Éloïse's summer essentials
Contemplative walks and gourmet breaks: the best tips from our travel advisor in La Grave.
permanent wonder permanent wonder
“Originally from Sarthe, I fell in love with the region's landscapes.”
onfoot on the trails
objective aperitif
In the Buffe valley, you walk alongside the Gâ torrent, dominated by the Pic du Mas de la Grave. This gently sloping hike is a marvel. You'll cover the 200m elevation gain without even noticing.
Upon arrival at the Pic du Mas de la Grave refuge, we choose the prettiest hat from their magnificent collection and Cécile serves us her homemade aperitif, which we enjoy on the terrace facing the Queen Meije.
Happiness isn't complicated!
cool off
Along the water
In summer, starting from La Grave, take the path that runs alongside the Romanche river towards Villar d'Arène. This shaded trail is wonderful on summer days! It is not very busy, and the sound of the water is soothing on this peaceful walk.
In Villar, people love to sit on the terrace of the Auberge du Bec for a well-deserved drink or snack!
P.S.: For a shaded walk with your dog, the road between Les Fréaux and La Grave is quiet and outside the Écrins National Park!
review one's classics
We board the legendary Meije glacier cable car. At the 2,400 station, we disembark onto the panoramic terrace, which sets the tone for the day: magnificent.
From here, the trail to Lake Puy Vacher is gentle. About 45 minutes later, we arrive. My greatest pleasure: a quick dip in the lake before continuing on to the refuge.
Last climb and Annie treats us to her delicious dish of the day on the terrace overlooking the valley.
walk with a view
balcony path
Starting from the Col du Lautaret, take this balcony trail that skirts around the Laurichard pyramid. While the start is pretty with views of the pass, from the Belvédère de l’Homme viewpoint, the views are truly breathtaking!
From this point on, the trail becomes a little more vertiginous, but the contrast between the black slate and the green meadows is striking. On the right, glaciers overlook the Romanche River below.
At the end of the road, we arrive at Alpe de Villar, a paradise for marmots and the best spot for a picnic.
end of theday at the Col du Galibier
At an altitude of over 2,640 meters, on the border between Savoie and the Hautes-Alpes, the 360-degree view is simply breathtaking.
At this time of day, the landscape is bathed in the most beautiful light and the pass regains some of its calm.
fishing as a couple
Transporting all the equipment to the summit can be challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort. Once you arrive, you spend the day by the water, surrounded by wildflowers and majestic landscapes, in a soothing silence broken only by the lapping of the water and the blowing of the wind.
A moment to share with your significant other and exchange the best tips! Who will catch the most fish?
marvel again and again
From May to September, the meadows are adorned with their most beautiful floral display, transforming the landscape into a veritable living painting.