Top 10 Must-See & Do Things in The Ecrins Mountains France 🇫🇷 French Alps
[Music] when the most popular hot spots in France are getting completely annihilated by summer heat waves and overpacked with tourists we always come up to the mountains to escape cool air snowcap peaks and a fraction of the people lean is by far one of our favorite spots to hang out during summer so let’s jump into the top 10 things that you got to check out when coming up to visit these ridiculously beautiful mountains this is the Glacier Blonde the largest glacier in Liz you got to go big before you go home so let’s kick this list off with a banger this glacier is the easiest large ice sheet in all of France to access by foot without needing to take a gondola and I mean come on just look at it compared to the meldder glass at LM Bloom not only is it free to come out and check out this glacier in my opinion this is one of the if not the most beautiful hikes in all of France i don’t say this lightly and I’m not just saying this as some BS YouTube hook when you look at all the characteristics of this trail it’s as close to perfect as you could hope for the hike to get up to the glacier is relatively easy considering how tall these mountains are and you’ll have marmets coming out to say hello if you’re not too loud babbling on about Bitcoin this hike can easily be done in half day as there’s only 695 meters of elevation gain you can find fresh drinkable glacier water all along the trail and if you want to travel super light there is even a restaurant in the refuge at the base of the glacier this is the best spot to challenge yourself to get up close to some of the last glaciers in Europe you don’t need me to tell you that they aren’t going to get any bigger so now is the time to come see these amazing snowcap peaks we made a full video outlining why this hike is the best in France that you can check out after this but I mean come on just look at this B-roll big shout out to Denny Dubois for hooking up the awesome aerial footage now as we make our way through this list we will be seeing the best peaks in the park but none of them are as notorious as Laame Mes only 17 m shy of 4,000 this mountain sits at the far north of the chain and is one of the most jaw-dropping in all of France the north face of all the mountains in the Alps gets less sun so this is where you’re going to find the most impressive glaciers that remain in Europe the one that sits on the top of Lamege is one of the two you must see in the Pan but the only one you can access via gondola wildlife epic forests glaciers and easy to access lamesh is a perfect destination for those road tripping through the region in early June the gondola that departs from our next location on this list will bring you up to get as close as possible to this impressive glacier tickets start at €30 and there is even a restaurant up top with 360° panoramic views unfortunately for us we were there 2 days early so another big shout out to Duny Dubois for hooking up the epic aerial B-roll [Music] at the base of Lamege we find the village of Lagrav the postcard town of Le Park this mountain town is one of a handful in the Alps that is a member of the associ France which only has 181 members i don’t know about you but where I grew up there are certainly no villages that look even remotely as beautiful as this lav’s position in the valley just simply puts it in the best possible spot to get views of these mountains and there’s easily no other village in all of France that gets glacial views like the village of L Grav the road from Brians to Kod passes directly through town so even if it’s not a planned stop on your trip it might actually be along your way here at Planet Lands we’re all about diving into the heart of these special villages so you can check out our full video of Laav on our sister channel Explore Cities and Villages [Music] up next is the Lac Lovel which is one of the most popular hikes in the region and that means two things number one is that it is arguably the most beautiful hike in Niger it’s basically about as picture perfect as an alpine lake as you could imagine the stage for an amphitheater of epic picnic spots and surrounded by all kinds of wildlife it’s pretty awesome to admire snow cap peaks while hanging out in shorts number two is that since this hike is relatively easy compared to others in the region it gets busy and that’s not a bad thing if you don’t mind having someone who can skip a stone in all of your photos but if you want to enjoy the peace of nature it’s best to start this hike just after the sun rises we started at 9:00 a.m it took us an hour and a half to get up here we saw two people on the way up and well over 150 on the way down now telling you to go skiing in the Alps is as redundant as telling you to go see the Eiffel Tower in Paris so instead I’m telling you to go summer skiing there are two ways you can skin this cat the first one is to continue up the glacier blon and ski down the largest glacier in the region there is a refuge at the top that sits over 3,000 m where you can spend the night and then ski down the next day you’re going to need a bit of extra gear as this incorporates alanism into the mix but there is no better way to conquer a mountain than this the second option is to head up to the top of Luzal and ski the glacier that sits in between 2800 and 3600 m up until a few years ago there was year round skiing here but now as the glacier melts some years have been cut short of the legendary 365 days ski season so definitely don’t hesitate to come up here and hit the slopes in July and August the Fat Lady is getting ready to sing the Lac DL Shod is the second most popular hike in Liz and is a hiking destination just like the Lac Lovel the biggest difference though is that it sits 984 m higher than Loel so the surrounding scenery is quite a bit different a frozen wonderland that only thawns out for a couple months every year laguishod is a little bit more difficult than Lagetel yet it can still be completed in half a day on the way up once again if you’re not making too much noise talking about soccer or cheese prices you can see Mamemed and Shamwa and if you listen closely you will hear the rumbling of many avalanches this was a first for us we spent the better part of an hour watching these relatively little avalanches cascade down onto the lake an absolute mustsea in Leha just remember that getting too close can be a shortcut to Jesus the trail up to the lake is buried in snow up until miday so make sure you come well prepared if visiting any earlier i’ve already said you can’t go home until you’ve gone big so in order to do so you got to check out the Bald De this is the tallest mountain in the park standing at 4,12 meters it is the sixth tallest mountain in all of France the glacia blonde sits on the north side of the mountain but the best place to see the bald zan is from the west side of the park you can get great views from a bunch of viewpoints just past the village of Venusk this valley sits in between 800 and600 m so down here you really get the feeling like these mountains are towering above you these images hardly do any justice in capturing the grandeur of these mountains so you’re just going to have to come down here and see them for yourself [Music] the Champolon Valley is located in the south side of Liz and is considered to be one of the more wild places in these mountains the valley is pretty wide and more gently sloping making it a perfect place to go for shorter and easier hikes with minimal elevation gain surrounded by waterfalls and rivers flowing down from the connecting valleys it’s the perfect place to get lost in the thick of things without too much effort i highly recommend this area for inexperienced hikers and for people who want to get away from the cliche spots in Liz Khan as this valley has a special charm to it that is unmatched anywhere else in the park [Music] there are thousands of waterfalls in Li but none as unique as La Cascal de la Muse this waterfall flows over a reservoir of slate making it one of the most unique features in Le K it is basically a waterfall over a gold mine of cheeseboards there is a bit of elevation gain from the parking lot but it is a very simple visit that will take you less than an hour to complete just be careful because this slate is razor sharp so if you’re hurt cluts and have a tendency to injure yourself this can be a great way to make a trip to the hospital i put these next two together because they are only partially in the park yet still must-see destinations the Lacto Salons is the second largest artificial lake in all of France and is a magnet for camping and summertime adventure seekers when the sun hits just right the lakes’s color is as good as it gets for taking amazing photos the surrounding mountains are jam-packed with awesome viewpoints but none of them as spectacular as Lemoised Quaf i mean just look at these rocks this is the only lake where you can spend the night and is the only one you can go swimming in so you got to check it out when visiting the south side of Lean last but not least is the city of Bronson the one and only city in La Park that sits as the jump off point to Sel Shioalier this fortified city sits in the valley that connects France to Italy and is easily the most beautiful urbanized area in this part of the French Alps so there you have it folks 10 awesome spots you got to check out in La because always remember adventures don’t happen at home
The Ecrins Mountains, nestled deep within the French Alps, hold a captivating allure, promising an unforgettable journey into wild and majestic landscapes. Often regarded as a hidden gem, this stunning national park offers a diverse tapestry of experiences, from towering glaciated peaks to serene alpine lakes.
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These are the Top 10 Must-See & Do Things in The Ecrins Mountains France 🇫🇷 French Alps
(0:00) Intro
Get ready for an epic adventure into the heart of the French Alps! The Ecrins Mountains, a hidden gem often overshadowed by their famous neighbors, are truly calling. Join us as we explore the Ecrins National Park, uncovering its top 10 must-see and do things. Prepare to be amazed by the outdoor adventure and breathtaking mountain travel this region offers, making it a premier hiking destination in France.
(0:34) Glacier Blanc
Prepare to be utterly awestruck by the majestic Glacier Blanc. This iconic Ecrins glacier offers an incredible opportunity for a glacier trek or even ice hiking, allowing you to immerse yourself in its powerful and beautiful glacial landscape. Witness the raw power and beauty of a living glacier up close.
(2:25) La Meije
Stand in silent awe of La Meije, an truly iconic peak and one of the most revered Ecrins peaks in the French Alps. While tackling its summit is reserved for those seeking the ultimate alpine climbing challenge, simply admiring this majestic mountain from its base or surrounding trails provides truly unforgettable mountain views, a highlight of any visit to the French Alps peaks.
(3:42) La Grave
Step into the legendary world of La Grave, a truly unique and raw mountain village at the foot of La Meije. Famed for its exceptional off-piste skiing and freeride terrain, this authentic alpine destination offers a thrilling experience for expert skiers and a captivating atmosphere for all. Discover the unparalleled mountain culture of this French Alps village.
(4:45) Lac Lauvitel
Discover the stunning beauty of Lac Lauvitel, a pristine alpine lake nestled deep within the Ecrins National Park. This truly captivating hiking destination is known for its clear waters, often providing perfect reflection lake views of the surrounding majestic peaks. A true Ecrins gem, it embodies mountain beauty at its finest, offering possibilities for wild swimming in its pristine nature.
(5:43) Summer Skiing in France
Experience the unique thrill of summer skiing in France! Yes, it’s truly possible here in the French Alps. We’ll show you the incredible high-altitude slopes as we ski the Glacier Blanc from the refuge, offering an unparalleled glacier skiing adventure. Then, we’ll head to Les Deux Alpes to showcase its renowned 365 skiing opportunities, where the fun never stops. This off-season skiing experience is truly one-of-a-kind.
(6:46) Lac Eychauda
Venture to the secluded beauty of Lac Eychauda, a true hidden lake in the Ecrins. Its mesmerizing turquoise waters make it a must-see for those on an Ecrins hiking journey, offering profound mountain solitude. This alpine gem is a testament to the pristine beauty found in these mountains.
(8:02) Barre des Ecrins
Gaze upon the mighty Barre des Ecrins, which stands as the highest peak in the Ecrins massif and a true mountaineering pinnacle in France. For serious climbers, it represents the ultimate challenge to reach its alpine summit, while for all, it’s an iconic mountain embodying the raw, untamed beauty of the French Alps’ highest peak.
(8:53) Champoléon Valley & Prapic
Step into the idyllic Champoléon Valley and visit the charming, traditional village of Prapic. This authentic Alps setting in the Ecrins valleys is perfect for wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see marmots and chamois. It’s a serene valley showcasing unspoiled nature and the essence of rural France.
(9:46) Cascade de la Muzelle
Marvel at the powerful Cascade de la Muzelle, truly one of the most beautiful Ecrins waterfalls. A scenic hike leads you to this impressive alpine cascade, where rushing mountain water creates a dramatic waterfall and a refreshing spectacle of natural beauty.
(10:28) Lac de Serre-Ponçon & Briançon
Conclude your Ecrins adventure at the majestic Lac de Serre-Ponçon, one of France’s largest artificial lakes and a hub for watersports in the Alps. Nearby, explore the historic fortified city of Briançon, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site and a vibrant gateway to the Hautes-Alpes. It’s a perfect blend of lake activities and rich history
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