> Explore one of France’s wildest national parks on kid-friendly trails
> Spot waterfalls, wildlife, and glaciers along the way
> Sleep in welcoming huts and a cozy alpine inn
The Family Parc des Écrins Tour is a 4-day hut-to-hut adventure designed for families looking to enjoy the French Alps without technical challenges. This route through the Écrins National Park offers quiet trails, moderate distances, and unforgettable views; perfect for young hikers (aged 8+) and parents alike. Think four-day hut-to-hut hiking in the Alps, with a distinctly French twist.
You’ll hike between Refuge des Clots, Refuge du Fay, and RestAuberge La Reine Meije in Les Terrasses, all family-friendly stops with hearty food and stunning surroundings. Along the way, enjoy alpine meadows, mountain streams, and maybe even spot a chamois or marmot. This is nature, adventure, and bonding time. All in one scenic adventure!
Note: This adventure partly follows the famous GR54 route. It includes most of stage 3, from the northernmost point of the route where the streams of the Rif Tort and Rif Blanc meet near Plateau d'Emparis, and all of stage 4, from Les Terrasses to Villar d'Arène.
From the shores of Lake Chambon's turquoise waters, just below the village of Mizoën, go up the path that zigzags towards the village. The route plunges you immediately into the tranquil landscapes of the Écrins National Park, taking you through wooded areas, open slopes and meadows above the lake.
Follow the path through the larch and pine forest, which overlooks Mizoën and the Chambon dam. Pass traditional stone hamlets such as Les Aymes, continuing along a trail that ascends gradually through a sloping area. Here, the path narrows and cuts the rocky hillside in half. This section is somewhat more exposed, but still safe, requiring a little more attention.
As the landscape becomes greener, passing through tranquil alpine meadows and woods, the Refuge des Clots will come into view. The refuge offers a warm welcome, the chance to explore the surrounding nature and the opportunity to enjoy a hearty dinner while watching the sun set over Lac de Chambon!
The second stage begins with a gradual ascent, which levels out further on as you approach Chalets du Fay, where you will be staying tonight. As you climb through alpine pastures and sparse larch forests, the valley opens up to reveal stunning views of the Écrins mountain range.
The higher you go, the more spectacular the scenery becomes. Keep an eye out for grazing chamois and listen to the sound of mountain streams flowing down the slopes, especially the waterfalls from the Riusseau de la Pisse, which you will reach after the first kilometre. Next come impressive views with natural balconies overlooking the peaks of La Meije and Le Râteau, two of the region's most iconic summits.
The final section traverses open meadows, where you can either take a slight detour to the Mouterres Refuge for incredible views or continue on to your hut. The Refuge du Fay is perched above the valley and offers stunning views in all directions. It's the perfect place to relax with a warm drink on the terrace while watching the sunset paint the peaks golden. Now, relax and recharge for tomorrow!
This is a flowing traverse from high alpine pasture into the edge of the valley, with wide views for much of the way. The path stays easy on the eye and steady underfoot, crossing the open slopes of the Plateau d’Emparis before turning gradually toward La Grave. Along the way, the scenery keeps shifting from grassy uplands and little streams to sharper mountain walls, with the Écrins skyline slowly taking over the horizon.
From the refuge, the trail climbs gently toward Col du Souchet, then settles into a long, airy crossing past Lamparis and the Ruisseau de Galan. The ascent is never too wild, just enough to gain the shoulder of the plateau and open up the views. After that, the route starts to tip downward, passing the Torrent du Gâ and a series of lookouts above La Grave, where the massif begins to feel suddenly close and properly dramatic.
The final approach drops more clearly on zigzags and old tracks, with the chapel and the viewpoints above the village adding a last bit of character. Roofs appear below, the valley comes into focus, and the trail eases into Les Terrasses with that good end-of-day feeling. It is a gentle arrival in a lived-in mountain hamlet, a fine place to land after a stage that spends most of its time high, open and full of space.
This is a short valley stage with an easy rhythm, linking one mountain village to the next beneath the big walls of the Écrins. It begins with glacier views above the rooftops, then drops gently through the edge of the village and follows a quieter line along the valley floor. The route feels relaxed, but never dull, with the river close by and the landscape opening and closing in soft waves.
From the houses, the trail descends steadily from the panoramic viewpoint and threads through the village before heading east on a calm track above the Romanche. The path keeps an easy flow as it passes riverside stretches, small viewpoints and open patches with good looks into the gorge. Midway through, the route crosses the river, a nice little shift in the walk, then continues on the far bank toward the next cluster of houses.
The last part rises gently into the village, with the streets of Villar d’Arène appearing almost all at once after the quieter riverside approach. It is an easy arrival, the kind that sneaks up on you, and the change from water and trees to stone houses feels just right. A simple stage, maybe, but one with a fine sense of place when you step into the village and settle in for the night.
