The Ecrins region in south-east France is located in the heart of the French Alps, surrounded by mountains, stunning scenery and picturesque hilltop villages. Most of the area is contained within the Parc National des Ecrins, meaning the wildlife and landscape that visitors come from all over the world to enjoy is also protected by a team of rangers or “garde moniteurs”. Your first point of call should always be the park visitor centre at Vallouise. Not only can you learn all about the park, its history and is flora and fauna, but you can check the weather forecast, get information about staying safe while exploring this wild scenery and perhaps even join in an organised event.
The Ecrins is popular with visitors all year round, even though the activities on offer in the summer and winter seasons can vary greatly. During the summer, when the weather can be very warm and sunny, outdoor pursuits such as hiking are very popular. The visitor centre has plenty of maps and information on the different routes, while there are also guided tours of you are a beginner. There are also 14 different mountain biking circuits in the park, covering nearly 170 kilometres. No matter how experienced or inexperienced you are on a mountain bike, there will be a trail to suit you, while local experts also offer half and full-day excursions.
More extreme sports are also available, taking advantage of the mountainous terrain in the Ecrins. Climbing is popular, and even beginners can take lessons or try out less difficult activities such as abseiling. White water rafting and kayaking is also available, though it is advised that you only take part in these sports under the supervision of one of the local water sports centres.
In winter, the kinds of activities available to tourists changes, from hiking and cycling, to skiing and snowboarding. There are two main ski centres in the park at Puy St Vincent and Pelvoux-Vallouise. Both offer skiing and snowboarding and have instructors on hand. It is still possible to hike through the snow covered Ecrins Mountains, with several local companies offering “snowshoe trails”. Naturally, you should not attempt one of these hikes without the services of a local guide, as it can be very dangerous when the steep cliffs and gorges are covered by deep snow!
Climbers can really challenge their skills by going ice climbing; using their climbing kit to make their way up frozen waterfalls! Less difficult, but no less unusual an activity, is taking a guided hike on one of the many glaciers in the region.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Ecrins? Then below is a selection of gites in Ecrins and villas in Ecrins that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
