Circuit of the Aiguilles d'Arves via the Échaillon

The Aiguilles d’Arves form a remarkable link between the Northern and Southern Alps. Isolated, they have few mountain huts, thus offering exceptional wilderness! A little-known and breathtaking trek, which your guide will lead you on!

Description

ITINERARY

Day 01 – Monday: Le Chazelet – Signal de la Grave – Lac du Goléon
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the SNCF train station in Briançon; departure by minibus to Le Chazelet (05).
Start from the picturesque village of Le Chazelet, offering a breathtaking view of La Meije. Hike up gentle, green ridges overlooking the Écrins. Arrive at the Goléon mountain hut, where you’ll spend your first night in the mountains, in an enchanting setting!
Overnight at the Goléon refuge +950m / -300m / 5h30 hike

Day 02 – Tuesday: Col du Goléon – Combe de Mortavieille
A short descent from the refuge takes us to the shores of Lake Goléon, where its enchanting reflection blends with the Écrins glaciers. We’ll then begin the ascent to the impressive Col du Goléon, where the view of the Aiguilles d’Arves will make us forget the effort we’ve put in. A rugged descent into the Valloire Valley awaits us, where we’ll want to keep our eyes peeled: numerous chamois dot the trail! One final climb, and a beautiful mountain refuge awaits us for a well-deserved rest!
Overnight at the Aiguilles d’Arves mountain hut +1,000 m / -1,250 m / 8-hour hike

Day 03 – Wednesday: Col et Passage de l’Épaisseur, Alpage de l’Olletaz
The “high-mountain” stage of our journey, where we’ll come close to 3,000m! Breathtaking landscapes, a wild and rugged pass, and off-the-beaten-path sections that take us deep into the heart of nature. This third day will undoubtedly be the one that adds a challenging athletic dimension to your trip. After a technically demanding but beautiful descent to the Olletaz alpine pastures, enjoy the tranquility of a charming family-run chalet to recharge your batteries!
Overnight at the Chalet du Perron +900m / -1000m / 6h30 hike

Day 04 – Thursday: Balcon de la Saussaz – Col de Martignare – Crête de la Buffe
After a memorable wake-up call, the route will take you through a valley at the foot of the Aiguilles d’Arves. These majestic mountains will fill you with wonder at every step, but don’t forget to keep your eyes on the trail! The trail will immerse you in a landscape of black marl—characteristic of the region’s geology—with the Pic du Mas de la Grave (3,020 m) looming overhead. A gentle, grassy ridge will lead you to your mountain hut, nestled in a lush green valley!
Overnight at the Pas du Mas de la Grave mountain hut +1,100 m / -1,300 m / 7.5-hour hike

Day 05 – Friday: Emparis Plateau, Lacs Noir and Lérié
On this final day, which promises to be memorable, our route will take us to the Emparis Plateau, one of the most famous viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the Écrins and its glaciers. The summit of La Meije will be the highlight of the day, complemented by lakes and other natural wonders. Finally, the descent will be a chance to reflect on all the most beautiful memories from the previous days.
+700m / -850m / 6h30 of hiking

Itinerary:
The elevation gains and times provided do not include optional detours. This itinerary serves as the framework for your hike. Each of our guides strives to add a special “extra” to the hike: a summit, a detour to spot chamois, a partridge, or marmots... a magnificent fossil, or martagon lilies.

Important Note: This magnificent trek takes place across highly varied mountain terrain: alpine meadows, scree slopes, snowfields, rocky or schist-covered trails, short slightly technical sections, and fords across mountain streams... It is therefore intended for experienced hikers who are comfortable navigating all types of trails and off-trail terrain, in both dry and wet conditions. Good health, physical fitness, and joint mobility, along with the ability to move easily and maintain good balance, will allow you to fully enjoy the magical landscapes and atmosphere of this getaway between the Hautes-Alpes and Maurienne!
We may occasionally need to modify the indicated itinerary: either for organizational reasons (overbooking at accommodations, changes in trail conditions, remaining snow, etc.) or at the guide’s discretion (weather, group ability level, etc.). Trust us—these changes are always made with your best interests in mind, for your safety and greater comfort!

Complément accueil

Level 4 hike on a scale of 5. A day of 5 to 8 hours of hiking on a mountain trail with a cumulative elevation gain and/or loss of 700 to 1,300 meters.
Technical difficulty level 5 on a scale of 5: Trails that are sometimes poorly marked, or even off-trail sections; descents and ascents that are sometimes steep with technical and/or exposed sections, on rocky and/or grassy trails that are sometimes unstable.
GROUP: 4 to 8 people

• Groupe minimum : 4

• Nombre de jours : 5 jours

• Age minimum : 18 ans

• Age maximum : 90 ans

Environnements

• Mountain view

Tarifs

From 07/09 to 11/09/2026
One price: 740 €.

From 07/09 to 11/09/2027
One price: 740 €.


THE PRICE INCLUDES
•5 days of guidance from a certified guide.
•Meals and accommodations on a full-board basis, from dinner on Day 1 to the picnic on Day 5.
•Transfers as specified in the itinerary.
•Organizational fees.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
•Drinks and personal expenses.
•The picnic on Day 1.
•Cancellation, assistance, repatriation, and trip interruption insurance.
•Transportation to the meeting points.

Période d'ouverture

From 07/09 to 11/09/2027.

Langues parlées

• French

Tourisme adapté

• Not accessible in a wheelchair

Localisation