Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur·France

GR54 Tour des Écrins

Duration

9-14 days

Distance

189 km

Elevation gain

11145 m

Max altitude

2752 m

The GR54 Tour des Écrins offers an immersive experience in the heart of the emblematic Écrins massif in the Hautes-Alpes. This 189 km loop traverses varied landscapes: rocky summits, vertiginous cliffs, crystalline mountain lakes, dense forests, and wild valleys. Over 9 to 14 days, hikers accumulate 11,145 m of positive elevation gain, with a maximum altitude of 2,752 m. This circular trek crosses the most beautiful sectors of the Écrins massif in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, revealing caves and remarkable panoramas at each stage. The itinerary demands endurance and commitment in the face of authentic alpine conditions. Accessibility without a personal vehicle is facilitated by the TER train station in Argentière-la-Bessée (Grenoble-Briançon line, Paris-Briançon night train), from which regular shuttles depart to Vallouise and Ailefroide. Connections via Zou 55 buses also serve the La Grave sector. Thanks to the circular nature of the route, a single access point is sufficient to begin the adventure.

SummitsCliffsCavesLakesForestsValleys

Stages

days

DifficultyModerate

Duration / day5h45

Distance / day15.8 km

Elev. gain / day+995 m

Hardest stage

3Refuge du Pré La Chaumette

21.3 km · +1,560 m · 8h15

Departure	Arrival	Accommodation on arrival	Duration	Distance	+Elev.	−Elev.
1 La GraveVillage	Camping des Deux GlaciersCamping	CampingCamping des Deux Glaciers	7h15	22.7 km	+1,028 m	−1,022 m
2 Le Monêtier-les-BainsVillage	L'AiglièreRefuge	RefugeChalet au fil de l'Onde RefugeL'Aiglière CampingCamping GCU de Vallouise	7h00	21.7 km	+1,007 m	−1,295 m
3 VallouiseVillage	Refuge du Pré La ChaumetteRefuge	RefugeRefuge du Pré La Chaumette	8h15	21.3 km	+1,560 m	−950 m
4 Refuge du Pré La ChaumetteRefuge	Refuge de VallonpierreRefuge	RefugeRefuge de Vallonpierre	4h30	9.7 km	+1,108 m	−641 m
5 Refuge de VallonpierreRefuge	Relais de la VaurzeRefuge	RefugeRelais de la Vaurze RefugeLa Charrière CampingLes eaux douces	6h00	22 km	+513 m	−1,727 m
6 Villar-LoubièreVillage	Les AriasRefuge	RefugeLes Arias RefugeAuberge de l'Éterlou	6h45	15.3 km	+1,554 m	−1,344 m
7 Les AriasRefuge	Gîte d'étape le BérangerRefuge	RefugeGîte d'étape le Béranger	4h15	8.7 km	+1,025 m	−992 m
8 Gîte d'étape le BérangerRefuge	Refuge de la MuzelleRefuge	RefugeRefuge de la Muzelle	5h00	8.9 km	+1,357 m	−513 m
9 Refuge de la MuzelleRefuge	Les Petites SourcesRefuge	RefugeLes Petites Sources	4h30	18.6 km	+219 m	−1,642 m
10 Villard-Notre-DameVillage	Club Med Alpe d'HuezRefuge	RefugeHôtel Le Pic Blanc RefugeL’Écrin d’Huez RefugeHôtel les Bergers RefugeLagrange Vacances Alpenrose RefugeClub Med Alpe d'Huez	4h30	10.8 km	+922 m	−94 m
11 HuezVillage	Le GayCamping	CampingLe Gay	4h45	13.9 km	+718 m	−694 m
12 BesseVillage	La GraveVillage	RefugeHôtel des Alpes RefugeGîte Le vieux Guide CampingCamping Le Gravelotte RefugeHôtel Le Serac RefugeGîte Le Rocher	5h30	15.4 km	+927 m	−1,024 m

Elevation profile

Download GPX

How to get there

Public transport

Fully accessible

Argentière-la-Bessée TER Train Station (Grenoble-Briançon line, Paris-Briançon night train). Shuttles to Vallouise/Ailefroide (departures 7:20 a.m., 9:05 a.m., 2:50 p.m., 7 p.m.). Zou 55 bus to La Grave. Circular trek, a single access point is sufficient.

More information

By car

Google Maps directions