Tour des Ecrins: GR54

The Tour Des Ecrins: GR54
with French Alps Trekking
A multi-day trek in and around the beautiful and majestic Ecrins National Park in the Southern French Alps. This mountain trek is regarded as one of the finest long distance walks in Europe and is therefore a must do activity for anyone who enjoys great mountain scenery, unique flora and fauna and some strenous ascents.

An overview of the 6-day Southern section from Vallouise to La Danchere (Venosc)

The 6-day trek begins at a height of 1624m at the road-head west of the village of Vallouise, 20km SW of Briançon. The path follows a wooded valley before climbing up over stony ground and some scree to the first of 2 cols, the Col de l’Aup Martin (2761m). A short traverse over scree leads to the Pas de la Cavale (2735m) before the path descends steeply to the grasslands of the Vallée de Champoléon and the first night’s accommodation at the Refuge du Pré de la Chaumette (1790m; 62 beds).

Day 2 begins with a climb through the Vallon de la Pierre up switchbacks to the first of the day’s 3 cols: the Col de la Vallette (2668) whose ascent requires some easy scrambling. From this col the path drops steeply, but not for long, before crossing a grassy valley to the Col de Gouiran (2597m). The descent from this col is easier than the previous 2 and crosses a series of eroded shaley ribs before climbing to the Col de Vallonpierre (2607m). The distinctive peak of Le Sirac (3441m) dominates much of today’s leg and looms above this last col.
The route now descends steadily to the head of the Vallée du Valgaudemar
which is followed to the night’s destination: the Refuge du Clot (1400m). The refuge provides food and drink and has 50 dormitory beds.

Day 3 begins with an easy valley walk through La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar
(which is home to several gîtes, a bar/restaurant and a grocery store)to Villar-Loubière. Then it’s a climb to the Refuge des Souffles (1975m), a convenient lunch stop, and then a long climb up switchbacks to the Col de la Vaurze (2498m).

From here you can look directly down on the night’s destination, Le Désert-en-Valjouffrey (1255m), nestling in the valley below although it will take almost 2hrs to reach the hamlet from the col. Le Désert has a bar/restaurant and 3 gîtes, one of which will be home for the night.

Following 3 big days, the walking becomes easier and the days shorter as we
enter the western part of the trek. The scenery becomes a little softer and the cols a little less austere. From Le Désert, the route climbs to the Col de Côte Belle (2290m) before descending through forest to the village of Valsenestre (1294m) which has one gîte containing 25 beds where we will spend the night.

Day 5 is another shorter day and begins with a return back up the previous
day’s route for half an hour before climbing up through grass, then rock, and finally a shale cone to the Col de la Muzelle (2625m). From here the route descends into a grassy valley to the Lac de la Muzelle besides which sits the Refuge de la Muzelle (2130m; 70 beds).

The final day begins with a 90 min climb up switchbacks to the Col du Vallon (2531m) after which it’s downhill all the way to the end of the trek. On the way we pass one of the highlights of the whole GR54, the picturesque Lac Lauvitel (1540m). From here, another 90 mins leads to the village of La Danchere (989m) where we will leave a car.

Overall, the 6-day trek covers 95km and climbs 7260m.