A superb trekking holiday in the Ecrin, a peaceful corner of France's Southern Alps
This truly classic walking holiday in France's southern Alps takes us around the high peaks of the Ecrins National Park, along a route that has long been a favourite and well kept secret amongst French 'randonneurs'. Largely following the route of the GR54, we explore the high valleys of the Valgaudemar Oisans and Briancon regions with their picturesque villages high trails and spectacular viewpoints. This is one of the wildest regions in the Alps and has a central core of high and glaciated peaks including the Meije (3983m), the Barre des Ecrins (4102m,) the Pelvoux, the Agneaux, the Ailefroide and the Olan. Circling these peaks with our English-speaking local 'accompagnateur' we have the chance to experience the pastoral heritage of this delightful region where shepherds and their shaggy 'patous' dogs still roam the high flower-filled pastures. With an average of around 7 hours walking per day on good way-marked trails, this is a reasonably challenging and very rewarding Alpine trekking holiday.