Val d’Escreins: Must-do activities | Vars: Hautes-Alpes ski resort

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 little explorer, get ready to discover a captivating world. From sporty hikes to peaceful strolls and moments of relaxation, this territory is packed with activities to satisfy every desire. And don’t forget the unusual overnight stays in a tepee at the Refuge de Basse Rua in the heart of the Val. A real feeling of immensity and the other end of the world resides in this place where every visitor will travel in this small Canada varsinc.

This land of “green” activities offers unforgettable experiences to live in contact with nature.

For young and old

Walks in the Val

Tétras-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. Signs suitable for children allow everyone to learn about the geology, flora, history or even traditional habitat.Botanical guide available from the tourist office.

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Tour 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.

The 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 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.

The 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.

The 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.

DISCOVER THE WALKS

TOUR THE VAL D’ESCREINS

Vos randonnées à Vars - Le Val d'Escreins

Do you know the legend of Font Sancte?

The story goes that a young shepherdess from Escreins 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.

Hiking - the Oratory and the Font Sancte spring

All levels

Orientation course

The Val d’Escreins offers 3 fun trails with different levels 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 Val. As you find each marker, punch your map in the corresponding box using the clip embedded in the wooden marker. An activity involving analysis, observation and fun!

Trail routes

Le Val en courant

The Val d’Escreins is also a trail area, so don a good pair of trainers and take to the permanent trail paths 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 / confirmed level

distance 9.125 km – D + : 788 m

Dedicated leaflets on 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?

Locate your picnic “spot” among the 33 spaces available for this purpose. Take time over your meal to recover from your emotions. After a good meal, 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! When it comes to the menu, it’s up to you!

The Val d’Escreins reserve is a zero waste area. It is imperative that you take all your rubbish back with you and drop it off at the sorting points in the Vars villages. There are information boards at every spot and be sure to look out for any restrictions on fire bans at the entrance to the Val.

Discover our documentation2MB

Rules to respect
Practical advice
Shuttles

Adopt the right attitude

Respect the itinerary and signposting of developed paths
Wild animals and herds need peace and quiet. Do not make unnecessary noise
Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Do not roll stones down the slopes, as you could injure someone without realising it.
Pastoral zone
Flowers, fruit and berries are protected. Picking prohibited.
Do not make fires outside the areas reserved for this purpose.
Traffic is prohibited for all vehicles, other than service vehicles, after the car park
Bivouacs and campsites prohibited.

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Opening times:

Chalet d’accueil Escreins

9am – 1pm / 2pm – 5pm daily from 5 July to 31 August 2025

A free shuttle bus will serve the Val d’Escreins nature reserve from the resort from 5 July to 31 August 2025.

Discover the timetable1MB

Always more

History of Val d’Escreins

Discover the heritage of this hidden natural gem!

Find out more