Opening of Val d’Escreins
The access road to Val d’Escreins will be reopened to traffic on Saturday May 17, 2025.
14/05/2025
Val D'escreins 6Sports hiking
Taking on the summits!Let’s head off for some of Vars’ most emblematic hikes, among the 200km of footpaths that make up the territory.
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Val D'escreins 63Walking
Like never before
With your hiking boots sharpened, bag packed, camera recharged and mind of steel, you’re all set to discover 2 of the most exhilarating hikes of your vacation. Aerial, over varied terrain and sometimes at the crossroads of lakes, you’re guaranteed breathtaking panoramas.
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2019 090819112149 Rémi Morel Ot VarsAs if you were there
Highlights of the hike:
The route along the ridges is grandiose and quite varied, from the verdant Val d’Escreins side to the stonier Vars side. After climbing the Col de la Scie at the start of the Val d’Escreins, you’ll have to earn your way through the forest, sheltered from the sun.
The view from the crests is breathtaking, 360 degrees. You’ll appreciate the surprisingly shaped rocks.
The edelweiss meadows of the Col de la Coulette and the splendid view of the mystical Vallon Laugier.
The 3 in 1:
Comprising 3 summits, La Mortice is accessed via the no less famous Lac des 9 couleurs.
On the steep ascent from the 9 couleurs, don’t miss the chasm, accessible via a path to the right of the main trail. You’re now at an altitude of 2950m!
From the chasm, you continue your tough climb until you reach a second landing with large slabs. All that remains is to reach the Mortice Sud, the most commonly climbed summit.
An incredible panorama of the Ubaye mountains awaits you.
Starting point: Val d’Escreins Nature Reserve:
Here’s a 3000 that requires you to get up at the crack of dawn. If you’ve been eyeing this hike for a while, you’re in luck: it takes you up the Rif Bel into the magnificent Val d’Escreins, through cembrian pines and larches. After 2h30 of climbing, a plateau opens up to you. Even a few marmots greet you. Head for the Col de Houerts, just before the famous Pointe d’Escreins comes into view. The view is incredible: Pic de Panestrel, Font Sancte, Pic des Houerts all close by, and further away: Les Écrins, Ubaye and its Brec de Chambeyron.
You’ve got your 3000! You’ve earned it!
Wildlife
Beautiful encounters
Climbing the highest Varsincs peaks can sometimes lead to some wonderful encounters. Certain altitudes are ideal for spotting ibex, chamois and birds of prey. These include the Mortice, the Oratoire de la Font Sancte and the Pointe d’Escreins. But be warned: you can’t be lucky every time, and above all, you must respect the local fauna and not disturb our animal friends who live here in their natural environment.
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Val D'escreins 24Complete
your stay
Looking for outdoor activities and good places to recharge your batteries? Here are a few suggestions for you to discover.
Always more
Val d’Escreins
Discover the Val d’Escreins, an unspoilt valley just a stone’s throw from the resort.
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