Le Val d’Escreins | Vars: Hautes-Alpes ski resort

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We disconnect

at Val d'Eden

Since 1964, Le Val d’Escreins has been a protected nature area in the heart of the commune of Vars, a veritable haven of peace. On the programme: 25km² of natural space from an altitude of 1600m to 3385m to the summit of Font Sancte, the highest point of the reserve and park.

The Val d’Escreins is accessible via a corniche road that runs from the north side of the Col de Vars (D902). You’ll soon feel the change in atmosphere, the powerful charge of nature that opens up before you.

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Your experience

Nature

The Val at a walk, trot or gallop

Take in the various walks on offer at your own pace. Go for a short, fun hike with the kids, head off a little further if you’re a good walker and do a “3000” towards the Pointe d’Escreins via the Col des Houerts!

The Val d’Houerts is the perfect place for a hike.

Fauna and Flora lesson

An immersion in the Val d’Escreins involves observing everything around you. Keep your eyes and ears wide open for eagles, ptarmigan, black grouse, chamois, mountain hare and the ‘star’ of our mountains, the marmot. As for the flora, don’t forget your camera, as your shots will be enhanced by a variety of flowers and other incredible natural species: Scots pines, spruces, larches, gentians, edelweiss and even the Alpine blue aster.

Put yourself on “pause”

Time for a picnic, a barbecue by the water in the many reserved areas or a nice restaurant on the terrace… and time seems to stand still. The choice is yours!

All the activities in the Val

En Immersion

Access
Activities
The right attitude
Shuttle

The Val d’Escreins nature reserve is accessible by car from the D902, on the high-Alpine side.

The access road is currently open until autumn and its first snows.

A multitude of activities can be enjoyed at Val d’Escreins. Hiking of course, but also trail running thanks to our various permanent itineraries, orienteering, or simply contemplation and rejuvenation.

Discover our activities

The Val d’Escreins is a nature reserve.

As a result, certain rules must be observed:

-Keep your dogs on a lead

-Do not litter in the countryside

-Bivouacs and camping prohibited

-Do not make fires outside the designated areas (barbecue area)

-Gathering prohibited: protected species

-Do not make unnecessary noise: wild animals and herds need peace and quiet

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A free shuttle service to the Val d’Escreins nature reserve from the villages of Vars, from 5 July to 31 August 2025

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A breath

of nature

That’s how we like to call the Val. A land in the middle which can be discovered as if it were a parallel world. Nestling between the Vars and Queyras valleys, it forms a link between the two thanks to its jagged, aerial peaks, a veritable work of art by Mother Nature. The impression of wild immensity with its forests, torrents and altitude, as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit the valley, have earned it the nickname of Petit Canada Varsinc. A nature reserve, protected from any human impact, this postcard will remain unchanged in its natural purity, allowing every visitor to come here and draw inspiration for rejuvenation and meditation through contemplation or nature sports.

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A day in Escreins

Start your day with a hike in the Val d’Escreins. Discover the beauty of this unspoilt valley as you pass through larch forests and verdant mountain pastures. You may also spot wild animals such as chamois and marmots. For your lunch break, find a peaceful spot for a picnic in the heart of nature. Take the opportunity to relax and sunbathe while admiring the surrounding peaks. And for those who want to make the pleasure of a visit to the Val d’Escreins last longer, head to the refuge, which offers overnight accommodation in rooms and dormitories, as well as the more unusual option of a tipi for hikers and budding adventurers. A guaranteed change of scenery for all those who try it, with the one and only risk of becoming addicted to this nature and gourmet bath.

Always more

Take to the summits!

Take a look at some of our finest sporting hikes

Find out more

Le Val d'Escreins