Closure of Val d’Escreins
The access road to the Val d’Escreins is closed to traffic due to winter weather conditions. It is due to reopen next spring.
26/11/2025
Thibaut Blais - Val d'escreins-77 (95)Val d'Escreins
Must-do activitiesAre you looking for activities for your summer holidays in an unspoilt natural setting? The Val d’Escreins offers a host of unmissable experiences to help you reconnect with nature and create unique moments. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Val d’Eden!
Le Val
The Green Lung of Vars
The Val d’Escreins is a true paradise for nature lovers. Whether you’re a great adventurer or a budding explorer, get ready to discover a captivating world. From sporty hikes to peaceful strolls and moments of relaxation, there’s something for everyone in this region. And don’t forget the unusual overnight stays in a tepee at the Refuge de Basse Rua in the heart of the Val. There’s a real sense of immensity and being at the other end of the world here, and every visitor will be transported to this little Canada varsinc.
This land of “green” activities offers unforgettable experiences in contact with nature.
Val d'Escreins
Val d'Escreins - landscapes
EV activitiesFor young and old
Walks in the Val
Black grouse trailTétras-Lyre discovery trailGreen level - 1.2 km loop - duration: 1h15
This trail is a must-see in the Val d’Escreins. This educational and botanical trail offers a multi-disciplinary approach to interpreting the environment. There are signs suitable for children, so everyone can learn about the geology, flora, history and traditional habitat. Botanical guide available from the tourist office.
Tour du Val d'EscreinsTour of the Val d'EscreinsGreen level - 5.5 km loop - duration: 1h30
Discover the site through forests and along streams. Take your time and go at your own pace with your family in the heart of unspoilt nature.
Remarkable treesThe trail of remarkable treesBlue level - 8.5 km loop - duration 3h
A walk in the heart of the “genetic” heritage of the Val d’Escreins. Walkers will discover a dozen multi-centenary trees, some of which are over 4 m in circumference.
The oratoryThe oratory and the Font Sancte springLevel Red - 10.4 km round trip - duration: 4h30
In the heart of this unspoilt natural setting, discover this magical valley where flora and fauna form a delightful blend. From the playful torrent of the Rif Bel to the remarkable trees, don’t miss out on this not-to-be-missed spot. A 2h30 hike to the oratory and a further 30 minutes to the spring, in the heart of the unspoilt nature of the Val.
Pointe d'EcreinsThe Pointe d'EscreinsBlack level - 7 km round trip - duration: 4h30 to 5h one way
Are you a seasoned hiker and dream of doing a little 3000 during your holiday? This 4h30 to 5h one-way route will propel you to an altitude of 3038 m and give you an incredible view of the nearby Pic de Panestrel, Pic des Houerts and further afield: Les Ecrins, Ubaye and its Chambeyron peak.
crêtes de VarsThe Vars peaks via the Val d'EscreinsBlack level - 9 km loop - duration: 5h30
This path, where stones and flowers mingle, leads you to the Bois d’Escreins, a veritable rainbow of colours, at the end of which you will discover edelweiss in a field on the edge of the ruinous slope of the dolomitic peaks, with an unmissable panoramic view of the area.
TRAVEL TO VAL D’ESCREINS
Do you know the legend of Font Sancte?
It tells of a young shepherdess from Escreins who used to lead her herd into the Font Sancte valley. To drink, she had to go back down to the torrent, but noticed that one of her goats always went to the same place, only to come back out again a few moments later. Intrigued, the shepherdess followed the goat and discovered “a beautiful spring of clear water”. This gave rise to the legend of Font Sancte or Holy Fountain, the name given to the miraculous spring, a place of pilgrimage for the inhabitants who used to ask for rain when the land was too dry.
All levels
Orientation course
The Val d’Escreins offers 3 fun trails at different levels for you to discover on your own, in a group or as a family. Grab a map and compass from the reception chalet (open from 5 July to 31 August) and set off in search of the wooden markers scattered around the valley. As you find each marker, punch your map in the corresponding box using the clip embedded in the wooden marker. It’s an activity that involves analysis, observation and fun!
vars orientation course
Orientation VarsTrail routes
Le Val en courant
The Val d’Escreins is also a great place for trail running, so put on a good pair of trainers and take to the permanent trail paths, which are suitable for all levels, while discovering a site of rare beauty.
Le Val’vert / beginner level
distance : 3.937 km – D + : 121 m
Le Val’bleu / intermediate level
distance: 9.218 km – D +: 319 m
Le Val’rouge / advanced level
distance 9.125 km – D + : 788 m
Trail VELeaflets covering all the permanent trail routes in Vars and the orienteering courses are available from tourist offices and at the Val reception chalet.
The spotlight
A barbeuc'
After a good day’s walking, what could be better than a good picnic?
Find your picnic spot among the 33 available picnic areas. Take your time over the meal to recover from your emotions. After a good feast, you can choose between a siesta under the trees in the shade or a chat over a cup of coffee. You’ll never see the afternoon go by! As for the menu, it’s up to you!
Val d_Escreins Family _ alpesphotographies.com-99The Val d’Escreins reserve is a zero waste area. It is imperative that you take all your rubbish with you and dispose of it at the sorting points in the villages of Vars. There are information boards at each site, and be sure to look out for any fire restrictions at the entrance to the Val.
Adopt the right attitude
- Respect the itinerary and signs on prepared paths
- Wild animals and herds need peace and quiet. Don’t make unnecessary noise
- Dogs must be kept on a lead.
- Do not roll stones down the slopes, you could injure someone without realising it.
- Pastoral zone
- Flowers, fruit and berries are protected. Picking forbidden.
- Do not light fires outside the designated areas.
- All vehicles, other than service vehicles, are forbidden to drive past the car park.
- Bivouacs and campsites are prohibited.
Opening times :
- Escreins reception chalet
9am – 1pm / 2pm – 5pm every day from 5 July to 31 August 2025
A free shuttle service runs from the resort to the Val d’Escreins nature reserve from 5 July to 31 August 2025.
Always more
History of Val d’Escreins
Discover the heritage of this hidden natural gem!
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