Walk 6042 - Villar d’Arène from La Grave - Ecrins NP

 
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This short walk provides an interesting circular route from La Grave enabling you to explore the attractive village of Villar d’Arène. The walk also offers an intimate view of the River Romanche.

Start & End - The village of la Grave on the N91.

At the eastern end of La Grave walk down the slip road that leads to Camping de la Meije and where it bends right continue across the River Romanche. Reaching the other side, turn left. Follow the footpath into the trees and bear left at the first junction. This path follows the river, which is on your left. The path climbs steadily with the river in a gorge below on your left.

Reaching a bridge across the gorge, cross to the north bank and continue along the path, which follows a ledge cut into the rocks. From this section you can see the river tumbling down the gorge. Quite soon after the ledge section you reach a road. Turn right here across a field to shortcut the road. On reaching the road again, keep straight ahead along a track where the road bends left. This leads past the cemetery and the church into the village square at Villar d’Arène. The village has a number of options for refreshments.

From the village 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 right following the river downstream. You are now on GR54. The route ahead is easy to follow and after a short ascent you drop down to the river bridge by the Camping de la Meije. Walk up the access road into La Grave.

Suggested Maps

	IGN Carte de Randonnée - Meije Pelvoux - Parc National des Ecrins - 1:25000 Sheet 3436ET
	IGN Carte de Randonnée – Valloire – Aiguilles d’Arves, Col du Galibier - 1:25000 Sheet 3435ET