Closure of Val d’Escreins
The access road to Val d’Escreins is closed to traffic due to winter weather conditions. Reopening planned for next spring.
12/11/2024
Thibaut Blais - Val d'escreins-77 (95)Thibaut Blais - Val d'escreins-77 (95)|
Val d'Escreins
Must-see activitiesAre you looking for activities for your summer vacations in an unspoilt natural setting? The Val d’Escreins offers a multitude of must-do experiences to reconnect with nature and create unique moments. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Val d’Eden!
Le Val
Vars Green Lung
Val d’Escreins is a true paradise for nature lovers. Whether you’re a great adventurer or a budding explorer, get ready to discover a captivating universe. From sporty hikes to leisurely strolls and moments of relaxation, this territory abounds in activities to satisfy every desire. And don’t forget to spend an unusual night in a tepee at the Refuge de Basse Rua in the heart of the Val. A real sense of immensity and of the other end of the world resides in this place, where every visitor will travel to this little Canada varsinc.
This land of “green” activities offers unforgettable experiences in contact with nature.
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For young and old
Walks in the Val
Black grouse trailTétras-Lyre discovery trailGreen level - 1.2 km loop - duration: 1h15
This trail is a must-see in the Val d’Escreins. This educational and botanical trail offers a multi-disciplinary approach to environmental interpretation. Child-friendly signs introduce visitors to geology, flora, history and traditional habitat. Botanical guide available from the tourist office.
Tour du Val d'EscreinsTour du Val d'EscreinsGreen level - 5.5 km loop - duration: 1h30
A true discovery of the site through forests, along streams, take your time and move at your own pace with your family in the heart of unspoilt nature.
Remarkable treesThe remarkable tree trailBlue level - 8.5 km loop - duration 3h
A hike into the heart of the genetic heritage of the Val d’Escreins. Walkers will discover a dozen multi-centenary trees, some of which are over 4 m in circumference.
The oratoryThe Font Sancte oratory and springLevel Red - 10.4 km round trip - duration: 4h30
In the heart of this unspoilt natural setting, discover this magical valley where flora and fauna form a delightful blend. From the playful torrent of the Rif Bel to the remarkable trees, don’t miss this must-see spot. A 2h30 hike to the oratory and a further 30 minutes to the spring, in the heart of the unspoilt Val.
Pointe d'EcreinsLa pointe d'EscreinsBlack level - 7 km round trip - duration: 4h30 to 5h one way
Are you a seasoned hiker who dreams of doing a little 3000 during your vacation? This 4h30 to 5h one-way itinerary will propel you to an altitude of 3038 m, with incredible views of the nearby Pic de Panestrel, Pic des Houerts and further afield: Les Ecrins, Ubaye and its Brec de Chambeyron.
crêtes de VarsThe Vars peaks via the Val d'EscreinsBlack level - 9 km loop - duration: 5h30
This path, where stones and flowers mingle, leads you to the Bois d’Escreins, a veritable rainbow of colors, at the end of which you’ll discover edelweiss in a field located on the edge of the ruiniform slope of the dolomitic peaks, with the inescapable panoramic view of the area.
TRAVEL TO VAL D’ESCREINS
Do you know the legend of Font Sancte?
The story goes that a young shepherdess from Escreins used to lead her herd into the Font Sancte valley. To drink, she had to go back down to the torrent, but noticed that one of her goats kept going to the same spot, only to come back out again a few moments later. Intrigued, the shepherdess followed the goat and discovered “a beautiful spring of limpid water”. Thus was born the legend of Font Sancte or Holy Fountain, the name given to the miraculous spring, a place of pilgrimage for the inhabitants who once asked for rain when the land was too dry.
All levels
Orientation course
The Val d’Escreins offers 3 fun trails at different levels for you to discover on your own, in a group or as a family. Grab a map and compass from the welcome chalet (open from July 8) and set off in search of the wooden markers scattered around the Val. As you find each marker, punch your map into the corresponding box using the clip embedded in the wooden marker. An activity involving analysis, observation and fun!
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Trail routes
Le Val en courant
The Val d’Escreins is also a land of trails, so don a good pair of sneakers and take to the permanent trail paths suitable for all levels, while discovering a site of rare beauty.
Le Val’vert / beginner level
distance: 3.937 km – D + : 121 m
Le Val’bleu / intermediate level
distance : 9.218 km – D + : 319 m
Le Val’rouge / advanced level
distance 9.125 km – D + : 788 m
Trail VETrail VE|
Brochures dedicated to all the permanent trail routes in Vars and the orienteering courses are available from tourist offices and the Val reception chalet.
The spotlight
A barbeuc'
After a good day’s walking, what could be better than a good picnic?
Find your picnic spot among the 33 picnic areas available. Take your time over the meal to recover from your emotions. After a good feast, you can choose between a siesta under the trees in the shade or a chat over a cup of coffee. You won’t see the afternoon go by! As for the menu, it’s up to you!
Val d_Escreins Family _ alpesphotographies.com-99Val d_Escreins Family _ alpesphotographies.com-99|
The Val d’Escreins reserve is a zero waste area. It is imperative that you take all your garbage with you and dispose of it at the sorting points in the Vars villages. There are information boards at every spot, and be sure to look out for any fire restrictions at the entrance to the Val.
Adopt the right attitude
- Respect the itinerary and the signs on the trails.
- Wild animals and herds need peace and quiet. Don’t make unnecessary noise
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Don’t roll stones down the slopes – you could injure someone without realizing it.
- Pastoral zone
- Flowers, fruit and berries are protected. Picking forbidden.
- Do not build fires outside the designated areas.
- All vehicles, other than service vehicles, are prohibited beyond the parking area.
- Bivouacs and campsites are prohibited.
Opening hours :
- Chalet d’accueil Escreins
9am – 1pm / 2pm – 5pm daily from July 8 to September 2
A free shuttle bus runs from the resort to the Val d’Escreins nature reserve.
2021 - 280721174644 - Alpes Photographies2021 - 280721174644 - Alpes Photographies|
