Puy Saint
Vincent
Pelvoux-Vallouise
The Barre des Écrins, highest summit in the Hautes-Alpes
The Barre des Écrins is France’s second summit after Mont-Blanc. Its ascension is a renowned course in the French Alps and the Hautes-Alpes.
To carry out the ascension, you need to go to Le Pré de Madame Carle, located before the village of Ailefroide. The route is very popular and hundreds of mountain and mountaineering enthusiasts follow it in the peak summer season.
Climbing the Barre des Écrins
From Le Pré de Madame Carle, follow the marked trail. You will reach the Glacier Blanc after walking for roughly two hours. Continue alongside the Tuckett lake which offers a splendid view of Mont Pelvoux and Le Pré de Madame Carle down below. You will easily reach the Glacier Blanc refuge for a break and to take in the breathtaking view of the glacier.
The Barre is not much further, at the end of this glacial valley created by the Glacier Blanc.
For those who want to attempt the ascension, it is recommended to go to the Écrins refuge to set out for the massif’s legendary summits.
The Barre des Écrins, the Dôme des Écrins or the Roche-Forio and the Montagne aux Agneaux are emblematic routes in the Pays des Écrins, which is a top spot of French mountaineering.
The Barre des Écrins culminated at an altitude of 4,102 m. This altitude was reviewed in August 2017. The study conducted by a team of surveyors knocked a few centimetres off the famous summit which now peaks at 4,101.17 m.
Follow the guide!
This itinerary requires good physical condition and knowledge of mountain techniques. Always do your research before setting off and consider calling upon a high mountain guide or leader for your own safety.
Explore this site in the heart of the Écrins National Park for an unforgettable experience.
