The Alpe de Villar is a paradise for young and old! At the gates of the Ecrins national Park, you can savour peaceful alpine pastures, where cows enjoy fresh grass and curious marmots sit up to watch those walking past.

 

The surrounding glaciers and high peaks offer a beautiful backdrop. The streams, the river and the alpine flowers add an idyllic touch. You can have a meal, a snack or stay the night at the mountain huts Refuge de l'Alpe or Refuge de Chamoissière.

Start from the hamlet of Arsine following either the path to the left of the little lake or the wide dirt track along the river. On the way up, follow the famous GR 54 trail (Tour of the Ecrins). After the Gravière parking (it is possible to leave the car here), the path climbs through several switchbacks to pass the 'Pas d'Anna Falque'. At the junction take to the left towards the 'Refuge de l'Alpe'. Soon after, the path reaches a green vale with a wonderful view on the Agneaux and Chamoissière peaks. Continue until you reach the mountain huts at the Alpe de Villar.

YOU ARE HIKING IN THE CENTRAL AREA OF THE ECRINS NATIONAL PARK. The Ecrins Massif is an exceptional environment with a rare natural, cultural and landscape heritage. To protect these riches, painted flags (blue – white – red) mark the central area where specific rules apply. Please follow the rules and regulations indicated by the icons on the information board.

DID YOU KNOW?
Pas d'Anna FAlque (Anna Falque’s step) is named after the legend of a young girl who went down to go to a dance in Villar d'Arene and failed to return due to an unfortunate encounter with the devil…