Custom Tour of the Écrins
One of the most intense, alpine, and wild itineraries in the massif: deep valleys, glacial rivers, high mountain passes, perched villages, and mountain huts in the heart of the National Park.
Local Expertise
Based in the Champsaur–Valgaudemar area, I offer in-depth local knowledge of the trails, route variations, snow conditions, mountain huts, and possible alternatives.
Who Is It For?
Highlights of the Custom Made Trip
A fully personalized experience in the heart of the Écrins National Park
Complete Customization
Duration from 3 to 10 days, itinerary customized to your preferences and abilities
Professional Guidance
Led by Marc Pawlak, state-certified Mountain Guide
100% National Park Immersion
Wildlife, flora, glacial geology, and preserved alpine landscapes
Choice of Accommodation
Mountain huts, guesthouses, or bivouac depending on your preferences
Adapted Elevation Gain
Route options adjusted according to weather, fitness level, and goals
Safety
Management of storms, snow sections, and exposed terrain
Partial Tour "Heart of Valgaudemar"
A Perfect Mid-Season Option for a Wilder Trek
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Valgaudemar, a secret and preserved valley of the Écrins National Park.
Indicative program: flexible and adaptable depending on the group, preferences, and mountain conditions.
Itinerary
3 to 4 days
Flexible depending on your fitness level
Regular hikers
Adaptable elevation gain
Mountain huts
Located in the heart of the National Park
High mountain environment
Hanging glaciers, wild and silent landscapes
Highlights
- Authentic high-mountain atmosphere
- Hanging glaciers and breathtaking panoramas
- Wild and peaceful environment
- Traditional huts in the National Park
Sporty South–North Crossing of the National Park
Experience the legendary atmosphere of the GR54, with its high mountain passes and breathtaking panoramas
A full south-to-north crossing of the Écrins National Park, following the iconic passes of the GR54.
This demanding alpine trek rewards your effort with spectacular landscapes: the Olan, the Vieux Chaillol, the Valsenestre rock formations, the famous 50 switchbacks of La Muzelle, and Lake Lauvitel...
Optional Extension
This trip can be extended to 7 days, starting from Champoléon and passing through the Vallonpierre mountain hut.
Main Stages
5 to 7 days
Optional extension from Champoléon
Challenging
Good physical condition required
July to September
Optimal conditions
GR54
The "French Himalaya" traverse
Highlights
- The GR54 atmosphere: the Alps' legendary trek
- High mountain passes: Col de Vaurze, Col de la Muzelle
- Panoramic views: Olan peak, Vieux Chaillol
- Crossing the "French Himalaya": spectacular alpine landscapes
- Valsenestre rock formations: striking geological features
- The 50 switchbacks of La Muzelle: a legendary ascent
- Lake Lauvitel: a jewel of the National Park
Complete Tour of the Écrins (8 to 12 days)
The full tour: an exceptional adventure around the wildest massif in the French Alps
The complete Écrins circuit is a remarkable alpine journey, showcasing the full diversity of the massif: glacial valleys, high mountain passes, characterful villages, and high-altitude mountain huts.
Full Route
Valgaudemar → Valjouffrey → Vénéon → Briançonnais → Embrunais → Champsaur → return
Optional Variants
8 to 12 days
Flexible depending on your preferences
Advanced
Good endurance and mountain experience required
Mountain huts & guesthouses
A wide variety of atmospheres
A complete circuit
Explore all facets of the massif
Highlights
- Incredible diversity of valleys: a new landscape every day
- Human encounters: hut wardens, shepherds, and locals
- Variety of geology & landscapes: from limestone to granite
- Breathtaking viewpoints over the park's iconic peaks
- Full immersion: complete disconnection for 8 to 12 days
Available Accommodation
- National Park huts (Vallonpierre, Olan, Clôt, La Lavey…)
- Valley guesthouses (Valjouffrey, Valsenestre, Villar-d'Arêne…)
- More comfortable accommodation available on request
- Bivouac and camping
- Half-board / organized picnic lunches
Safety & Expertise
- Weather and snow analysis (passes, snowfields early season)
- Risk management: storms, heat, steep sections, fatigue
- Daily adaptation of the itinerary
- Broad guiding experience: families, clubs, international clients, adapted groups
- Strict respect of Écrins National Park regulations
- Ethical approach: Leave No Trace principles & responsible bivouacking
Recommended Equipment
Indicative list - a detailed checklist is provided depending on the season and group level
Pricing & Booking
Personalized quote based on your needs