Trek in the Champsaur
Explore the Champsaur, a wild and luminous valley in the heart of the Écrins National Park
Bivouac Trip with Donkeys – Col de Venasque
A timeless alpine getaway - authentic, peaceful, and full of life.
Set off to explore one of the best-kept secrets of the Alps: the Champsaur Valley, a wild and sun-filled region nestled in the heart of the Écrins National Park.
Here, open valleys, peaceful alpine pastures, and a pastoral atmosphere create a rare and authentic setting… far from the crowds.
And to accompany you?
No 12-kilo backpacks - but donkeys, your true trekking companions. Calm, endearing, and incredibly motivating, they bring a gentle rhythm to the hike… allowing you to walk light, with both body and mind at ease.
Who Is This Trip For?
Curious adults - from beginners to experienced hikers - as well as families with children who are confident walkers (minimum age: 10 years old).
Areas Explored
July to September
Snow-free trails, open alpine pastures, and stable weather conditions
Maximum 10 participants
1 donkey per family or per group of 4
6 days / 5 nights
A comfortable pace suitable for everyone
Ferme Tout Là Ô – Orcières
Transfer available from Gap train station (45 minutes)
Safety & Mountain Specifics
- Trip supervised by a state-certified mountain guide experienced in multi-day treks with donkeys
- Itinerary adapted for families and beginners
- High-altitude passage (up to 2400 m)
- Respect of the regulations of the Écrins National Park
- Weather management: alternative accommodation in a lodge if needed
- Supervised bivouacs: authorized areas and controlled campfires
Recommended Equipment
- High-ankle hiking boots
- Fleece + windproof/waterproof jacket + insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
- Backpack (20–30 L)
- Sleeping sheet (liner) + lightweight foam or inflatable mat
- Cap / sunglasses / sunscreen
- Water bottle (minimum 1.5 L)
- Personal items (towel, toiletries, basic first aid)
- Headlamp
- Camera
Ferme Tout Là Ô (Orcières)
Refuge du Tourond
Auberge du Vieux Chaillol (Chaillol)
Trip organized in partnership with the association Par 4 chemins
Family Bivouac Discovery with Donkeys
Set off on an adventure with your long-eared companion for a truly unique trekking experience.
- Walk at the pace of the donkeys for 6 days, through larch forests, traditional hamlets, and crystal-clear rivers
- Enjoy evenings alternating between bivouacs under the stars and cozy mountain lodges
- Hike beneath the majestic cliffs of the Palastre, keeping an eye out for eagles and bearded vultures soaring above the valley
July to September
Long days, stable weather, clear trails
Families with children from 6-7 years old
Beginners welcome, pace adapted
6 days / 5 nights
Max 10 participants
Ferme Tout Là Ô – Orcières
Transfer available from Gap train station (45 minutes)
Safety
- Routes tested and adapted for children
- Moderate walking times
- Weather monitored daily
- Alternative accommodation in a lodge if conditions are unfavorable
- Écrins National Park rules respected: wildlife protection, supervised bivouacs
- Guide experienced with children and family groups
Recommended Family Equipment
- Hiking shoes for both children and adults
- Cap / sunscreen / sunglasses
- Fleece + lightweight windproof jacket + insulated jacket
- Backpack (10–20 L) for children
- Water bottle (minimum 1 L)
- Sleeping sheet (liner) + lightweight foam or inflatable mat
- Personal items (towel, toiletries, basic first aid)
- Warm pajamas for bivouac nights
- Headlamp for children
- Small insulated bottle (tea / hot chocolate)
- Games for evenings at the bivouac
- A good book for everyone
Ferme Tout Là Ô (Orcières)
Auberge du Vieux Chaillol (Chaillol)
Trip organized in partnership with Wildhartt
Wild Écrins: Discovering the Wildlife of the Champsaur
A hub-based trip to observe the wildlife of the Écrins National Park
Forget the clichés - you don't need to be a naturalist to experience powerful moments in the mountains.
This trip is designed for those who enjoy hiking, take a step back and immersing themselves in preserved landscapes… with the added bonus of encountering the wildlife of the Écrins National Park.
The Champsaur Valley
One of the most authentic valleys in the Park. Between sunlit alpine pastures, silent forests, and open ridgelines, each day reveals a breathtaking landscape where the mountains unfold in all their richness.
Spirit of the Trip
A 100% nature-focused experience:
- Respectful wildlife observation
- Understanding mountain ecosystems
- Wildlife watching sessions, thermal cameras, spotting scopes & binoculars provided
- Meetings with park rangers, farmers, and local pastoralism stakeholders
- Comfortable accommodation in a lodge at the gateway to the National Park
- Friendly atmosphere, suitable for beginners and experienced naturalists alike
Spring: March → late June
Autumn: November → late December
Beginner to experienced naturalists
Wildlife photographers, families, curious nature lovers
5 days / 4 nights
Maximum 8 participants
Lodge in Pont-du-Fossé
All inclusive, transfer available from Gap
A Trip to Reconnect with Nature
Using the spotting scope, binoculars, and thermal camera provided, you maximize your chances of observation-always with full respect for the animals. A trip to reconnect with the simple pleasure of walking, observing, and truly feeling the wild life that brings the mountains to life.
Safety & Ethics
- No attempt at close approach: wildlife observation without disturbance
- Strict respect of the Écrins National Park core regulations
- Responsible use of optical equipment
- Small group sizes
- Educational input from professional local experts
- Daily adaptation to weather conditions
Recommended Equipment
- Mid- or high-ankle hiking boots
- Warm clothing (spring/autumn = strong temperature variations)
- Hat & gloves (essential outside summer)
- Personal binoculars if desired (equipment provided otherwise)
- Camera + spare battery
- Water bottle (1.5 L) + thermos
- Waterproof windproof jacket
- Backpack (20–30 L)
Gîte de l'Ancolie – Pont-du-Fossé
Trip organized in partnership with the association Par 4 chemins