The Pays des Écrins Super Noir (trail no. 15)

Description

A complete circuit of the mountain trail area, the best possible way to soak up the atmosphere of the Pays des Écrins! Breathtaking panoramas, paths hugging iconic peaks, high lakes, alpine meadows, larch forests… Cover more than 100 kilometres through the Pays de Écrins to discover the diversity of this region in terms of landscapes and flora and fauna This trail route takes you on a complete circuit of the Pays des Écrins, through the many valleys that make up this region! - The first stage crosses the Durance valley before rising uphill towards Montbrison and passing over into the Vallouise valley. The route continues via the Col de Vallouise and on to Ailefroide, offering an unrivalled view of Mont Pelvoux. As you pass through Ailefroide, take the opportunity to admire this ancient hamlet with its alpine pastures, which has lost none of its charm and is surrounded by high granite walls. This stage culminates with a stretch along the Gyr until you come to Vallouise. - The next stage runs from Vallouise to Puy Saint-Vincent. After passing through the larch trees at the Col de la Pousterle, you cross another two wild valleys, the valleys of Le Fournel and Freissinières. After running beneath the cliffs of the Tête de Gaulent, the route continues on to Champcella, a pretty crossroads between the valleys of Freissinières and La Durance. - After passing through La Chapelle de Rame and La Roche-de-Rame, this last stage closes the loop in beautiful fashion with an ascent up to Lac de l'Ascension. You then have to reach Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières to complete this circuit of more than 100 km.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• This route can be undertaken in several Stages, in the form of a rambling circuit.
• The GPS track starts in Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières but the trail can be started at any welcome centre (“Base d’Accueil”) within the Pays des Écrins.
• The N94 is a dangerous and busy road, take care when crossing it.
• Before setting off, it is very important to check the opening periods for this route on the website: https://stationdetrail.com/fr/stations/le-pays-des-ecrins/parcours
• Share your photographs on social networks with #stationdetrailecrins
• Check weather conditions before setting off
• Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne (Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
• Show consideration for the work of farmers, livestock keepers and owners
• Close all gates behind you
• Take your litter home
• Do not take shortcuts across pastureland
• The trail routes are also suitable for walking

Getting there

Start: Camping de l’Iscle de Prelles, Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières, Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/959466-Trail-N15---Le-super-noir-du-Pays-des-Ecrins). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 6,912 m, Parc national des Écrins