Hiking in the valleys of Haute Romanche with the Hotel le Faranchin

Name: Hiking in the valleys of Haute Romanche with the Hotel le Faranchin
Address: D 1091, Villar-d'Arêne, 05480
Telephone: 04 76 79 90 01
Price range: From 05/07 to 11/07/2026 Adult: from 910 €. From 13/09 to 19/09/2026 Adult: from 910 €.

Villar-d'Arêne

Hiking in the valleys of Haute Romanche with the Hotel le Faranchin - © Patrick Morillon

Do you know the Haute Romanche valley? Thanks to the stay organized by the Hotel le Faranchin, you will discover these mythical places of the Grandes Alpes, very close to the great passes and the villages of La Grave and Villar d'Arêne.

Description

You're all set, shoes on, poles in hand and bag on your back, to discover the Haute Romanche valley and its villages.
Just a few minutes from major Alpine passes such as Le Lautaret and Le Galibier, your guide will lead you along hiking trails, past torrents and mid-altitude lakes, all at the foot of the great peaks.

A panorama of unspoilt nature, different hikes every day, a different valley with the Meije and its glaciers as a backdrop.

This is a level 2 (moderate) trip, designed for those looking for an active and contemplative discovery.

Day 1: Arrival
Your room will be ready from 3pm,
Settle in and explore the hotel, followed by a convivial aperitif with Sabrina and your guide to introduce you to the tour.
Lunch at the hotel.
Day 2: Lac du Goléon 2450 m
Lac du Goléon 2450 M: Thematic focus / everything you need to know about high-altitude lakes and water management in the mountains.

Hike departure: 8:30 am (vehicle transfer to Valfroide parking lot 9 km)

The first day is a panoramic out-and-back hike through the Maurian valley to Lac du Goléon. This warm-up day will give you the opportunity to hike facing the Meije and its glaciers.

Picnic at the lake

Deniv.+/-575m

Day 3: Col du Laurichard 2654 M
Col du Laurichard 2654 M: Themes: Ecrins National Park, the great history of national parks and protected areas, the life and habits of chamois.

Departure: 9:00 am (vehicle transfer to Col du Lautaret - 7 km).

This day in a high-altitude combe will provide an exceptional viewpoint facing the north-east glaciers of La Meije and Pic Gaspard. It's also a good chance to see the chamois, that emblematic animal of the Alps.

Picnic lunch on the ridge.

Deniv.+/- 650m

Day 4: Les Sources de la Romanche 2150 M
Les Sources de la Romanche 2150 M: Thematic focus: Livestock and predators and A marmot's life.

Hike departure: 8:00 am (vehicle transfer to the Gravière parking lot - 4 km).

This day will take us through one of the most beautiful high valleys in the Ecrins. High peaks with their glacial finery will punctuate our journey.

Picnic lunch at the springs or at Valfourche.

Deniv.+/- 450m /

Day 5: Lac du Puy Vachier 2382 M
Le Lac du Puy Vachier 2382 M - Téléphérique des Glaciers de la Meije 3211 M : Themes: evolution and use of glaciers - climate, history of the Meije and mountaineering.

Departure: 9:00 am (vehicle transfer to La Grave - 3 km).

This transition day is dedicated to discovering the Meije and its glaciers. We climb to the Col des Ruillans 3211 M via the Meije cable cars. Possibility of visiting the ice cave. We then take the cable car down to the intermediate station to reach the Puy Vachier lake. Return by cable car.

Deniv.+/- 250m / 2h30 effective walk / overall duration of day: 6h30

Day 6: Summit hike / Pic Blanc du Galibier 2955 M
Hiking for a summit / Pic Blanc du Galibier 2955 M: Thematic focus: Large birds of prey, flora of the Alpine and Nival stages.

Departure: 8:30 am (transfer by vehicle to parking lot at 2460 m - 11 km).

This slightly more "technical" trail will take us to a magnificent 360° viewpoint, from the Ecrins to Mont Blanc, from the Grandes Rousses to Monte Viso.

Picnic at the summit or lower pass.

Deniv. +/- 500 / 3h30 effective walk / overall duration of day: 6h30

Day 7: The end of your journey
After breakfast, it's time to leave...