Hiking - Tour du Grand Pinier
A challenging two-day loop, reserved for experienced hikers, between Champsaur and Vallouise.
This robust loop offers a variety of landscapes that make it a remarkable journey. The Col des Terres Blanches, a geological peculiarity of the Écrins, is striking. The high-altitude lakes and the diverse viewpoints over the surrounding peaks are captivating. The alpine pastures of Saut du Laire and the Vallon des Pisses introduce hikers to pastoral life.
A multitude of landscapes to discover over two days!
Starting from Prapic, the itinerary allows you to explore the alpine pasture of Saut du Laire before reaching the Col des Terres Blanches. This site owes its name to the spectacular gypsum dome that appears to be perched at the pass. The white rocks, eroded by water, offer an astonishing variety of forms. The trail then descends past Lac du Fangeas, and this first day concludes with the arrival at the village of Dormillouse.
The second and final stage of this trek begins in a larch forest and winds between moraines to reach the Col de Freissinières. From there, the trail encounters several lakes: Grand Lac des Estaris, Lac Jumeaux, and Lac des Pisses. The crossing of the Vallon des Pisses leads back to Prapic, thus completing this journey.
Long and difficult loop (significant elevation gain): reserved for hikers accustomed to this type of trek.
Ensure the itinerary's difficulty matches your physical fitness.
Familiarize yourself with your route and verify the access conditions for trails in the area.
Check the weather conditions before your departure.
Carry a sufficiently detailed map and inform a trusted person of your itinerary.
Book your overnight stays in mountain huts or gîtes d'étape.
This robust loop offers a variety of landscapes that make it a remarkable journey. The Col des Terres Blanches, a geological peculiarity of the Écrins, is striking. The high-altitude lakes and the diverse viewpoints over the surrounding peaks are captivating. The alpine pastures of Saut du Laire and the Vallon des Pisses introduce hikers to pastoral life.
A multitude of landscapes to discover over two days!
Starting from Prapic, the itinerary allows you to explore the alpine pasture of Saut du Laire before reaching the Col des Terres Blanches. This site owes its name to the spectacular gypsum dome that appears to be perched at the pass. The white rocks, eroded by water, offer an astonishing variety of forms. The trail then descends past Lac du Fangeas, and this first day concludes with the arrival at the village of Dormillouse.
The second and final stage of this trek begins in a larch forest and winds between moraines to reach the Col de Freissinières. From there, the trail encounters several lakes: Grand Lac des Estaris, Lac Jumeaux, and Lac des Pisses. The crossing of the Vallon des Pisses leads back to Prapic, thus completing this journey.
Long and difficult loop (significant elevation gain): reserved for hikers accustomed to this type of trek.
Ensure the itinerary's difficulty matches your physical fitness.
Familiarize yourself with your route and verify the access conditions for trails in the area.
Check the weather conditions before your departure.
Carry a sufficiently detailed map and inform a trusted person of your itinerary.
Book your overnight stays in mountain huts or gîtes d'étape.