Hiking in the French Alps: Écrins National Park

Arrive in the French town of Gap, accessible by train from Marseille and Paris. Regular trains connect Marseille to Gap, and the journey is scenic, winding through Provencal countryside into the foothills of the Alps. From Paris, high speed TGV trains run to Valence, from where you can take a regional train to Gap. A private taxi transfer will collect you on arrival in Gap and transport you (20 mins) to your accommodation in the pretty Alpine village of Ancelle, which sits in the heart of the Champsaur Valley. Set at 1,350m/4,430 ft in the southern French Alps, Ancelle is a charming mountain village surrounded by open meadows, forests and panoramic peaks. It offers a peaceful base away from the crowds of the better-known Alpine resorts. Accommodation: Two nights in a traditional Alpine style hotel, with restaurant, sun terrace and small outdoor pool.

Today's walk is a beautiful circular warm-up walk to the Croix de St Philippe, a stunning viewpoint marked by an old iron cross, through quiet woodlands and a scenic ridge with breathtaking views over Gap and the Champsaur Valley. The valley stretches between the Écrins National Park and the Dévoluy massif, providing classic Alpine scenery with accessible, well-marked walking trails. You can expect wide horizons, flower-filled pastures in early summer and sweeping mountain views throughout your journey. Here, walking is as much about the landscape as it is about experiencing traditional Alpine life, with working farms and a relaxed village atmosphere shaping each day. If today is a Sunday, it is market day in Ancelle so you will have the chance to browse the stalls for some local shopping before your hike.

Your walk today takes you up and over the summit of Le Cuchon (2179m/7149ft). Starting from Ancelle, you will walk along the valley floor through woodland and alpine pastures, ascending steeply to the summit from where there are panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Continue along the dramatic rocky ridge before descending through beautiful larch forest. Arriving at the charming traditional mountain village of St Léger Les Mélèzes you can explore on foot or check in for your stay. Accommodation: Overnight in a welcoming family-run hotel. Enjoy the views from your balcony, and traditional mountain cuisine in the restaurant, which is featured in the “Routard” guides.

Today you have two options, a harder mountain trail or an easy walk following the canal. High Mountain Route – Follow the GR50 (Grand Randonnee long distance trail) along the Balcons de Champsaur for amazing views of the Champsaur Valley. This is a reasonably challenging hike along footpaths and forest trails with around 800m/2625ft of ascent and descent. The route is north facing, so a shady option for hot days. 18km/11m – 6 to 7h Canal Walk – Take a gentle and scenic walk from St Léger Les Mélèzes to Les Borels, following the ancient canal path. This picturesque route meanders alongside the river, offering tranquil views of the valley and surrounding peaks. It’s an ideal way to immerse yourself in the peaceful mountain atmosphere. 12km/7.5m – 3 to 4h Accommodation: Two nights in an Auberge (inn) with a private lake for boating and swimming in the summer. Family-run and welcoming, the inn sits in the heart of the valley near the ski resort at Orcieres. The restaurant serves hearty regional cuisine with all the flavours of the southern French Alps.

There are several options for today so you can choose to relax or continue hiking. Option 1 – Take the relatively flat yet rewarding valley walk to the “Maison Berger” Shepherds’ Museum in Champoleon. The museum tells the story of transhumance in the Alpine valleys in the past and the presence. The walk is approx 17km/10.5m return and is a gentle hike of around 5 hrs. Option 2 – Hike to the Refuge du Tourond Take a taxi to the start of the walk (payable locally) for the hike up to the Refuge du Tourond, a wonderful French alpine hut and a great place for lunch. The walk is steady with ascent and descent of around 500m/1600ft and surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. The hut is a former chalet converted into a mountain refuge, a staging post for multi-day hikes around the Écrins National Park. Look out for marmots and enjoy the bilberry tart! Upon return to the valley, take a taxi back to your accommodation. Option 3 – Orcieres and the 6 Lakes Walk (July and August only) Take the free shuttle bus up to the ski resort of Orcieres, then the cable car (payable locally) to the top of the mountain from where you can enjoy the stunning 6 Lakes Walk, a high level route with wonderful alpine views or 11km/6.5m. This is a great option if you would like to enjoy the panorama of the high peaks without the full ascent from the valley. Alternatively, you could spend the day relaxing at the Auberge with a dip in the natural pool.

Take a short taxi ride (included) to Le Clapier for today’s hike to Chaillol on the GR50 long distance trail. This is the most challenging hike of the trip, a true Alpine day out with around 1000m/3200ft of ascent. The trail winds uphill through woods before emerging onto a hanging plateau. The route offers sweeping views of the opposite valley, framed by rocky outcrops and scattered wildflowers. The hike to the small village of St-Michel-le-Chaillol is both invigorating and rewarding, with panoramic viewpoints that showcase the wild beauty of the Champsaur Valley. In Chaillol, relax and perhaps visit the nearby spa to unwind after your day's hike. Accommodation: Two nights in a comfortable and stylish auberge in this charming village, typical for the area, with a restaurant serving local specialities. There is a spa next door should you wish to indulge and relax at the end of your hike.

Your final walk in the Champsaur Valley is a picturesque loop to the Col du Viallet, ascending through mixed forest and rocky terrain. The route gradually climbs to the col, where breathtaking views await, offering a fitting conclusion to your alpine adventure. The varied terrain of forest, rocky outcrops and alpine meadows make this a diverse and engaging hike, perfect for reflecting on the past week’s adventures.