GR54 (depuis le Bourg d'Oisans)
The place
The Tour des Écrins (GR®54) is a 10-to-15-day circuit of roughly 220 km that makes a full loop of the Écrins massif, the southernmost high-altitude domain of the French Alps. Starting from Bourg-d'Oisans, it links together high passes (Pas de la Cavale at 2,735 m, Col d'Arsine at 2,340 m, Col du Says at 2,535 m), deep valleys (Vénéon, Valgaudemar, Vallouise) and historic centres of mountaineering (La Grave, Vallouise, Ailefroide). The Écrins massif (whose namesake summit reaches 4,102 m) offers views over glaciers and great faces, giving a rare sense of closeness to the high mountains without crossing their technical limits.
Why go
La Grave and the Meije glacier. Rifugio Enrico Vallot (on the Vallouise side). The Col du Galibier glimpsed from the ridges. The hamlets of La Bérarde and Ailefroide. Lakes Lauvitel and Puy Vachier. Ibex and ptarmigan frequently seen at altitude. The chapel of Vénosc.
A bit of history
The GR54 was laid out by the FFRP in the 1980s to showcase the Écrins National Park, created in 1973. It partly follows old pastoral paths and tracks serving alpine hamlets. The route remained little known until the 2000s, before enjoying a strong resurgence in popularity thanks to Nordic and English-speaking hiking guidebooks.
Getting there
Bourg-d'Oisans: accessible by bus from Grenoble (45 min, regular lines). By car from Grenoble or Briançon via the RN91. The villages crossed along the way (La Grave, Vallouise) are accessible by bus or taxi during the route.
Recommended gear
High technical hiking boots. Trekking poles. Sleeping bag (not all refuges provide blankets). Waterproof clothing. Useful gaiters. High-protection sunscreen. IGN map 1:25,000 (several sheets).
Best season
Mid-July to mid-September. Some passes only clear of snow from July. Refuges open from late June to mid-September. Avoid the All Saints' long weekend in high season (crowds).