Camping Les Eaux Douces: Nature Adventures in Villar-loubiere

A hike around the mountainside towards the abandoned village of Les Peines, on a belvedere above Villar-Loubière.We leave from the centre of the village of Villar-Loubière and head for Les Peines via Pont des Peines. Cross the footbridge and continue up the winding path to the ruins of the village of Les Peines. Go down via La Loubière and return to Villar-Loubière by the La Valgaude route.

The hike goes through the mountain valley of the Valgaudemar, in the Massif des Ecrins. On the way, a real Himalayan decor is unveiled to hikers, step by step.This major hiking trail is divided into seven stages and makes its way mainly at high altitude along paths with a wild character.After the first two nights in refuges, the return to the valley marks the mid-way point of the trip. The second part of the trail again immerses hikers in the world of the high mountains.Among the jewels along the way, Lake Lautier, the mythical face of the Olan, Lake Vallonpierre, a unique panorama over the Gioberney and much else besides. During the sections at the upper limit of the subalpine zone, the environment bears witness to the harsh climate in the mountains.Overall, there are some steep ascents and descents, but what a trip!

An itinerary that offers stunning views of the Valgaudemar valley. Ideal for those who like steep hiking.From the Villard Loubière car park, head up to the village by following the signs for Souffles mountain refuge on the GR54. The footpath progresses through the shingle and moors and into a narrow valley. As you get closer to the refuge, beech trees appear, then larch trees line the way up to the Souffles mountain refuge that is at an altitude of 1968 m. Leave the GR route and take the footpath behind the refuge towards the Lautier lake. Crossing the Clochettes pass will lead you to the Lautier valley. Do not take the path that goes down into the valley but continue towards the lake, which will soon be visible. Then head to the nearby Colombes pass, which is at an altitude of 2427 m (from where it is possible head off up to the Turbat Peak, 3028 m, by an off-trail itinerary). Start the long descent towards La Chapelle en Valgaudemar. Leave the path on the left that goes to the Pas de l'Olan and the refuge of the same name, and continue the descent via Le Clot until you reach La Chapelle en Valgaudemar at an altitude of 1100 m.

This ascent in a forest setting enables you to benefit from the grandiose panorama of the Mount Olan massif.From  Andrieux car park at  the level of the fountain place  cross the main road in front of the small chapel and go towards the end of the village in the direction of the pine forest.. At the level of the entrance to the National Park indicated by signposts, climb the track going up to the left. At an altitude of 1 400 m, leave the track going towards la Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar and des Portes hamlet (a bit higher up) on the left, staying on the same path.  The ascent continues for some time in the forest which brightens up progressively.. Walk carefully through the last rocky  passages. A large cairn signals your arrival at the lakes. Return using the same itinerary.

This walk will guide you on the trails of transhumance. From one mountain hut to another, you will finally arrive at the hamlet of 6 Mountain Huts, at the foot of the Grun de Saint Maurice.From the car park in Saint Maurice en Valgaudemar, return to the surfaced road towards the church and take the road to the right until you reach the sign indicating the way to 6 Mountain Huts. From here, follow the path marked with a red dot towards the Salette mountain hut. Cross the bridge over the Saint-Maurice stream and follow the path. At the next junction, follow the footpath that goes up to the right (do not take the path to the left that leads to the Rochimont mountain hut). Further on, the trail comes close to the stone ruins of a small mountain pasture hamlet and soon after leads to the Salette pastoral hut, which is situated at an altitude of 1650 m. After walking for 2 hours, the small fountain will be more than welcome. To reach the "6 mountain huts", continue the climb for about an hour on an open but rocky and narrow pathway with many bends, until you get to the surprising yet incredible hamlet that is situated at an altitude of 1980 m.After a welcome break in the superb cirque at the foot of the Grun de Saint-Maurice, which is filled with the history of the place, you can return by the same route.

The ascent to the refuge from Villard Loubière has become a great hiking classic. Small dormitories with duvets, convivial dining room, hot showers and large equipped terraces. A stop on the GR54 footpath that should not be missed. Ideal starting point for the Pic de Turbat, with 3000m of easy access. A stop on the Tour de l'Oisans (GR54 footpath) that should not be missed. Snacks and refreshments possible. Access in 3 hours; elevation: 900 metres.

The gîte opend in july 2012. A total capacity of 24 persons, 4 roomes for couple et 4 rooms for 4 persons. Half pension or only the night, meal for the hiker, picknic. Situated in the national park of the Ecrins. 5 rooms with double beds and private bathrooms. The restaurant is open to everyone for lunch and afternoon snacks.

Perched on an Alpine prairie, at the frontier with the high mountains, the Olan refuge provides a unique panorama on La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, the prestigious Olan cirque, the Cime du Vallon... A stopover for mountaineers and hikers: a mountain road to the Refuge des Souffles. Shared room and kitchen upstairs, running water and fountain. Meals by reservation. Access from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar in 4 hours; elevation: 1245 metres.

Located at 1797 m altitude, a 2-hour walk from the hamlet of Champhorent on an easy family trail up the Muande torrent. This is a place where mountaineers, hikers and mountain people can share their emotions. At the refuge you'll find everything you need for this special adventure, and the wardens are there to advise, inform and guide you in your choice of itinerary. At the foot of accessible glaciers and lakes (la Muande, les Rouies, les Sellettes, les Bêches, les Fétoules...), fauna, flora and herds are waiting for you, and everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, from the contemplative to the adventurous, from the climber to the walker, will find what they're looking for. You'll be able to sample organic and local produce, all in a creative and colorful cuisine. Every summer, a program of events is organized to offer concerts, shows and evening events for all to enjoy. Don't hesitate to follow our news online! Respect the legislation of the Parc National des Ecrins. The refuge will close for two years from July 15, 2025. This will give us the time we need to carry out a complete refurbishment that will enable us to welcome you even better.

Our gîte is located at the start of many hikes and is one of the stops on the GR54 tour of the Oisans and the Écrins. You have the option to rest at our gîte before continuing your journey to the next peaks. The gîte is also accessible by road. Located in the heart of the traditional village of Valsenestre, in the commune of Valjouffrey, the gîte can accommodate up to 40 people, divided into 4 dormitories. At the start of many hiking trails, notably the route to the Grand Tour of the Écrins, it’s the perfect spot for a well-deserved break under the linden (tilleul) trees. Breakfast is served from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Lunch, made with local products, is available from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Desserts, afternoon snacks, and drinks are served throughout the afternoon. Shared dinner served from 7:00 p.m. (beef bourguignon, veal stew, lasagna, soups). All dietary preferences are welcome! Continuous snack and supply service (freshly sliced bread, cured sausages, cheeses, etc.). Free Wi-Fi available. We welcome our guests with warmth and good humor to come enjoy the peace and quiet of this mountain village, in the shade of the linden tree, while admiring the waterfall and the surrounding mountain range. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed, with meals carefully prepared using local products, including goat cheese, lamb, and charcuterie from the commune. Booking available through our website (no fees or deposits required).

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.

Distillery "La Salettina" since 1961 in the birthplace of Maximin Giraud (one of the children who saw the virgin 1846). Liquor of Génépi of Alpes macerated minimum 3 years and distilled. Material used for more than 100 years. Distillery "La Salettina" since 1961 in the birthplace of Maximin Giraud the shepherd having had the revelation of Our Lady of Salette. Liquor la Salettina recipe from 1865 of Maximin Giraud. Liquor of Génépi des Alpes IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) macerated for at least 3 years and Liquor of Génépi des Alpes IGP distilled, liquors of vulnerable plant, Hyssop plant, Raspberry, wild blackberries, wild blueberries. You will discover, during your visit, a workshop and the daily activity of a liquorist. In this cellar where centenarian material is always used, the manufacture of liqueurs and aperitifs will be explained to you, from the collection of the plants until the bottling. You will also find in our shop carefully selected territory products. Free tours and tastings. Schedule 7 days a week from mid April to mid October. Opening and visit on request from mid-October to mid-April. Groups are welcome by making an appointment at 04 76 30 05 02

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.

Provider of sports and nautical activities at Lac du Sautet. The activities are offered for hire and / or supervision by instructor: Sailing (catamaran, dinghy ...) Sailboard Stand Up Paddle Canoe Kayak Electric boat (without license) Pedalo Electric Stand Up Paddle Via ferrata

The Olan is one of the main summits of the Ecrins massif. It culminates at 3564 m and is made up of three summits the highest of which is the north summit. The central summit of the Olan was climbed for the first time on 8th July 1875, and the northern one on the 29th June 1877 by the renowned W.B.A. Coolidge and his guide Almer.  With a guide, or good climbing abilities, this would be a good choice for climbing a summit in the Valgaudemar starting from the Olan hut.

The Olan is one of the main summits of the Ecrins massif. It culminates at 3564 m and is made up of three summits the highest of which is the north summit. The central summit of the Olan was climbed for the first time on 8th July 1875, and the northern one on the 29th June 1877 by the renowned W.B.A. Coolidge and his guide Almer.  With a guide, or good climbing abilities, this would be a good choice for climbing a summit in the Valgaudemar starting from the Olan hut.

Above the hamlet of Les Peines, some monumental schist sentinels watch over the valley with their stony gaze. The phenomenon of erosion can sometimes be destructive, but its action also forms very beautiful geological curiosities.  These shiny schist monoliths are also known as "organ pipes".  Exposed due to the movement of the tectonic plates, these rock formations are the result of a mixture of sediments accumulated at the bottom of ancient oceans and crystalline formations created in the depths of the earth, which was subjected to enormous pressures and temperatures. Primarily made up of mica and quartz crystals, this metamorphic rock has a flaky and shiny appearance. Extreme weather then exposed the most solid part of these formations. Born of the oceans and the earth, they form abrupt and tortured draperies which are also called «Arraches».

High above Villar-Loubière, the remains of the hamlet of Les Peines bear testimony to the harsh living conditions in the Valgaudemar valley at the beginning of the last century. Perched on a promontory, the site offers a spectacular view.  Too often afflicted by mountain river floods, maintaining the stricken land was like the labours of Sisyphus: constant clearance with no end in sight. This disheartened the few mountain-dwellers who returned from the Great War. This prompted the abandonment of Navette, above La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, as well as Les Peines. In the nineteenth century, 92 inhabitants still lived in these high areas, and 14 children attended the school in the hamlet... until the inter-war years. In 1955, the last inhabitant, who lived as a hermit here, departed as well, leaving only memories behind. Only the conveyor cable between Les Peines and Villar-Loubière is still used to transport wood down the mountain.

As you begin the steep climb towards the Col de la Vaurze, don’t miss the unusual Villar windmill, covered in vegetation. Built in 1838, this legacy from past times has been perfectly preserved with its curious horizontal wheel. It was still in use 50 years ago, milling wheat, but also nuts and rapeseed. It was restored in 1979 and is the last working windmill in the Valgaudemar valley.

As you begin the steep climb towards the Col de la Vaurze, don’t miss the unusual Villar windmill, covered in vegetation. Built in 1838, this legacy from past times has been perfectly preserved with its curious horizontal wheel. It was still in use 50 years ago, milling wheat, but also nuts and rapeseed. It was restored in 1979 and is the last working windmill in the Valgaudemar valley.

 Apollos, azure, fritillary, black-veined white, or marbled white...The slopes heated by the sun, flowers that are filled with nectar, everything is in place to attract a cohort of butterflies and other insects on the slopes that lead to the Souffles refuge

 Apollos, azure, fritillary, black-veined white, or marbled white...The slopes heated by the sun, flowers that are filled with nectar, everything is in place to attract a cohort of butterflies and other insects on the slopes that lead to the Souffles refuge

From the refuge, or during the climb, a peculiar geological formation may catch your eye on the opposite bank, above the old hamlet of Peines. Sedimentary rocks are trapped in the middle of crystalline formations where erosion has created a specific pattern of erosion that looks like a giant tiger has clawed at the rock. This morphology is what gave it the name Arraches.

From the refuge, or during the climb, a peculiar geological formation may catch your eye on the opposite bank, above the old hamlet of Peines. Sedimentary rocks are trapped in the middle of crystalline formations where erosion has created a specific pattern of erosion that looks like a giant tiger has clawed at the rock. This morphology is what gave it the name Arraches.

Discover a simple cuisine handed down from mother to daughter, and enjoy the slow-cooked dishes that need time to bring out all their flavour. Traditional specialities, including 'donkey's ears', 'tourtons', 'ravioles', pies and goat pot-au-feu.

A bistro-style bar with a friendly atmosphere. Snacks on reservation, and ice cream in summer.

Since 1965, the Gueydan family has been welcoming diners to the restaurant where culinary tradition is the watchword. Cuisine based on fresh regional produce, bringing out all the flavours of yesteryear. Specialities: 'ravioles' in honey, 'donkey's ears', mountain charcuterie, lamb, salted goat, roast ham, farmhouse cheeses... and homemade cakes! By reservation.

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

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

Homemade cuisine, renewed at each meal, where the blend of aromas and savours from here and elsewhere always creates a new alchemy. Recipes inspired by traditional local dishes, reviving the forgotten recipes of our grandmothers...

Dishes made with respect for authenticity and the tradition of the region: 'donkey's ears', 'ravioles', 'tourtons', flouzons, beef stew, homemade terrine, gratin dauphinois and homemade desserts. Since all the dishes are made with farm produce, you need to reserve at least 48 hours beforehand so that we can pick and prepare all the ingredients.

Make the most of a simple break with a warm and pleasant welcome on the Route Napoléon, in the midst of the mountains. Family cuisine with wood-fired pizzas. Lunch specials and à la carte dishes.

At our restaurant, we invite you to discover our regional and gastronomic menus, the Chef's specialities (duck terrines, 'ravioles' gratin, etc). Set menus from €19 to €32 and children's menu at €10.

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.).

The ascent to the refuge from Villard Loubière has become a great hiking classic. Small dormitories with duvets, convivial dining room, hot showers and large equipped terraces. A stop on the GR54 footpath that should not be missed. Ideal starting point for the Pic de Turbat, with 3000m of easy access. A stop on the Tour de l'Oisans (GR54 footpath) that should not be missed. Snacks and refreshments possible. Access in 3 hours; elevation: 900 metres.

The Souffles mountain refuge is managed by the CAF (French Alpine Club).  A keeper is present from June to September. Here you have the opportunity to get something to eat whilst chatting with a mountain professional or spend a night at high altitude if you prefer. This is a good way to split the itinerary in two.

The Souffles mountain refuge is managed by the CAF (French Alpine Club).  A keeper is present from June to September. Here you have the opportunity to get something to eat whilst chatting with a mountain professional or spend a night at high altitude if you prefer. This is a good way to split the itinerary in two.

The gîte opend in july 2012. A total capacity of 24 persons, 4 roomes for couple et 4 rooms for 4 persons. Half pension or only the night, meal for the hiker, picknic. Situated in the national park of the Ecrins. 5 rooms with double beds and private bathrooms. The restaurant is open to everyone for lunch and afternoon snacks.

During the summer of 1923, the guide Célestin Bernard took charge of the construction of the refuge at Font Turbat. Several great mountaineering names are associated with it like Guery, Ripert, Frendo, Fourastier, Boell, who came to explore the mountains at Valjouffrey. In 1934, Devies and Gervasutti traced a historic itinerary in the North-West face of the Pic de l'Olan. 22 years later, the direct Couzy-Desmaison (ED) was opened to the left of the previous one, surmounting the steepest part of the face. The construction of the refuge As it stands now dates from 1962. It was extended and renovated in 1996-1997.

In 1908, Châtellerat pastoral cabin was hastily built by the community of Valjouffrey. Destroyed several times in avalanches, is still sheltered numerous mountaineers. It was rebuilt in 1921 in a less exposed place and already ideas about a « real » refuge were growing.

Situated at an altitude of 2350 m, this large building constructed in 1957 was carried away by an avalanche two years later. A witness to this is a concrete slab below the refuge. Rebuilt in 1966, it was definitively extended in 1978 with a capacity of 54 places. A stage of the Tour de l'Oisans (GR 54), it welcomes hikers in the summer season and provides a shelter in the winter; it belongs to the Club Alpin Français.

Situated at an altitude of 2350 m, this large building constructed in 1957 was carried away by an avalanche two years later. A witness to this is a concrete slab below the refuge. Rebuilt in 1966, it was definitively extended in 1978 with a capacity of 54 places. A stage of the Tour de l'Oisans (GR 54), it welcomes hikers in the summer season and provides a shelter in the winter; it belongs to the Club Alpin Français.

Perched on an Alpine prairie, at the frontier with the high mountains, the Olan refuge provides a unique panorama on La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, the prestigious Olan cirque, the Cime du Vallon... A stopover for mountaineers and hikers: a mountain road to the Refuge des Souffles. Shared room and kitchen upstairs, running water and fountain. Meals by reservation. Access from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar in 4 hours; elevation: 1245 metres.

Mountain campsite in an exceptional and natural setting, favourable for hiking and discovering the Ecrins National Park. This campsite will welcome you for a restful and refreshing stopover at the foot of the mountains. A warm and friendly atmosphere. Come and enjoy a wide range of activities around the campsite: cycling, hiking, swimming, yoga, and herbalism workshops... You’ll be able to taste Cléa’s delicious pizzas, Tania and Pato’s generous plates, and of course a variety of tasty local dishes! All accompanied by a refreshing farmhouse beer or a flavorful fruit juice from the Trièves region. Campfires are allowed outside of drought periods. A special program of small concerts, documentary film screenings, and themed evenings has been planned just for you! Check our Facebook page and website regularly to stay up to date with our events. The Bonne River runs through the campsite, perfect for cooling off. The Valbonnais family lake is just 15 minutes away by car. There’s a market every Friday morning in the small village of Entraigues. You’ll find organic bread in the hamlet of Gragnolet, and goat cheeses and mountain herbal products in the hamlet of Le Désert in Valjouffrey. No reservations needed for camping pitches. Two caravans, a yurt, an equipped tent, and a gypsy-style wagon are available for rent by reservation.