walking boots or approach shoes and lightweight but dependable rucksack and clothing were essential, while trekking poles helped with steep descents. We enjoyed delicious and filling meals in simple but comfortable refuges and gites, supplemented by memorable picnic lunches of locally supplied food surrounded by panoramic mountain views. Overall, this was a superb trek that inspired future visits to this stunning region of France.
By Adam Mamer | 10 September 2022

A superb trek, and a superb team - will leave many happy memories!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A previous reviewer from this trip (Kevin from Stevenage) has provided a lot of very useful information, and I totally agree with the points he's made. I would only add that the Écrins Circuit has a 'wilder' feel to it than the other treks I've done in the Alps (Tour du Mont Blanc and Tour de Monte Rosa). I liked it so much that I'd consider doing it again! The KE itinerary doesn't involve completing the whole circuit (which would take an extra 3-4 days, I think), but there could legitimately b e demand for an extended circuit in the future. As usual, great service from KE, and I'd add my voice to Kevin's that Nirmal, our guide, was fantastic, and it was a pleasure that Martina, from KE, could join us.
By Philip Auchterarder | 29 September 2019

A challenging trek, rewarded by stunning views
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Ecrins circuit is a quiet, beautiful area of the Alps that seems fairly much undiscovered by the Brits. This trek takes some of the best parts of the GR54 route and combines them into an amazing trip which gives some of the best and diverse views you are likely to see. You have to work hard to get these views, as the paths are often very steep and you are rarely walking on anything that is remotely flat. Consequently, a good level of fitness is required to get the most enjoyment out of this trip. We had a great group of people on our trip and the banter throughout kept us laughing for much of the time. We were also fortunate enough to have an enthusiastic member of KE's office team on the trip who, not having done a trip of this nature before, immersed herself in the experience and added much to the group's enjoyment. Our guide, Nimal, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, very helpful, flexible and adopted a pace which suited the group well. He also did an excellent job in providing the food for lunch everyday, which we carried between us. One of the best decisions that we made between us was to alter the route on Day 5 of the schedule. Rather than walking from Villar-Loubiere to Desert en Valjouffrey (17km & 1750m climb), we chose to walk from Desert en Valjouffrey to our next accommodation at Valsenestre (14km & 1400m climb). This provided us with with what, we believe, were even better views, with a less challenging climb & a shorter day (after the two previous hard days). It also enabled us to climb the amazingly spikey crag top of Cote Belle. One of the highlight of the trip! The accommodation on the trip was generally good and in line with what you would expect from a trek in often remote areas. The hotel Edelweiss at Vallouise, the gite Le Beranger at Valsenestre and the gite Le Sarret at Besse were all excellent, as was the food at these places. As with all of these types of trip, your will sometimes find yourself sleeping in one room with the whole group and it can then be a matter of luck as to how bad the snoring is! At least you'll be exhausted from a hard days trekking, so it shouldn't be a problem. We were particularly lucky with the weather on this trip (although Nimal tells us this is normal), as we didn't have any rain during our walking days, although we did see and hear some storms in other valleys. Consequently, the waterproofs remained in the rucksack throughout! Our luck extended to the fact that, as soon as we got into the van at the end of the last day the heavens opened! In conclusion, this is a fantastic trip that will give you some of the most amazing views you will ever see. As one of the group put it at the time - Every view is "THE VIEW". You might have to work hard to see them, but it's worth it!
By Kevin Stevenage | 05 September 2019

A Wonderful Week in an Untouched Corner of France
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have just returned from a wonderful week of walking in the Ecrins National Park. The trip encompassed long, varied walks, with significant ascents each day - but it was well worth some thigh burn for the spectacular views! Our guide, Myriam, was extremely competent as a leader; knowledgeable, approachable, and organised, adjusting the pace of walks as required by the group. She also had a wonderful sense of humour and very much enjoyed giving us melons to take up the mountain each day for our picnic lunches! Highlights: amazing views especially during the 3 cols day, staying overnight at a remote mountain hut (with hot showers!), Myriam's delicious lunchtime salads, excellent company of 5 other wonderful hikers, and the quietness of the routes (meaning regular marmot and chamois spotting!) Notes to other hikers: take all weather gear (we had blistering sun, pouring rain and snow showers across the week!), take a lunch pot with a well fitting lid (to avoid any beetroot disasters!), take any extra snacks (especially fruits) from the UK as you don't get to go to many/any shops during the week, embrace drinking coffee from a bowl (it is delicious despite lack of mug!), and note that the sleeping sheet liner and towel are needed most nights so don't get your towel dirty paddling in a stream on the first day! I highly recommend this trip for anyone wishing for: spectacular, high-up views; remote, quiet routes; happy shoulders (main luggage transported so day pack can be relatively light) and an overall wonderful week in a magical, somewhat untouched region of France.
By Lucy DORCHESTER | 14 September 2017

Beautiful and challenging alpine walking
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Ecrins trip travels through classical Alpine scenery of rugged peaks, meadows, lakes and waterfalls. We encountered other walkers, but it is quieter than other regions of the French Alps and wildlife is abundant. Our local guide was excellent and made the holiday a five star experience for us. The walking is not technically difficult or exposed, but the accommodation is mainly in the valleys so the walking involves big ascents and descents every day, and so a good level of fitness is require d as reflected by the KE rating. The accommodation was mostly dormitory based, clean and simple. The food was excellent. We had hot and sunny days at the start of the week, followed by rain, cool sunshine and finally snow on the last day, so it is important to be fully prepared for all weather regardless of the forecast.
By Anna Cardiff | 04 September 2017

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2024

Dates

Adults from

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Status

More Information

  • The Ecrins Circuit - GR54
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TEC /01/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 21 Jul and ends on Sun 28 Jul
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$180 - Single supplement includes 2 nights in Briancon.
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • The Ecrins Circuit - GR54
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TEC /02/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 11 Aug and ends on Sun 18 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$180 - Single supplement includes 2 nights in Briancon.
  • Download Trip Notes

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • The Ecrins Circuit - GR54
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TEC /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 20 Jul and ends on Sun 27 Jul
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$180 - Single supplement includes 2 nights in Briancon.
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • The Ecrins Circuit - GR54
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TEC /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 10 Aug and ends on Sun 17 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$180 - Single supplement includes 2 nights in Briancon.
  • Download Trip Notes

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Changes to flights

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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