Introduction

The Ecrins is a group of mountains located west of Briançon in the French Alps. the reference guide from the FFRP (French federation of trekking) is n°508.
 Altitudes range roughly from 1100m to 2300m, see the timing and altitude profile of the trek.

 Besse - Les Terrasses 1776 m  (05:40 H)

Arriving at the Chalet Josserand 2244m, beautiful view over the whole massif.

Arriving at "Les Terrasses", the path continues down, following the river in the middle of the picture

 

Alpe de Villar d'Arène 2079m (05:00H) [Top of page] 

Going up along the stream in the bottom of the valley, the path climbs to the meadows of Villar d'Arène.

Le Casset 1512m (07:30H) 

Le Mônetier les Bains 1490m (06:35H)

The path goes through an impressive pass (col de l'Eychauda 2425m), quite steep and which may be difficult in early spring with the presence of residual snow. 

Vallouise 1166m (06:55H)

Not described here.

Refuge du Pré de la Chaumette 1790m (08:45H) [Top of page]

The path goes through the passes of Aulp Martin (2761m) followed by the Pas de la Cavale (2735m).

From the pas de la cavale.

Refuge de Vallonpierre 2280m (05:35H) [Top of page]

Beautiful renewed and very comfortable refuge facing the Sirac peak, from which you can constantly hear rocks falling from the glacier.  The owner is a very helpful and competent women, who knows perfectly well the area.

 

La Chapelle en Valgaudemar 1100m (05:30H) [Top of page]

An interesting variation is to go via the "balcony" and the refuge du Chabourneou to finally reach the Chalet Hotel du Giobernay. Slept in bed linen for the first time since several days...

Refuge des Souffles (05:30H) [Top of page]

Unattended refuge when we were there. Was very crowded and no food available and no cooking facilities. Early start the morning  with, as often beautiful view over the surrounding mountains.

Le Désert en Valjouffray (05:30H) [Top of page]

The path goes through strange accumulations of slates, magnificent alpine flora.

Refuge de la Muzelle (05:30H) [Top of page]

The path goes up to the Muzelle Pass, the most difficult and dangerous part of the whole journey. Not recommended with children or for those who are suffering from vertigo. Need to have some trekking experience because it's extremely steep and may be slippery when wet. After the pass, the path is much less steep and brought us to the Refuge de la Muzelle.

Le bourg d'Oisans (3:05H) [Top of page]

End of the trek !

Table of contents

1. Related links
2. Other chapters
3.  Besse - Les Terrasses 1776 m  (05:40 H)
4. Alpe de Villar d'Arène 2079m (05:00H)
5. Le Casset 1512m (07:30H) 
6. Le Mônetier les Bains 1490m (06:35H)
7. Refuge du Pré de la Chaumette 1790m (08:45H) 
8. Refuge de Vallonpierre 2280m (05:35H) 
9. La Chapelle en Valgaudemar 1100m (05:30H) 
10. Refuge des Souffles (05:30H) 
11. Le Désert en Valjouffray (05:30H) 
12. Refuge de la Muzelle (05:30H) 
13. Le bourg d'Oisans (3:05H)