Walking EuropeLe Pied du Col from Villar d'Arène - Ecrins
Walk 6044
Country - France
Region - Haute Alpes (05) - La Grave & La Meije - Ecrins NP
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 5.0 km / 3.1 miles
Ascent - 240 metres / 792 feet
Descent - 240 metres / 792 feet
Time - 2.00 hours
Grade - easy
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This short easy walk from Villar d'Arène explores a section of the Romanche River and provides some excellent mountain views without too much effort.
Start & End - The village of Villar d'Arène located just off the N91 a few kilometres east of La Grave.
At Villar d'Arène parking is available in the village square by the church. From the square take the signed path by the side of the Auberge Aux Trois Frênes down to the bridge across the River Romanche. Cross the bridge and go left following the river upstream. You are now on GR54.
Reaching the trail junction for the Refuge du Pas de l'Aigle, turn left across the Pont des Brebis. On the other side of the river bear slightly left and walk up the GR50 towards the hamlet of le Pied du Col. Turn left at the first road and follow this back towards Villar d'Arène. Just before this quiet road reaches the busier N91 bear left down a minor lane. This leads back to the centre of Villar d'Arène.
Suggested Maps
- IGN Carte de Randonnée - Meije Pelvoux - Parc National des Ecrins - 1:25000 Sheet 3436ET
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.