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
Val D'escreins 6Let’s set off on some of the most emblematic walks in Vars, with over 200km of footpaths in the area.
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
Mortice Lac Des Neufs Couleurs Lac De L'étoile157
Mortice Lac Des Neufs Couleurs Lac De L'étoile16
Val D'escreins 63With 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 holiday. Aerial, over varied terrain and sometimes at the crossroads of lakes, you’re guaranteed breathtaking panoramas.
Highlights of the hike :
The route along the ridges is grandiose and quite varied, green on the Val d’Escreins side and rockier on the Vars side. It is well worth the effort after climbing the Col de la Scie at the start of the Val d’Escreins, in the middle of the forest sheltered from the sun.
From the ridges, the view is breathtaking and 360 degrees. You’ll love 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 reached via the no less famous Lac des 9 couleurs.
During the fairly steep ascent from the 9 Colours, don’t miss the chasm, accessible via a path to the right of the main trail. You are now at an altitude of 2950m!
From the chasm, continue your tough climb until you reach a second level 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. You’ve been eyeing this hike for a while? It’s normal: you climb up the Rif Bel in this magnificent Val d’Escreins through cembrian pines and larches. After a 2? hour climb, a plateau opens up. 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 and you’ll have earned it!
Climbing the highest Varsincs peaks can sometimes lead to some wonderful encounters. Some high altitude areas 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.
Val D'escreins 25
Val D'escreins 41
Val D'escreins 24Looking for outdoor activities and good places to recharge your batteries? Here are a few suggestions for you to discover.
Discover the Val d’Escreins, an unspoilt valley just a stone’s throw from the resort.
2019 130619150551 Rémi Morel Ot Vars