Hiking at the crossroads of the Hautes Alpes and Oisans regions...

 The small mountain villages of La Grave and Villar d'Arène are ideal gateways for hiking in the Ecrins National Park and in the alpine pastures of the southern slopes, facing the glaciers and the Meije, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps. From easy, accessible hikes to high peaks at the foot of glaciers, you'll find a hike to suit you!

Téléchargez nos idées de randonnées

lac du pavé
© T. BLAIS
La Meije + flower ©Itinera Magica itinera magica

Walks and hikes for all tastes

Discover all the walks around La Grave and Villar d'Arène: detailed itineraries and practical information.

Quick little loop around villages and hamlets, picnic spot with breathtaking views of the Meije, gentle walks, lake at the finish, big day and high summit, good walker...

We promise you'll find a walk or hike to suit you!

ALL WALKS AND HIKES

 

Leaving with a professional means achieving a performance objective, or simply discovering the mountain in a different way, by allowing yourself to be guided and to benefit from the experience.

Take a guided tour

La Meije qui miroitent dans les lacs

Plateau Emparis © Thibault Poinas (22)
©T.Poinas

Objective mountain lakes

Looking for a hiking lens? Head for the mountain lakes to capture the most beautiful reflections...

In the Pays de la Meije, high-altitude lakes and mountains combine to create breathtaking images and reflections.

The routes to the lakes are many and varied. The lakes of the Plateau d'Emparis and Lac du Goléon are among the most beautiful hikes in the Hautes-Alpes, offering sumptuous views of the emblematic summit of La Meije. Others mirror the great peaks of the Ecrins massif.

 

Top 7 lakes

 

A decree has been issued prohibiting swimming in the lakes of the Emparis plateau, to preserve the fragile ecosystem of these high-altitude lakes. In addition, a bylaw has been put in place in the commune of Besse-en-Oisans, banning cars. It is possible to drive up before 4pm, but you must drive down before 7pm.

tour des aiguilles d'arves_goléon©T.BLAIS (3) (1) T.BLAIS

I adapt to my itinerary

Illustration of a dog

OR HIKING WITH MY DOG

Our four-legged friends also want freedom, so find out which paths they are allowed to use (on a leash to respect wildlife and herds).
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Rando Parc des Ecrins

On the trails of the Parc National des Écrins

Several easy trails take you into the heart of the Ecrins National Park to walk at the foot of high peaks and glaciers...
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sommet des écrins téléphérique

Walks and hikes from the cable car

The Meije Glacier cable car gives you a welcome boost when you want to explore the glaciers.
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Refuge de l'Alpe © T. Blais

Itinerant hiking

Escape for a short three-day trek or a week-long or even 10-day trek. Whatever your choice, you're off for a mountain immersion far from the hustle and bustle down below.
Roaming

Family outings for families

Envie d’initier vos enfants aux bienfaits de la randonnée ? En avant pour ces balades en plein air accessibles aux familles !

There are many possible itineraries in Meije country, between hamlets and alpine chalets, along rivers, sometimes flat, sometimes on gentle slopes, with breathtaking views, or flower-filled alpine meadows, short or long strolls to a lake... Young hikers or experienced walkers, there's something for everyone.

 

Family outings 

 

And the icing on the cake: enjoy your first experience of a night in a mountain hut, so you can fully immerse yourself in the mountains!

 

The crevasse & arsine family trail-43

How about a hike ON SOME FORGOTTEN TRAILS?

Aiguilles D'arves Goléon M.Molinari
Looking for a hike off the beaten track? Discover our secret hikes and follow in the footsteps of the farmers of yesteryear through the sunny mountain pastures.

Everywhere in the Alps, there are paths that have fallen into disuse. These trails used to lead to alpine hamlets that are now in ruins or not as important as they once were. Discover these confidential trails, meet the local fauna that is reclaiming its rights... In short, get away from the crowds on our forgotten trails.

Shh it's over here 

Immediate boarding Loan of a joëlette

A Joëlette, a single-wheeled all-terrain wheelchair that can be used by children and adults with reduced mobility, is available free of charge to anyone who requests it from the Tourist Information Office in La Grave.

The Joëlette was invented by a mountain guide, Joël Claudel, who wanted to be able to continue taking his myopathic nephew Stéphane for walks. This transport device has just one wheel, enabling it to negotiate even the narrowest paths. The seat, which can be adapted to suit the disability, is positioned above the wheel. Stretchers at the front and rear allow the machine to be rolled and carried if necessary. A suspension system, a system for adjusting the height of the stretchers to suit the slope and a brake complete the equipment.

Don't hesitate to ask for it at the La Grave Tourist Office reception desk.

joelette ride M. Molinari M. MOLINARI

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Walking shoes

THE RESPONSIBLE HIKER'S CODE

On a hike, you'll be immersed in the wilderness, crossing fragile environments and rubbing shoulders with wildlife. Leave these magnificent places as you would like to find them the next time you visit.
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Carte-IGN-2-©JSelberg (1)

PREPARING YOUR TRIP

Before setting off on a hike, you need to prepare: choose a suitable itinerary, check the weather, pack what you need and swap your flip-flops for mountain boots.
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Chazelet La grave les Hameaux sheep flock ©Alpes Photographies

HOW TO DEAL WITH GUARD DOGS

Many transhumant herds graze the mountain pastures during the summer months. Flocks of sheep are often guarded by guard dogs. How should we behave in front of these dogs, who perceive us as intruders?
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s'habiller et préparer sa randonnée ©T.blais

PLUS DE RANDO DANS LE BRIANCONNAIS

Vous voulez trouver plus de randonnées dans le Briançonnais ? Retrouvez une sélection de randonnées entre Briançon, Serre-Chevalier, La Clarée, Montgenvèvre, l’Izoard ou La Grave et Villar d’Arène
Rando Briançonnais