Walking Holidays in the French Alps
Le Chazelet - Ecrins National Park

Our base, Le Chazelet, is a farming hamlet set at an altitude of 1800m on the edge of the Plateau D'Emparis and overlooking the Romanche valley. South facing, sunny alpine pastures offer easy going walks across the plateau and there are many accessible peaks such as Pic du Mas de la Grave (3020m) and Pics bu la Buffe (2933m). The GR-54 (long distance footpath) passes through the village which provides amenities and overnight accommodation to walkers and trekkers. Superb views across the valley include the majestic peaks of La Meije (3983m) and Le Rateau (3809m) with their huge glaciers and cascading streams.

Le Chazelet is a great place to acclimatise to the clear alpine air and get the legs stretched before we set off in search of more hidden parts of the Ecrins National Park and the nearby Cerces (Regional Natural Reserve).

All our groups are led by a professional and locally based mountain leader who will accompany you on all walks. We offer a full range of accommodation options and all transport once in La Grave is included.

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The village of Le Chazelet A charming and historic hamlet set at 1800m above the La Grave valley provides an ideal base for daily walks and climbs. Breath taking view across to the peaks of the La Meije and Le Rateau.	Upper Romanche Valley - in the heart of the Ecrins Majestic high peaks reaching over 4000m and hidden river valleys are all easily accessible. Options to stay the night in a high mountain refuge and traverse the Ecrins are available.
La Meije (3983m) from the GR54 footpath The GR54 "Tour de l'Oisans" long distance trek passes through Le Chazelet. Day walks along sections of the path can easily be combined with climbing peaks such as Pic du Mas de la Grave (3020m) and Aiguille du Goleon (3427m).	Other Activities: Via Ferrata, Rock Climbing, rafting... The Ecrins National Park offers a range of alternative activities to walking such as Via Ferratas, Rock Climbing, Rafting, Paragliding and Mountain Biking. Given your interests any of these activities can be included in the trip!!
La Meije and its glaciers rise above La Grave The mighty Meije stands proud above La Grave. A telepherique (cable car) can take you up to 3200m on the neighbouring peak of Le Rateau for extensive views of the Alps - including Mont Blanc to the north.	La Tete de la Maye (2518m) - easy scrambling! The village of La Berarde is centred in the Ecrins Park and offers many more walks and scrambles. The "Tete" stands above the village and can gained by a rocky scramble or rock climb - depending on your tastes!!

Dr. Darren McAulay E-mail: darren@hebrideanpathways.co.uk Tel: (44) 07092 840603 Last Updated: 3 March, 2008