This self-guided walking tour provides spectacular vistas of the Southern French Alps with an opportunity to explore the region at your own pace and absorb the local culture and history that can be found in the area.
- Reach summits offering breath-taking alpine vistas
- Explore historic villages & meet the locals
- Experience alpine trails & landscapes
- Discover Alpine fauna such as marmots, ibex, chamois & wolves
- Enjoy this region with over 300 days of sunshine
The Southern French Alps is a land of scenic beauty, characterised by mountains, valleys and alpine meadows. Visitors can anticipate spectacular mountains, forests, awe-inspiring vistas and delightful alpine hospitality.
Situated on the southern border of the Ecrins National Park, the Champsaur Valley provides a perfect backdrop for a self-guided hiking adventure. Celebrated for its authentic Alpine agricultural traditions and picturesque traditional villages, the valley presents a profoundly enriching cultural and natural experience.
Unlike some of the more severe and rugged Alpine valleys, the mountains of Champsaur are open and inviting, offering a less intimidating and more varied hiking experience. This accessibility allows for a wide range of hiking options, from gentle strolls along historic canal paths to more challenging climbs that lead to breathtaking views.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Gap
After landing at Marseille Provence Airport, you self-transfer to your hotel in Ancelle, a quaint alpine village set in the heart of the Champsaur Valley.
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Day 2: Warm-up walk to Croix de St Philippe
Our first walk of the week is a beautiful circular warm-up walk, providing a perfect introduction to the Champsaur Valley.
Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 330 m | Descent: 290 m
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Day 3: Full day hiking to the summit of Le Cuchon
After breakfast, embark on a challenging summit hike to the peak of Le Cuchon. Walk through forested areas and alpine meadows before traversing a rocky ridge to the summit, then descend through the famous larch forest of St Léger Les Mélèzes.
Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 840 m | Descent: 930 m
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Day 4: Canal Walk to Les Borels
Following yesterday's challenging hike, enjoy a picturesque walk from St Léger Les Mélèzes to Les Borels, following the ancient canal path surrounded by alpine peaks.
Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 230 m | Descent: 210 m
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Day 5: Day walk to Refuge du Tourond
Today enjoy a full hiking day to the remote Refuge du Tourond, dramatically situated in the heart of the Champsaur Valley. The path winds through a striking valley and alongside a river, with great areas for wading.
Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 580 m | Descent: 580 m
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Day 6: Full day hiking to Chaillol
From Les Borels, follow the GR50 trail to Chaillol, which shows off the diverse, natural beauty of the region. Enjoy expansive vistas of the untamed splendour of the Champsaur Valley.
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 930 m | Descent: 750 m
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Day 7: Walk the Col du Viallet Loop
Enjoy this stunning hike over rocky terrain and through alpine forest, the perfect conclusion to the week discovering the delights of the southern French Alps.
Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 760 m | Descent: 760 m
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Day 8: Departure & Return Home
After breakfast, transfer to Gap for your journey home.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £1,089 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,319 per person
- Single room supplement: From £300
- Walking grade: Moderate
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: 2,210m
- Min people: 2
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 7 nights
- 7 x breakfasts, 5 x picnic lunches, 1 x lunch & 7 dinners
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Choose your preferred departure date from the 3 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2026 | From 1 May to 30 Jun | £1,089 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | From 1 Jul to 31 Aug | £1,129 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | From 1 Sep to 31 Oct | £1,089 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
