Discover CAMPING AILEFROIDE in Pelvoux, Hautes-Alpes

In a very high mountain setting, this hike follows the valley of mythical mountains which lead to two refuges by crossing a perilous cliff.From the carpark, go up the Sélé valley on the path which follows the right bank of the Celse Nière torrent. After a long climb with a hidden gradient, the path goes up in steep bends to a junction with the track to Pelvoux (1993m).Follow straight along on large crossings that lead on foot to the very steep cliff.A wide track enables you to hold on to the cables going up this face firstly to the right, then crossing towards the left.After the cliff, go up a good path which turns abruptly to the right to reach the summit of the rocky promontory where the refuge is located.

A climb to a charming mountain refuge on a footpath that leads to sites that are important in the history of mountaineering. From the car park, walk up the Sélé valley by the footpath that follows the left bank of the Celse Nière stream. After a long, slightly uphill walk, the footpath continues up steep bends until it reaches the junction with the Sélé mountain refuge path.Turn right onto the footpath that winds among the rock falls and small rock ledges, towards the Pelvoux mountain refuge then continue winding down the grassy slopes and gentle sloped rocks. The mountain refuge cannot be seen until the last moment but it indicated by cairns (piles of stones).Follow the same route in the opposite direction for the return trip.

This walk to La Bosse de Clapouse, manages to unite the mildness of the larch forest, the coolness of the ravines, and the dimension of the high mountain all in an environment of emblematic plant life.From the car park, walk up the Sélé valley by the footpath that follows the left bank of the Celse Nière stream.At the post, 1572 m, cross the footbridge over the stream to the left. (It is taken down from November to June) Go up the right bank of the stream by the Clapouse footpath, then head diagonally to the left to meander up the slopes alternating through larch and green alder. The route then ingeniously leads to the ledges and crosses ravines before coming to the Clapouse valley. La Bosse (the bump) is the small summit that is reached by following a footpath.The return trip is made by the same itinerary in the opposite direction.

A pleasant circuit leading back to Ailefroide Waysigning: one green dot and one white dot From the car park in Les Claux, follow the path to Ailefroide via Pra Chapel, which runs uphill just to the right of the penstock pipe. A short distance further up, the route crosses the pipe and continues along a lovely paved path edged by walls and stones. It passes close to the chalets of Le Serre and then Pra chapel, crosses an avalanche path (see recommendations) and comes to the chalets uphill from Ailefroide.  Take the road on the left to cross the bridge and start to descend again on this road, which runs right through the hamlet. Follow a narrow road which leads into the campsite and continues along a path which crosses the Celse-Nière mountain stream. After the footbridge, take the path on the left which joins the Ailefroide road further on. The path leads back down to the car park in Les Claux, cutting across the road several times.

From a vantage point overlooking the small valley of Chambron, discover this themed path marked by animal husbandry. From Chambron, follow the track leading towards the valley bottom.  Turn right to start the ascent.  Make a there-and-back detour to admire the view down over the Cabane des Fons standing in the valley. Retrace your steps and then follow signs for the cabin ("Cabane"). Take the path on the right leading towards the Cabane du Clot de la Selle. The route runs close to the mountain hut, and then rises above it up an escarpment. The path then runs along the hillside; it leads across a vast scree of limestone blocks and carries on level through the alpine pasture before dropping down to the recent Cabane des Prés du Rocher.  Take the access track to the mountain hut, to join the road. Follow it for a few hundred metres until you reach Chambran.

A long valley where the sheep spread out, an ascent zig-zagging across a prairie then, hidden behind a cross cliff, the reward: the lake with milky waters. A beautiful journey! From Chambran car park, follow the track which leads to the bottom of the valley. Further along, it leaves on the right a track to the Eychauda mountain pass. After a big walkway over the torrent, follow the trail which passes not far from the pastoral cabin. The track gently rises in the bottom of the top the foot of the rocky ridge. It bends upwards, first over a large scree slope then flowered grass land. A small lower shelf and there is the lake, well hidden behind its cross cliff. It nestles at the bottom of the glacial cirque surrounded by high ridges.Return using the same itinerary. 

A themed path running gently along the canal. A sign indicates the there-and-back path leading to the canal intake.  At the canal intake, turn back on yourself and return to your starting point by following the outward route in reverse. Where the paths intersect, be sure to keep to the left-hand path which soon runs along the canal side again.

A lovely, tranquil circuit on the south-facing side of the municipality of Vallouise-Pelvoux The trail starts at the Pelvoux-Vallouise resort, near the Village Igloo  Cross the footbridge over the Gyr and head left onto the local road. Leave the road 200 metres further on, turning right towards the Domaine des Claux At the end of the track, turn left onto the road leading towards Les Choulières  On the hairpin, go straight ahead along a narrow path heading towards the "Adret" (south-facing slopes). ⚠ Caution, dangerous section; if necessary, for safety's sake keep to the biking side along certain stretches At the intersection, turn left towards Le Sarret On the descent to the mountain stream La Juliane, continue straight ahead to cross it  At Belle Vue, turn left towards Le Poët and Vallouise At the end of the track, head left, then right and then left again to take a narrow path taking you across the Paulin mountain stream (⚠ Be careful not to be caught by the current!) Head left on a track which runs downhill to a paved road, then the local road in Vallouise  At the crossroads near the bridge, turn right to take a track, called Le Moulin, which runs along the left-hand bank of the Gyr Cross the bridge spanning the Gyr and head right towards your starting point.

An easy circuit along narrow roads and forest tracks, starting from the family resort of Pelvoux-Vallouise. The trail starts at the car park at the Pelvoux-Vallouise resort, heading left towards the snow front Follow the narrow road due south; it runs through the bottom of the ski station to the holiday resort Where the road turns into a forest track, carry on along this track which leads downhill to the river At the bridge, stay on the right-hand bank and follow the river along the track leading due north When you get back to the narrow road, continue straight on until you reach the starting point and then carry on, continuing to follow the right-hand bank of the Gyr Before the bridge, turn left and then right and join the path with leads to the road and the gorges of the Gyr After the tunnel, turn back on yourself and follow the same route back to your starting point

A hike to come in to contact with the white glacier and to approach the mythical summits conquered by the mountaineers of the 19th century. From the chalet-hôtel, go up towards the North-East to cross the walkways across the Momie torrents and the Black Glacier. The path goes up next to join the little mounds of smooth rock, worn and polished.The path crosses the bifurcation of the Black Glacier itinerary (which goes off to the left). Next, follow the bends.Cross the walkway across the White Glacier torrent, the path then follows the left bank of the torrent then goes right up to the ancient Tuckett refuge. Follow the slope to get to the White Glacier refuge and the Ecrins.Retrace your steps to descend to Pré de Madame Carle. 

Set at the bottom of the Vénéon valley, it offers panoramic views of the Pilatte glacier and the most prestigious peaks in the Écrins. TEMPORARILY CLOSED The Temple Ecrins refuge was completely renovated in 2018. It offers 48 beds, made up of modules for 1 to 3 people and equipped with comforters. Bright and welcoming, the refuge is equipped with showers. A wood-burning stove allows you to spend pleasant evenings by the fire, while enjoying the generous home-cooked meals offered by the janitor. The large window in the dining room offers a breathtaking view of the typical Oisans alpine landscape. HIKING IN THE HEART OF THE ECRINS NATIONAL PARK The Écrins massif is an exceptional area, open to all, with a rare natural, cultural and landscape heritage. and landscapes. To protect these treasures, the heart of the park is marked with blue-white-red painted flags, where regulations must be respected. Please take note of them when preparing your hike to preserve this collective asset on the ecrins-parcnational.fr website.

Located in the heart of the forest at an altitude of 1560 meters, this former forest cabin, owned by the ONF, is a true ode to nature and tranquility. Ideal for recharging your batteries and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to walking, hiking or lounging. Practical info Capacity: 5 people maximum. Facilities : Living room equipped with wood-burning stove, gas stove, fridge, sink, table and benches and all necessary crockery. Dormitory upstairs. Bathroom and WC with outside access.

Adèle Planchard bequeathed her fortune to build the refuge along the Grande Ruine ascent route. Despite its "high mountain" setting, the long walk to the top is simple and superb, accessible to almost any hiker! The refuge is the second highest perched in the Ecrins massif. Located in the Massif des Ecrins, Groupe de la Grande Ruine in the Briançonnais, this refuge is a lookout point over the Barre des Ecrins. When you arrive, you'll discover the world of high mountains. From the refuge, you'll have a beautiful view of the succession of Pic de Neige Cordier peaks, all the way to La Roche Méane at 3765 m (Pointe Breevort). Access from the foot of the Col (5h) on a signposted path. No technical equipment required in summer. In spring, the refuge is also kept for the ski touring season, as the first stage of the Tour de la Meije, or for the ascent of the Grande Ruine!

Sylvie and Sebastian welcome you to their chalet refuge of Chamoissiere; old sheepfold fully restored with ecological and traditional materials ; located in the heart of the Alpine of Villar d'Arene, in a beautiful setting, away from the hustle and bustle. Located on the Alpe plan at 2106m, at the foot of the glaciers and at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park, this superb chalet-refuge will open its doors to you for a stay in the heart of nature; a beautiful escape in the heart of the mountains, to recharge your batteries and recharge your batteries as a family. Clean sheets required. This comfortable, small-capacity refuge welcomes you for a night or more, for a sporting or contemplative stay (or both) in a magnificent, peaceful setting, far from the wifi, stress and hassle of life down below! Accommodation in small rooms. The refuge has room for 20 people, a bathroom with 2 washbasins and 2 hot showers, and a large living/dining room with wood-burning stove. 220V electricity. Outdoor solar shower. Allow approx. 1h30 to 2h for the ascent along the path from Arsine (Villar d'Arène) and 1h30 along the Crevasses path from Col du Lautaret (halfway along this path, there is a somewhat vertiginous passage lasting 50m, but with a handrail on the path along the wall). A number of easy hikes can be discovered from the refuge, including - Sources de la Romanche - Lac de l'Etoile - Lac d'Arsine Refuge marked "Refuges ALPES".

Chabournéou unveils a world of mountains and glaciers. This former refuge with its authentic atmosphere provides a fine alternative on the Vieux Chaillol Tour or GR54 footpath. Meals available all day. No picnic room. An authentic refuge in an Alpine setting at the foot of the north face of the Sirac. Easy to access along a path with the evocative name of "the minister's path", the refuge welcomes visitors for the skiing season in spring and for climbing and hiking during the summer. Access in 2 hrs 30 min from the Gioberney car park; 450-metre incline.

Located in the heart of the alpine pastures, the Alpe refuge welcomes young and old alike, for a day hike, a first night in a refuge, a stopover on the GR54 or on the way to another refuge. For mountaineering and ski touring: it's THE spot par excellence! With a superb view of the summit of Les Agneaux, access is by a very easy family hike; despite a few steep sections, it takes you back to the source of the Romanche and allows you to enjoy a very pleasant break on the banks of this pretty torrent. "A small stream, a few boulders, grassy slopes and the whole space to run and laugh at life. Not far away, the chickens peck at grass and insects, and a few yards away, from his pen, the pack donkey observes the scene with his gentle eyes, here it's a bit of Paradise", the janitors tell us. Children can run, climb, roll in the grass... Freedom is theirs! It's also the starting point for mountain hikes to various summits (Agneaux, Neige Cordier, Chamoissière, la Pyramide...). From the refuge: Main hikes : - Arsine glacier lake (2400m - 2h) - Romanche springs (2150m - 1h) - a small summit: la bosse de Chamoissière - Stage on the Tour de l'Oisans (GR54) Mountaineering : - Les Agneaux (3646m - AD) - Pointe de Chamoissière (3215m) - Pic de Neige Cordier (3613m) Ski touring : - Stage on the Tour de la Meije and the Tour des Ecrins - North corridor of Roche Faurio - La Grande Ruine - Col des Chamois, Col du Fauteuil, Col des Agneaux / les Agneaux... There's plenty to choose from! NB: Adapted tourism: The refuge, via the Crevasses trail, is accessible by joëlette with assistance. (Can be borrowed from the La Grave tourist office, on reservation and against deposit: 04 76 79 90 05).

At the heart of a mountain cirque, between Le Pavé, Roche Méane and Pic Gaspard, on the shores of a glacial lake, this small mountain refuge offers a trip having an Himalayan air in one of the most secret and wild valleys from the massif des Ecrins. The ascent route is 4 hours starting from Arsine and has 1150m height difference Climbing up to Lac du Pavé is first and foremost a magnificent hike, then a close-up view of the high mountains. Set in the heart of a majestic cirque, the new refuge du Pavé is part of a breathtaking scenery.... High mountains in their purest form. Recently renovated, and manned for the first time this summer, the new Pavé refuge will welcome mountaineers, climbers, experienced hikers and all nature lovers. You'll discover a refuge whose design was dictated by the surrounding environment, combining comfort and sobriety. Pauline, the janitor, will do her utmost to ensure that you have a great time in the mountains! Conviviality and good humor are the order of the day! The refuge offers quick access to a wide range of mountaineering and climbing routes, from the easiest to the most challenging. The most popular summit is the Pic nord des Cavales: one of the most beautiful easy mountaineering routes in the Ecrins massif, on excellent granite. Pointe Emma, which has the same characteristics, is also covered by numerous rope parties. These two summits offer numerous routes of varying difficulty, and both offer remarkable views over the Etançons valley and the south face of the Meije. Pointe des Chamois, next to Pointe Emma, is perfect for a quick introductory run. Fans of the great races of the wild Oisans will turn to the Pic Gaspard and its south-southeast ridge: the famous Devies-Gervasuti. Vertical enthusiasts should head for the foot of the south face of Le Pavé. Here you'll find three routes, including one of the most difficult climbs in the massif, with a 7b pitch at 3500 m! Long-distance climbers will enjoy the beautiful and demanding Pavé - Meije orientale traverse. A must in this sector. For snow climbers, the Col du Pavé is the ideal out-and-back route. From the col, you can also reach the Promontoire refuge or vice versa (serious route: steep, crevassed glacial terrain). Finally, don't forget the Grande Ruine and the famous Col du Diable. Due to global warming, this great couloir is no longer widely used, and you have to look for good snow conditions very early in the season.

The Clot - Xavier-Blanc refuge, with 100 years rich in history, welcomes you in the shade of colossal trees for a relaxing break. Whether you are on the GR 54 footpath or out for a day's hike, you are sure to be charmed by this refuge, lulled by the murmur of the nearby Séveraisse mountain stream. Access in 15 minutes from Le Rif du Sap.

Nestled at the foot of the west face of the Sirac, this refuge was built in 2001 from wood and stone. Bright, spacious dormitories with duvets. Hot water showers and indoor toilets. From the refuge, there is a wide range of climbs and hikes: Sirac, Col and Pic de Vallonpierre, Col des Chevrettes, GR 54 footpath, Chabournéou refuge, Tour du Vieux Chaillol. Accessible in 2 hrs 30 mins from Gioberney car park, elevation 700 metres.

Built at the sources of the White Drac, near the disused Champoléon cabin, this refuge with its stone roof offers tasty regional food at lunchtime and copious Alpine meals in the evening. The refuge is easy to access for families: 1 hr 30 mins from the Auberts car park (elevation: 350 m). Large number of hiking trails leaving from the refuge.

Formerly an alpine pasture hamlet, Ailefroide lies at the foot of Mont Pelvoux, surrounded by larch woods and granite cliffs. It is the last hamlet in the valley, at the confluence of the valleys of Saint-Pierre and Celse Nière. The name Ailefroide is thought to originate from the term Alpe froide or “cold Alp”, a reference to the lack of sun here in the winter. It is the starting point of numerous trails and is a paradise for climbers. Ailefroide is a legendary destination for mountaineers: a stele commemorates the conquest of Mont Pelvoux in 1828.

A pair of eagles lives in the Ailefroide valley. Every pair has a very large hunting territory, which means there can be no more than one pair in a small valley of this size. This pair has built several eyries in the cliff walls around Ailefroide: just one is occupied every year, after a few refurbishments. The eyries are located at the lower altitudes of the hunting territory, so that the eagles can easily bring heavy prey back to the eaglet.

Hidden in the larch forest, the Roe Deer sometimes shows its fine head at dawn or at dusk. Not always easy to see this discreet animal but a few tracks or droppings can give its presence away.: the heart shaped print of its delicate hooves, the trunks of shrubs nicked by young fallow deer rubbing new antlers there to remove the last shreds of velvet, Sometimes it is a deep sonorous and guttural bark that resonates in the woods.

The Eurasian Tree Creeper is a small, compact and agile bird. Its beak is long and curved and its tail is composed of stiff feathers. Its long claws have sharp nails. So many adaptations enabling it to explore the bark of the larch trees where it hunts for insects and other spiders which make up its diet all through the year.

This common little sparrow is rarely seen but often heard. It interprets a brief song lasting just a few seconds, with around ten repetitive notes, which quickly become identifiable, rather haunting. The male sings almost throughout the year, from April to July, then only in the morning in July. After the storm when the trees are still dripping with rain, he starts singing immediately. At the end of August males et females leave for the African savannah forest regions, followed by that years young.

Stocky, short tail, tapered beak, the White Throated Dipper is often perched in the middle of a torrent, on a boulder at water level. Recognizable by the white mark on its chin and chest and the rest of its red and slate grey plumage, this bird dives in the icy water looking for aquatic larvae which are the essential ingredient of its menu.

The symbol of the Southern Alps, this softwood tree loses its leaves in winter, and is swathed with gold and lights up the mountains in autumn. The larch forests are maintained by the grazing of flocks. Without them, other trees like the fir or other pine trees could grow, creating a different kind of forest. A pioneer species, the larch establishes freely in light conditions. Its solid rot-proof wood has always been used in the construction of houses.

The rhododendron, shrub with brightly coloured carmine flowers, is often accompanied by blue berries, green alders and other small willows. It is  characteristic of the combat zone. Situated between the edge of the forest and the last trees, this transitional space is particularly favoured by the Black Grouse to nest in and to feed quietly.

This beautiful insect skims the water surface to lay its eggs, which will develop into aquatic nymphs. These can live for up to two years in the stream before metamophosing into a perfectly formed insect, the imago, which will only live for a few days - it is incapable of feeding itself - but will reproduce in that time.

This beautiful insect flies right across the surface of the water to lay its eggs which transform in to aquatic larvae. They will continue to live for up to two years in the stream before metamorphosing into a perfect insect, the 'imago which is incapable of feeding itself, does not live for more than a few days but does breed.

The talents of the chef and his assistant bring about the alliance of regional specialities ('tourtons', 'ravioles', 'donkey's ears'...) and sophisticated recipes (lamb tapenade, chicken with crawfish, Rossini fillet steak, etc.).

Authentic and friendly; fireside in winter; homemade pizzas and simple, well-balanced, homemade dishes and desserts; all set against a backdrop of board games of all kinds, darts, table tennis in summer, children's games, etc. Located on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, with views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Enjoy our seasonal meals, including raclettes, tartiflettes and homemade pizzas. And because we want to satisfy as many people as possible, we also offer vegan and gluten-free dishes like our famous Indian spinach Dahl. Families are welcome, too, with our menus adapted for the little ones. A south-facing wooden terrace by the skating rink in winter, and by the Romanche river in summer, makes for an excellent meal.

Restaurant of typical high mountain pasture, located in Fontcouverte, a hamlet +1860m. Formerly a place where cheese was made, the Fruitière now operates as a restaurant, and is an unmissable stop in the higher Clarée valley. Anything from snacks to real meals, you will find housecooked, local food and moutain specialties. Open everyday in wintertime, summertime and All Saints' Day holidays. Booking in advance is recommanded for lunches, and necessary for dinners (dinners only in summertime). Access in wintertime is only on foot/snowshoe, or ski. 1h30 from Névache Ville-Haute. During the summer, the road is accessible either by car, bike or on foot. Please note that credit/debit cards are not accepted : cash or cheques only.

Traditional cuisine. The meal of the day is carefully cooked with local ingredients : lamb meat, wild foraging soups, gratins and savoury pies, the famous blueberry pie, crumbles... all of this in a welcoming and moutainy setting ! The Vialaou team welcomes you in the inn located just in front of the Saint Marcellin church in Ville-Haute, Névache ! 20-people capacity inside, 30-people capacity outside on the terrace Groups up to 20 people : please book in advance ! The bar is open all-day, you can also have snacks & sweet food anytime of the day

Bistrot, restaurant, tearoom on the banks of the Clarée: This bistrot de Pays lives up to its name. A warm welcome all year round, and family-style, gourmet, authentic cuisine with Mediterranean flavors. All homemade with local produce.

Situated at an altitude of 2,280 metres, Chalet de Rocherousse welcomes you to an exceptional setting. Get together with friends or family on the terrace or indoors. Take a gastronomic break and enjoy local specialities, an ice cream or a well-deserved refreshment. And for a unique experience, book a meal around our fireplaces: open-air barbecues to share in a warm atmosphere.

Local specialities, traditional cuisine, daily specials. Tourtons for sale.

Les Glaciers offers snacks such as crispy chicken, tourtons and ravioles, and camembert croquettes.

The not to be missed rest area, in front of the Grand Galibier, after a beautiful walk around the 4 lakes...

The not to be missed rest area, in front of the Grand Galibier, after a beautiful walk around the 4 lakes...

In 1891, 4 tonnes of wood were brought by train to L'Argentière before being transported by car, then on donkeys up to the old Puiseux shelter. It was then pulled up by men using sleds to the intended spot. This mountain refuge was used for 70 years before becoming a storeroom for the wardens and then lodgings for their helpers in 1962. The summer before, 145 tonnes of materials were this time heliported, to enable the construction of the Pelvoux mountain refuge. It was inaugurated on the 15th July 1962 in the presence of Maureice Herzog, high commissioner for Youth and Sports at the time.

Topping the rocky outcrop which closes the Celse-Nière valley, this stone refuge was built in 1983 to replace the old wooden shelter which had become insufficient. This modern building has 76 places which belong to the French Alpine Club; it is guarded between the middle of June and the beginning of September. It is at the entrance to the summits which have marked the history of mountaineering: the Ailefroide, the Pointe des Boeufs rouges, and the Pic du Sélé...

Built in 1925, the first Sélé refuge was situated at 2700 m under a rocky canopy which collapsed in 1954. It was rebuilt two years later by a company from Briançon belonging to Ferdinand Bayrou, it was still made from wood, but 600 m lower down from the first one. Still used as a refuge in winter, it is open to the public from the middle of September.

The refuge is an ancient witness to the pioneering days of mountaineering in Vallouise in the second half of the 19th century... At that time it was situated at the foot of the glacier. It was built in 1886 to provide shelter under the rock for the first mountaineers. With its small dimensions, and materials of stone and wood, it represents a historical reference. Its remains shelter an exhibition retracing its history.

13/12/2019 > 22/03/2020 19/12/2020 > 21/03/2021 Looking to rent a wooden chalet in the Hautes-Alpes, in the heart of the Pays des Ecrins, for ski holidays with family or friends? Discover the chalets in Vallouise! 15/05/2020 > 27/09/2020 Camp at 1200m with 360° views of the mountains, in the heart of the traditional village of Vallouise. Enjoy a holiday escape in the Ecrins national park!

To provide mountaineers with a little more comfort, refuges gradually replaced the early bivouacs and shelters. Thus, the Tuckett refuge, built in 1886, superseded the rock shelter still visible nearby. It was replaced in 1948 by the Refuge du Glacier Blanc and later converted into a museum. The existing Refuge des Écrins, standing at the top of the glacier, was built in 1968. It replaced the Refuge Caron which had been built in 1922, itself replacing an initial 1903 Caron shelter.

Perched on a rock, Les Bans mountain refuge offers a clear view of the Onde valley on one side and the cirque of high summits that surround the valley to the other side. It was made of dressed stones roughly fifty years ago and can sleep 22 people. It is very animated during the day as it welcomes walkers who have come to taste local specialities, but it regains its calm in the evening and offers a valuable lookout for observing ibex and chamois. You are sure to have an unforgettable evening in the end of the world atmosphere of this refuge thanks to the warm welcome from the wardens and the soup made in the solar oven.

Perched on a rock, Les Bans mountain refuge offers a clear view of the Onde valley on one side and the cirque of high summits that surround the valley to the other side. It was made of dressed stones roughly fifty years ago and can sleep 22 people. It is very animated during the day as it welcomes walkers who have come to taste local specialities, but it regains its calm in the evening and offers a valuable lookout for observing ibex and chamois. You are sure to have an unforgettable evening in the end of the world atmosphere of this refuge thanks to the warm welcome from the wardens and the soup made in the solar oven.

Set at the bottom of the Vénéon valley, it offers panoramic views of the Pilatte glacier and the most prestigious peaks in the Écrins. TEMPORARILY CLOSED The Temple Ecrins refuge was completely renovated in 2018. It offers 48 beds, made up of modules for 1 to 3 people and equipped with comforters. Bright and welcoming, the refuge is equipped with showers. A wood-burning stove allows you to spend pleasant evenings by the fire, while enjoying the generous home-cooked meals offered by the janitor. The large window in the dining room offers a breathtaking view of the typical Oisans alpine landscape. HIKING IN THE HEART OF THE ECRINS NATIONAL PARK The Écrins massif is an exceptional area, open to all, with a rare natural, cultural and landscape heritage. and landscapes. To protect these treasures, the heart of the park is marked with blue-white-red painted flags, where regulations must be respected. Please take note of them when preparing your hike to preserve this collective asset on the ecrins-parcnational.fr website.

Half buried on a fine plateau facing the most beautiful peaks of the mountain range, the Temple-Ecrins Refuge takes its name from the Col de la Temple, a little higher up, and from the famous Barre des Ecrins, the highest point in the range, looking down on it. Like many other refuges in Oisans, the first was built in 1925. It was made of wood and was a little higher up than the present-day refuge. It was destroyed by an avalanche 13 years later. It was only rebuilt in 1947 by the "Jeunesse et Montagne" organisation. The refuge is easy to access and is the goal of a fine family hike rounded off by a hearty meal and the starting point of such famous Alpine races as the Col de la Temple, the Pic Coolidge or the Face Nord de la Barre.