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Wildlife and Mountains

Ref # FRWM
About France
How to Book

Highlights:

  • Hiking stages well designed
  • Ecrins: vastest, most preserved and most "savage" French national park.
  • A paradise for mountain fauna and flora.
  • Exclusive panoramas on Meije, Pelvoux and the Ecrins.
  • Cordial, convivial and authentic reception, in small mountain villages.
  • Discovery of local customs and traditions.
Duration:9 days
Group size:4 to 12 persons
Available Dates and Costs From:
06/20/2009 - 06/29/2009$3780Available
08/07/2009 - 08/15/2009$3780Available

Services + :

  • Arrive Sooner - Stay Longer
  • Single Supplement
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What's Included:

  • Meeting/assisting at airport
  • Experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional hiking guide (European Mountain Leader)
  • Lodging in mentioned hotels, inns, or similar, based on double occupancy ; 1 night in refuge (shared accommodation)
  • Full board during the entire trip (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 9)
  • All transfers as indicated, private minibus or taxi
  • Transport of the luggage from one accommodation to another
  • All mentioned visits in Parks and sites as written in the program.

A semi precious adventure travel destination and a unique hiking trip in very preserved mountain ranges of France, for you to discover the Ecrins-Oisans, the Brianconnais and the Valgaudemar valleys.

Europe, France

France is the most visited country in the world, for it's chic, it's charm, it's "je ne sais quoi"! Very varied landscapes, customs, traditions and characteristics over an area a little bigger than twice the size of Colorado.

  • Trip Summary
  • Detailed Itinerary
  • Important Information
  • Image Gallery

Trip Summary

About the Adventure

Last wild paradise... a high alpine mountain range full of pride... Mythical summits such as Meije and the Ecrins... An integral tour of the Oisans Mountains between wild valleys, traditional hamlets and imposing panoramas... In the evening, cordial mountain reception and convivial dinner to allow us to set out again the next day on the right foot!

Itinerary

  • Day 1/ Arrival Marseille, transfer to Aix en Provence (South)
  • Day 2/ The Auberts - Pass (8,553 feet) - Vallonpierre refuge  
  • Day 3/ Chabournéou refuge (6,555 feet) - transfer to Chapelle en Valgaudemar (3,576 feet) 
  • Day 4/ Vaurze Pass (8,202 feet) - Désert-en-Valjouffrey (4,117 feet) - transfer to Valbonnais (2,625 feet)
  • Day 5/ Transfer to Valsenestre (4,249 feet) - Muzelle Pass (8,573 feet) - Vénosc (3,281 feet) 
  • Day 6/ Transfer to  Besse-en-Oisans - plateau of Emparis - Villard d'Arène
  • Day 7/ Pont d'Arsine - Arsine Pass (7,677 feet) - Monêtier (4,86 feet)
  • Day 8/ Grangettes Pass - Eychauda Lake - Aix en Provence (south)
  • Day 9/ Transfer to Marseille airport for flight home.

Detailed Itinerary

The Adventure

In this last wild paradise, a proud alpine mountain range and a famous National Park, this voyage leads to the discovery of myth-like tops such as Meije and the Ecrins. Since 1913, Bérarde Park, managed by the National Forest, is one of the first natural reserves destined to protect the environment. It is only in 1973, after having been the Pelvoux Park, that this fifth National Park in France is created, (ten years after the creation of the Vanoise Park). Its geology reveals a complex and ramified mountain range. Many deep and wild valleys shelter villages withdrawn from the world, often dominated by glaciers and slim peaks. An integral tour in seven days through the Oisans, Briançonnais and Valgaudemar valleys.
A superb mountain escapade, with imposing panoramic balcony paths, the loneliness of the summits and passages of altitude between the various slopes of the Ecrins.

Itinerary

Day 1/  Arrival in Marseille - Reception and night close by to Aix-en-Provence
As soon as you arrive at Marseilles-Provence airport, a taxi leads you to your hotel located at 15 min from the airport, in the middle of a small village in Provence, 10 min away from far from Aix-en-Provence. You will be welcomed there by your guide. Presentation of the course of the stay and visit of Aix-en-Provence according to participants' arrivals. Night at the Auberge BOURRELLY ***.

Day 2/  The Auberts (4,921 feet) - Pass (8,553 feet) and Vallonpierre (7,457 feet) refuge
 
After breakfast, departure for the Alps! We cross Provence while going up along the Durance River, by finally penetrating the heart of Ecrins mountain range by the valley of Champsaur (2h30). Carefully beginning our first day of walking, we slowly hike up along the Champoléon river to the Pre of Chaumette hut....Here the steepness of the slope becomes more apparent and the laced path climbs up by a small valley in order to reach the highest point of the day, the Vallette pass. We are then under the imposing mass of Sirac (11,289 feet), A myth-like summit of alpinism in the Oisans. Our route continues, on a balcony path under Sirac, to climb over the small Gouiran pass (8,520 feet) before joining the Vallonpierre pass. A short constant descent and here we are at the Vallonpierre refuge located in the middle of the mountain pastures, on the edge of a small lake. Night in refuge with showers.
For this evening, you will need to have brought with you a change of clothes as the Vallionpierre refuge is not accessible by car and you will not have your travel bag until the next day at Chapelle en Valgaudemar.
6 H walk - Ascent: 4,265 feet - Descent: 1,739 feet.

Day 3/  Chabournéou refuge (6,555 feet) - Alpages of Tirière -  Gioberney Chalet (5,387 feet) - Chapelle en Valgaudemar (3,576 feet)  
Today's stage, much more peaceful, will pass under the glaciers and we will encounter a exceptional density of mountain flowers and chamois protected by the Park. This will enable us to regain our strength before tomorrow's next great stage!
We continue our tour around Sirac to go under its Northern face this time, where majestic glaciers hang. We then arrive at the small Chabourneou refuge and continue under the walls of Beaume Rousse (6,890 feet) to arrive at the Pis hut (6,703 feet) camouflaged under an enormous rock. By a tight laced path we then go up to the Tiriere hut (7,343 feet) from where one can enjoy a straight on shot of the Valgaudemar valley. We then go down through mountain pastures and forests of larches to the Gioberney country cottage-refuge located in the middle of an immense glacial circus. Short transfer to Chapelle en Valgaudemar. Night at the Mont Olan Hotel**
4 H walk - Ascent: 984 feet - Descent: 3,051 feet.

Day 4/  Villar Loubière (3,445 feet) - Vaurze Pass (8,202 feet) - Désert-en-Valjouffrey (4,117 feet) - Valbonnais (2,625 feet)
After a short transfer (5 min) we leave the small village of Villar Loubière to hike up, by way of a beautiful laced path, to the Souffles refuge. During this hike, we are able to admire, on our left, some vertical organs (carved rocks). This refuge is a small haven of peace overhanging the valley and it is the ideal place for a pause. We then continue our ascent while passing under the cliffs of the Souffles mountain range to finally arrive at Vaurze pass. We admire, for the last time, the majestic Mont Olan (11,693 feet) before going to Valjouffrey to join the Desert hamlet, a sort of end of the world place which well bears its name. Transfer to Valbonnais (15 min). Night in either The Blue Thistle Hotel ("Hotel of Tourism") or in The Beau Site" Bed and Breakfast.
8 H walk - Ascent: 5,085 feet - Descent: 4,101 feet.

Day 5/  Transfer to the Hameau of Valsenestre (4,249 feet) - Muzelle Pass (8,573 feet) - Vénosc (3,281 feet
Short transfer to Valsenestre (15 min), a small mountain hamlet nested in the middle of the Beranger natural reserve. Peaceful beginning to our excursion by hiking up the Combes brook, in the shade of the larches, to the Cantine hut (5,348 feet). Then the true ascent of the Muzelle pass begins, still on the edge of the Combes brook but steeper yet. In the last meters before the pass, the path is quite steep and the mountain ambiance is assured... But once the pass is reached, the panorama that the Lake of Muzelle (6,890 feet) offers and the imposing glacier which is reflected in it, will quickly make you forget the physical effort! Descend along the side of the lake to enjoy a picnic before continuing along the Pisse brook to Venosc. During the descent, we will be able to admire many cascades. Night at the Château hotel of Muzelle*.
7 H walk - Ascent: 4,429 feet - Descent: 5,577 feet.

Day 6/  Transfer to  Besse-en-Oisans (5,085 feet) - plateau of Emparis - Villard d'Arène (5,446 feet)
Transfer to the village of Besse-en-Oisans (35 min). Across the Emparis plateau where herds graze facing the proud, white summit of "Queen Meije" (13,068 feet)....it is unforgettable! We will then walk by the Chazelet and the Grave (4,888 feet), two beautiful mountain villages that have managed to preserve their architecture and their charms. Still a small ascent along the impetuous waters of the Romanche's torrent and here we are in Villar of Arêne, a charming village dominated by the Meije massif and its suspended glaciers. Night at the Auberge aux 3 Frênes**.
6 h walk - Ascent: 2,953 feet - Descent: 2,625 feet.

Day 7/  Pont d'Arsine (5,479 feet) - Arsine Pass (7,677 feet) - Monêtier (4,86 feet)
The route follows the Romanche river woodlands before climbing to the alpine grasslands of the Arsine pass. The Agneaux mountain and its glaciers that we leave right here gives (no "s") birth to the Petit Tabuc, an amazing torrent with turquoise reflections that winds in the meadows. We descend along that stream through the woods to reach the Casset hamlet, on the banks of the Guisane. Then, the trail descends until Monêtier-les-Bains along the Guisane. The possibility of an evening swim in the thermal bath waters of Monetier. Overnight at the Hotel Alliey ***.
5 h 30 walk - Ascent: 2,296 feet - Descent: 2,,789 feet.

Day 8/  Grangettes Pass (8,806 feet) - Eychauda Lake (8,248 feet) - Chambran (5,610 feet) - Provence
We hike back to the Grand Tabuc valley in the cool shade of the pines. As soon as arriving at the upper limit of the forest, we switch glens to head back up to the Montagnole valley. We take then a small corridor, which goes up to the Grangettes pass. The ascent to the pass is quite steep at the end, but the grandiose panorama rewards us for our effort. We are now overlooking the great lake of Eychauda which reflects the Seguret glaciers. We then descend until the abandoned Chambran hamlet, the end of our tour of the Ecrins region. Transfer back to Aix (3 h). Night at the Auberge BOURRELLY ***.
6 h 30 walk - Ascent: 3,937 feet - Descent: 3,182 feet.

Day 9/  Transfer to the airport
According to your flight time, taxi transfer to the Marseille airport.

Itinerary Notes

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior  notice.

Luggage Tips

During the treks, all of your belongings are dispatched between a back pack and/or a traveling bag carried during our walks.
Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
Transport is ensured by the vehicle of assistance and the logistic team during the excursions.
Only for Day 2, you will need to have brought with you a change of clothes as the Vallionpierre refuge is not accessible by car and you will not have your travel bag until the next day at Chapelle en Valgaudemar.

Staff

The guide
- an English-speaking professional French Mountain World Travel hiking guide (European Mountain Leader)
The local team
- a driver in charge of the bus.

Transportation

Ground Transportation by private mini buses or taxi.

Lodging

In the cities, we book hotels, inns, or similar, of excellent standard, 3 stars, based on double occupancy and according to availability at the time of reservation. We choose these hotels, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality.
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations in the mountains, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes or close to the departure of the excursions but sometimes there is only one accommodation in the area and so in this case, we do not have the choice.
One night in mountain hut, shared dormitory accommodation.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors. 

Food and Beverages

Downtown: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant.
In the mountains, we want to be able to provide you with well balanced/hearty meals to keep you well fueled during your exertions, but at the same time keep the weight in the bags that we carry to a minimum.
- Breakfasts and dinners are prepared by our hosts or enjoyed at a restaurant. The evening meals, warm and copious.
- Lunch: picnic, in the form of sandwiches, cheese, mixed salads and fruits. During the circuit, the guide can  do grocery shopping.
- Energy food (an assortment of chocolate bars to accompany you in the effort) provided by Mountain World Travel.
Drinks: mineral water provided
Save a bit of room in your bag to split carrying some of our food supply (for lunches only).

Additional Information

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions – Limitations of Liability.

Important Information

What's Not Included

  • International flights  in/out Marseille
  • All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
  • Personal medical & Travel Insurance
  • All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

Extra Costs

  • Drinks (except mineral water at restaurant)
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips for guide
  • All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

Air Travel

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Marseille Provence
- Skyteam (Delta, Northwest, Continental, Air France - KLM), operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Marseille, through Amsterdam or Paris.
- StarAlliance (United, Lufthansa) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Marseille, through Frankfurt or Munich
- Oneworld (American, British) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Marseille, through London.

Foreign-Entry Requirements

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to France for up to 90 days.
US citizens, please check with the US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
France

For other nationalities, please contact the French embassy in your country.

Health and First Aid

No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up date for traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.

Health hazards
- Heat: protect your eyes and your skin against the sun, as it is more intense with altitude.
- Cold: plan on packing protective clothing against the cold (jackets, fleece, gloves, hat), especially in relevance to the activity.
- Dehydration: drink and nourish yourself sufficiently and correctly throughout the effort.
- Small wounds: blisters, tendonitis...bring along band aids, an antiseptic and another cream for muscle aches. They will take up a bit of room, but well worth the space.

- Altitude sickness: can be felt at around 8,000 feet and above and can come on quickly (after just one night spent in altitude). Hard to predict and varies completely from one person to another. Good hydration is necessary, progressive altitude acclimatization and Aspirin can all help in preventing the unpleasant side effects of altitude sickness.
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

Physical Preparation

LEVEL 5
At least 3 months prior:  Hike 13 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days, a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds OR if you are regularly committed to another intense sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 3 to 4 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.  

 

Equipment

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
-
Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Sleeping
-
A bed sheet only (blankets are provided by the huts)
For all of the night (s) in hut (s), Mountain World Travel provides a new recyclable bed sheet to each participant.

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).

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