Plan du Carrelet- Hiking

A perfect hike for exploring the Ecrins National park with the family! The gentle gradient allows children to hike and marvel at the surrounding high peaks and glaciers.

It's fairly easy to spot the marmots, of course, but hikers will also appreciate the mineral landscape, featuring rockfalls, avalanche corridors and extensive mountainside.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Starting point: La Bérarde
Height gain: 199 m
Total duration: 1 hour
Distance: 3.9 km
Level : Easy

ROUTE
Park in the lower car park in La Bérarde and walk up to the footpath ("Calade) to the village and the Maison de la Montagne. The path starts at the end of the road, just after the Maison de la Montagne, and is quite wide, passing through pastureland and over scree.

NEARBY
From the Refuge du Carrelet, you can carry on upwards to the Refuge de Temple Ecrins (1 1/2 hours). The path climbs steeply up, providing extensive views over the Vénéon valley and the Pilatte glacier. Another option is to continue on to the Refuge de la Pilatte (2 1/2 hours), right at the end of the valley.

EXTRA INFO
- The hut is located amongst pine trees in a flat area known as the Plan du Carrelet. The flowers are absolutely magnificent here in the early season! There is also a wonderful view over the side of the Ailfroide, while the Chardon valley leading to Les Rouies starts opposite the hut.
- Hikers can walk back to La Bérarde via the Chardon valley and then down the left-hand side of the Vénéon, but they should first check with the tourist office that the path is open, with the necessary footbridges in place.