Écrins National Park Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Écrins National Park with our comprehensive tour guide. Explore the best sights, food, and culture of this stunning park in France.


Introduction to Écrins National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes region of France, Écrins National Park covers over 1000 km² of stunning natural landscapes. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as some of the most impressive peaks and natural wonders in all of Europe.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or just want to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery, Écrins National Park is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Écrins National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Centre d’Art contemporain Sainte Colombe

Located in the small village of Sainte Colombe, the Centre d’Art contemporain is a must-visit destination for lovers of modern and contemporary art. The gallery features rotating exhibitions from some of the most respected artists of our time, making it an essential stop for art lovers.

Chateau de Queyras

This stunning 12th-century castle has been beautifully preserved and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. The castle offers guided tours, and visitors can wander through the gardens, admiring the views of the surrounding mountains.

Natural Attractions of Écrins National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Massif des Écrins

With peaks reaching over 4,000 meters, the Massif des Écrins is an incredible hiking destination, full of glaciers, alpine lakes, and breathtaking views. Spring and summer are the ideal times to visit, and there are trails suitable for all levels of hikers.

Glacier Blanc

One of the most incredible sights in the park, Glacier Blanc is an awe-inspiring sheet of ice that flows down from the Ailefroide Mountains. Visitors can hike up to the glacier to enjoy stunning views and perhaps even have a go at ice climbing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Écrins National Park

GR540 Route

The GR540 is a classic long-distance hiking route that runs through the heart of the park, taking in some of its most scenic vistas, including the breathtaking Ecrins glaciers and the Alpe Mont-de-Lans.

VTT-FFC: Les Balcons de la Meije

This stunning mountain biking route follows the highest peaks of the Écrins National Park, passing through high-altitude mountain pastures and forests. From the summit, there are incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding peaks.

Best Things to Do in Écrins National Park: Activities and Tours

Paragliding

Take a bird’s-eye view of Écrins National Park from above with a paraglide trip. Imagine soaring through the sky, taking in the stunning scenery below.

Pony Trekking

Discover the stunning park landscapes of by ponyback, an incredible experience that will make your holiday special.

Week-Long Itinerary for Écrins National Park

This week-long itinerary will help you make your way through some of the best parts of Écrins National Park:

Day 1:

Explore the village of La Grave and spend time admiring Ecrins National Park.

Day 2:

Take on the GR-54 for a stunning Alpine hike, passing through the stunning scenery of the Écrins National Park.

Day 3:

Visit the Centre d’Art contemporain Sainte Colombe for an inspiring art experience, followed by a leisurely walk around the village.

Day 4:

Take on a multi-day trek to discover the glaciers, peaks, and lakes of Écrins National Park.

Day 5:

Experience the ultimate in paragliding adventure by taking to the skies of the Écrins National Park

Day 6:

Take a moment to relax and enjoy the sights of the park.

Day 7:

Visit the historic Chateau de Queyras for a glimpse into the region’s history.

Food and Drink Scene of Écrins National Park

Must-Try Dishes

Sample some of the popular dishes in the region like Tourtons, Daube, and Croissant de Saint Genix while in Écrins National Park,

Local Beverages

Sip on some craft beer, Artisanal cider, Verger de la Blachure in Écrins National Park while taking in the beautiful scenery of one of the most beautiful parks in France.

Where to Stay in Écrins National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Le Cavaillou

Le Cavaillou is a charming bed and breakfast located in the heart of Écrins National Park. The rooms are comfortable and cozy, and breakfasts are personalized according to your palate.

Hotel Eden Lake

For travelers looking for more luxury, the Hotel Eden Lake offers more exclusive accommodation with beautiful lake views.

What to Buy in Écrins National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take home unique regional souvenirs like the local cheese- Tome des Bauges, Poire William, and famous Lavender essentials oils available at the park souvenir store.

Local Culture and Customs of Écrins National Park

Écrins National Park is well known for its rural custom and traditions deep-rooted in farming activities. They consist of horse corrals, sheepfolds, and hay storage and is an integral part of the park’s culture.

Best Time to Visit Écrins National Park

The best time to visit Écrins National Park is between May and September when the weather is mild. The summer months offer sunny days, snow-free mountain tops, and blooming flowers and emerald green pastures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Écrins National Park

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife.
  • Take all litter home with you.
  • Staying on trails and designated areas only.

Don’t:

  • Disturb natural habitats of the wildlife in the park.
  • Pick wildflowers from the park.
  • Leave bottles, cans, or food waste in the park.

Safety and Health

Safety in Écrins National Park

Follow the safety guidelines for hiking, and take necessary precautions while performing adventure activities, and be aware of the weather and terrain conditions.

Health in Écrins National Park

Make sure to bring any necessary medication with you to the park, including mosquito repellant, sunscreen, and hydration packs in case of dehydration.

Getting to Écrins National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Écrins National Park

The nearest airports are Grenoble-Isère Airport, Alpes–Isère Airport, and Chambery Airport in France.

Bus Stations Near Écrins National Park

The closest bus station is the Briançon bus station, which connects to locations in and around the park.

Other Options

The nearest train station to the park is located in Guillestre, which is well-connected to the rest of France.

How to Get Around in Écrins National Park

Several options are available to explore the park, including hiking, biking, and other modes of transportation for adventure enthusiasts.

Where to Go Next from Écrins National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Alpe D’Huez

The famous ski resort, Alpe D’Huez, is situated nearby the park and is a must-visit destination, especially for skiing enthusiasts.

Les Deux Alpes

This ski resort is also located close by Écrins National Park and is a popular destination for winter sports and summer activities, like hiking, mountain biking, and parasailing.

Conclusion

With its incredible natural beauty, cultural attractions, and array of outdoor activities, Écrins National Park is a true gem in the heart of France. Plan your perfect trip today, and see for yourself why this park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe.