Écrins National Park: A Majestic Alpine Escape
Discover the untamed beauty of Écrins National Park: hiking, mountaineering, and breathtaking alpine scenery in the heart of the French Alps.
Écrins National Park, nestled in the French Alps, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its towering peaks, stunning glaciers, and diverse hiking trails, the park offers a breathtaking alpine experience. Explore its unspoiled wilderness and discover the beauty of the French Alps.
A brief summary to Ecrins National Park
- Place St André, Villar-d'Arêne, 05480, FR
- +33476799962
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Check weather conditions and trail accessibility before heading out, especially during winter or early spring.
- Wear appropriate hiking boots and clothing, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Book accommodations and mountain huts in advance, especially during peak season.
- Visit the park's information centers for maps, trail information, and safety advice.
- Respect the park's regulations to protect its natural environment: no littering, no fires, and no picking flowers.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Grenoble or Briançon, take a regional train to a nearby town like L'Argentière-la-Bessée or Gap. From there, local buses connect to various villages and trailheads within the park. Check the ZOU regional transport website for schedules and routes. Bus fares typically range from €2-€5 for short trips within the park. Keep in mind that bus service may be limited, especially during off-season.
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Car
Several roads provide access to the Écrins National Park. From Grenoble, the D1091 leads to the northern part of the park. From Briançon, the D994 heads south towards the eastern valleys. Be aware that mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Parking is available at most trailheads, but spaces may be limited during peak season. Parking fees, if applicable, are typically around €3-€5 per day. Some roads, especially those leading to high-altitude areas, may be subject to tolls.
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Walking
Once within the park, walking is the primary mode of transport for exploring the trails. Many villages, such as Villar-d'Arêne, are easily navigable on foot. Follow marked trails and be prepared for varying terrain and elevation gains. Remember to consult a map and check the difficulty level of your chosen route before setting out. No cost involved if you are already within the park.
Discover more about Ecrins National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Refuge des Glaciers Alt:3200m
11.5 km
Dine amidst breathtaking alpine views at 3200m in Les Deux Alpes. Refuge des Glaciers: Restaurant, bar, and terrace accessible via Jandri Express.
Le Diable au Cœur
15.5 km
Experience the authentic flavors of France at Le Diable au Cœur, a charming restaurant in Les Deux Alpes, perfect for food lovers and travel enthusiasts alike.
Chalet Odalys Le panorama
16.5 km
Experience alpine charm at Chalet Odalys Le Panorama in Les Deux Alpes, offering stunning views and easy access to year-round adventures.
Hôtel Adret
16.6 km
Experience alpine charm at Hôtel Adret in Les Deux Alpes: cozy rooms, stunning views, and easy access to slopes and summer activities.
TriBeCa
16.6 km
Experience French cuisine and stone-baked pizzas in a cozy, vintage ski-themed restaurant with a warm and friendly atmosphere in Les Deux Alpes.
Village Club MMV Le Panorama
16.7 km
Experience alpine charm and convenient ski access at Village Club MMV Le Panorama in the heart of Les Deux Alpes.
The People - Les 2 Alpes
16.7 km
Experience Les 2 Alpes on a budget! Social hostel with easy access to slopes, dining, and mountain adventures.
Pano Bar
16.7 km
Experience high-altitude après-ski at Pano Bar in Les Deux Alpes, offering grilled cuisine, stunning views, and a vibrant party atmosphere.
Résidence Goléon Val Ecrins
16.7 km
Comfortable apartments in Les Deux Alpes, steps from the slopes, offering year-round alpine adventures and relaxation.
L'Igloo
16.8 km
A casual and welcoming brasserie in Les Deux Alpes, serving up delicious hamburgers and classic French dishes at affordable prices.
Hôtel de la Valentin
16.8 km
Your cozy alpine base in the heart of Les Deux Alpes, offering easy access to slopes and summer activities.
Résidence Nemea Le Hameau
16.8 km
Comfortable holiday apartments in Les Deux Alpes, offering easy access to skiing, mountain biking, and village amenities.
Neige et Soleil - Terrésens - Hôtels & Résidences
16.8 km
Experience a comfortable alpine escape at Neige et Soleil in Les Deux Alpes, offering easy access to slopes, resort amenities, and stunning mountain views.
La Porte d'à Côté
16.8 km
Experience traditional French cuisine with local mountain flavors at La Porte d'à Côté in the heart of Les Deux Alpes. A culinary delight!
Résidence L'Edelweiss - Vacancéole
16.8 km
Comfortable apartments in the heart of Les Deux Alpes, perfect for skiing, hiking, and exploring the French Alps year-round.
Unmissable attractions to see
Glacier cable car of Meije
2.5 km
Discover the breathtaking heights of the Glacier Cable Car of Meije, where adventure and stunning views of the French Alps await.
Gallery Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden Lautaret
5.2 km
Explore the stunning Gallery Alpe Alpine Botanical Garden Lautaret, a unique haven for alpine plants in the heart of the French Alps.
Col du Galibier
6.2 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and exhilarating adventures waiting at Col du Galibier in the heart of the French Alps.
Source de la Romanche
8.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Source de la Romanche, a hidden gem in the French Alps offering stunning landscapes and serene hiking trails.
La Grotte de Glace
10.1 km
Discover the enchanting beauty of La Grotte de Glace, nature's stunning ice cave masterpiece in Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, France.
Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Haute Vallée du Vénéon
12.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Haute Vallée du Vénon Nature Reserve, a haven for outdoor adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
Cascade Gorge de l'enfer
14.8 km
Discover the breathtaking Cascade Gorge de l'Enfer in Valloire, France. A stunning waterfall and gorge perfect for a refreshing natural escape.
Les Grands Bains du Monêtier
15.4 km
Explore the tranquil thermal waters of Les Grands Bains du Monêtier, an idyllic spa retreat in the heart of the French Alps, perfect for relaxation and wellness.
Lac Chambon
15.5 km
Experience the stunning panoramic views of Lac Chambon in Les Deux Alpes, a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Musée Mémoires d'Alpinismes
15.7 km
Discover the rich history of mountaineering at the Musée Mémoires d'Alpinismes, a must-visit destination in the French Alps.
Café-musée Chasal Lento
16.1 km
Discover the charm of Café-Musée Chasal Lento in Les Deux Alpes, where art meets flavor in a picturesque alpine setting.
Skatepark des 2 Alpes
16.7 km
Experience the thrill of skateboarding against the stunning backdrop of the French Alps at Skatepark des 2 Alpes, a must-visit for action sports enthusiasts.
Les Deux Alpes
16.7 km
Discover the enchanting Les Deux Alpes, where stunning alpine landscapes meet thrilling adventures in both winter and summer.
Esf 2 Alpes
16.8 km
Experience the thrill of skiing in the French Alps at ESF 2 Alpes, the premier ski school offering lessons for all skill levels in a breathtaking setting.
Deux Alpes Loisirs
16.9 km
Discover the majestic slopes and vibrant atmosphere of Deux Alpes Loisirs, a premier ski resort in the stunning French Alps.
Essential places to dine
Logis Hôtel le Faranchin
0.2 km
Experience the charm of Logis Hôtel le Faranchin: A perfect blend of comfort and authentic regional cuisine in beautiful Villar-d'Arène.
Refuge du Pré de Madame Carle
15.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Refuge du Pré de Madame Carle: A perfect mountain cabin retreat with exquisite dining amidst breathtaking alpine scenery.
Le relais des écrins
15.6 km
Experience unparalleled hospitality at Le Relais des Écrins—where comfort meets adventure in the heart of the French Alps.
Les Caprices de 1800
16.4 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Les Caprices de 1800 in scenic Les Deux Alpes – where alpine beauty meets culinary delight.
Le Mazot
16.4 km
Discover the flavors of France at Le Mazot in Les Deux Alpes - where exquisite cuisine meets stunning alpine views.
Les Mauvais Garçons
16.6 km
Experience authentic French cuisine amidst stunning alpine scenery at Les Mauvais Garçons in Les Deux Alpes.
La Taverne du Brichon
16.7 km
Experience authentic fondue and regional cuisine at La Taverne du Brichon in stunning Les Deux Alpes - a must-visit culinary destination.
La Patate no escape
16.8 km
Discover authentic French cuisine at La Patate no escape in Les Deux Alpes – a culinary haven amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.
Restaurant La Grange
16.9 km
Experience exceptional French and Italian cuisine at Restaurant La Grange in Les Deux Alpes, where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Umami
16.9 km
Discover Umami in Les Deux Alpes: A top-rated hamburger restaurant blending gourmet flavors with local charm amidst breathtaking mountain views.
Trattoria Pasta Mia
16.9 km
Savor authentic Italian flavors at Trattoria Pasta Mia in Les Deux Alpes - where every meal feels like a warm embrace from Italy.
The Shackleton
16.9 km
Experience the charm of alpine cuisine at The Shackleton in Les Deux Alpes - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Restaurant Côte Brune
16.9 km
Discover authentic French cuisine amidst breathtaking mountain scenery at Restaurant Côte Brune in Les Deux Alpes.
Les Sagnes
17.1 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Les Sagnes – your go-to destination for delightful crepes in breathtaking Les Deux Alpes.
The Soul Kitchen
17.2 km
Discover delicious French cuisine at The Soul Kitchen in Les Deux Alpes - where every meal is a celebration of local flavors and alpine charm.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Skimium - SL SPORTS Les Deux Alpes
16.3 km
Discover top-notch ski rentals and gear at Skimium - SL SPORTS Les Deux Alpes, your gateway to adventure in the French Alps.
Skiset Sports Village
16.4 km
Discover top-notch ski rentals and expert advice at Skiset Sports Village in Les Deux Alpes, your ultimate winter sports destination.
INTERSPORT - Les Deux Alpes - Village 1800
16.4 km
Explore the beauty of Les Deux Alpes with INTERSPORT, your go-to shop for ski and outdoor equipment rentals, perfect for all adventurers.
Casino Shop
16.7 km
Discover quality convenience at Casino Shop in Les Deux Alpes, your go-to destination for fresh food, organic products, and delightful baked goods.
INTERSPORT LE STELLALPES
16.9 km
Explore the Alps with top-quality ski and outdoor equipment rentals at INTERSPORT LE STELLALPES, your adventure hub in Les Deux Alpes.
Somnambulle
16.9 km
Explore the charming boutique Somnambulle in Les 2 Alpes for unique finds and a taste of local culture amidst breathtaking alpine scenery.
Atelier du snowboard
16.9 km
Discover the ultimate snowboarding gear and expert advice at Atelier du Snowboard, Les Deux Alpes' premier snowboard shop.
Aux Compoirs de Provence
16.9 km
Explore a charming gift shop in Les Deux Alpes, offering gourmet groceries, artisanal home goods, and exquisite perfumes for the perfect souvenir.
QUIKSILVER ROXY LES DEUX ALPES
16.9 km
Explore the ultimate destination for stylish outdoor apparel at QUIKSILVER ROXY in Les Deux Alpes—where adventure meets fashion.
Casadambre
17.0 km
Discover the charm of Casadambre, your go-to costume jewelry shop in Les Deux Alpes, offering unique pieces that capture the essence of alpine elegance.
FIRST - SKATESHOP
17.0 km
Explore FIRST - SKATESHOP in Les Deux Alpes for top-notch skate gear and a vibrant skating culture in the heart of the Alps.
Dode Sports
17.0 km
Explore the slopes of Les Deux Alpes with top-quality ski gear and expert advice at Dode Sports, your ultimate ski shop destination.
Volcom Store Les 2 Alpes
17.0 km
Explore the vibrant Volcom Store in Les Deux Alpes for top skateboarding gear and a taste of skate culture.
SPIRIT OF LES 2 ALPES
17.1 km
Explore unique souvenirs and stylish alpine attire at Spirit of Les 2 Alpes, the ultimate shopping destination in the heart of the French Alps.
Noel Sports
17.1 km
Explore the slopes with top-quality gear from Noel Sports, the leading ski shop in Les Deux Alpes, offering expert advice and exceptional service.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Le Bois des Fées
2.2 km
Discover the charm of Le Bois des Fées, a delightful bar and restaurant in La Grave, offering local cuisine and stunning mountain views.
ALP’BAR
2.3 km
Experience the charm of ALP’BAR in La Grave, where delicious pizzas and refreshing drinks meet breathtaking alpine views.
Barre des Écrins
13.5 km
Explore the breathtaking Barre des Écrins, the highest peak in the French Alps, offering stunning views and thrilling outdoor adventures.
L' Alpen
15.4 km
Discover the charm of L' Alpen, a cozy bar in Le Monêtier-les-Bains, offering delightful drinks and a warm alpine atmosphere.
GINTO music lounge
16.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Les Deux Alpes at GINTO Music Lounge, where creative cocktails and lively music create unforgettable moments.
De Prins van Oranje
16.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Les Deux Alpes at De Prins van Oranje, where great drinks and a lively atmosphere await you.
Les Deux Frères
16.6 km
Discover Les Deux Frères, a charming bar and restaurant in Les Deux Alpes, offering delectable cuisine and stunning mountain views in a cozy setting.
Windsor Pub
16.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Windsor Pub in Les Deux Alpes, where locals and travelers unite over drinks and good times in the heart of the French Alps.
Mezzanine
16.9 km
Experience the lively spirit of Mezzanine, a top bar in Les Deux Alpes, where locals and tourists unite for unforgettable après-ski moments.
Umbrella Bar L2A
16.9 km
Experience the warmth and breathtaking views at Umbrella Bar L2A in Les Deux Alpes, where relaxation meets alpine charm.
Ice Restaurant & Bar Les Deux Alpes
17.1 km
Experience the best of French cuisine at Ice Restaurant & Bar Les Deux Alpes, where alpine charm meets culinary excellence.
Jukeboxx
17.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Jukeboxx in Les Deux Alpes, where drinks, music, and fun come together for an unforgettable evening.
K.ré Shooterloungebar
17.2 km
Discover K.ré Shooterloungebar in Les Deux Alpes - the ultimate lounge experience with exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere for every tourist.
Le QG
17.2 km
Experience the best of Les Deux Alpes at Le QG, where delicious burgers, pizzas, and a warm atmosphere await.
Ginette - Bar à cocktails
17.2 km
Discover Ginette, the premier cocktail bar in Les Deux Alpes, where innovative drinks and delightful tapas meet a vibrant alpine atmosphere.
