Ecrins National Park: escaping to a high-altitude refuge

The high-altitude refuges of the Ecrins National Park are authentic getaways and open to all. An ideal first step discovering the mountains and their culture. Alone or with friends, you can share your adventures, memories and getaway plans. It's the perfect way to escape to the heart of the Alps!

Each high-altitude refuge in the Ecrins National Park is an exceptional location, made authentic by its décor, its architecture, its caretakers and your fellow guests for the evening! You can relax here and recharge your batteries over delicious dishes prepared by our hosts. The wardens, in charge of these remote mountain-peak locations, will help you make the most of getting away from it all.

Authenticity and respect for the environment

Before you start making your way up to the refuge, it's important to know the rules and best practices to adopt to enjoy a perfect trip. In the Écrins, the Esprit National Park refuges stand out for their environmentally friendly practices and use of local products: 100% renewable electricity, controlled water consumption, limited light pollution, active waste management, short supply chains, etc. It's this real commitment that makes these high-altitude refuges such pleasant and authentic places to stay…

Font-Turbat refuge, intimate and unique (altitude 1734 metres)

Font-Turbat refuge is the only refuge in the Valjouffrey valley: it is a hiking destination and a stop-off for mountaineers. The meditative walk to this intimate and unique place offers some remarkable places of interest, including the belvedere of the Pisse waterfall. Nestling among the peaks, the little refuge looks both unreal but connected to its mountainous maze. You can daydream before the Olan (3564 m) and Pic des Souffles (3091 m), standing proudly in front of your hideaway.

Experience the adventure of the Vallonpierre Pass (altitude 2607 metres)

From the lake beside the Vallonpierre refuge, the path leading to the col is a wonderful adventure. When you get there, you'll find yourself between two different landscapes: on one side, the Valgaudemar, a narrow valley with high peaks and Himalayan terrain. On the other side, The Champsaurn a valley dotted with fields and hedgerows. The Vallonpierre is one of the 14 high-altitude passes of the legendary GR®54. The climb offers a splendid finale in rocky surroundings. Once there you face the Sirac (3441 m), the Écrins most southerly summit, with its mesmerising charm.

On your way to the refuge of Les Clots admire the Lovitel Lake (altitude 1441 metres)

.