Hiking guides

Discover the trails of Puy Saint Vincent

In the heart of the Hautes-Alpes, Puy Saint Vincent opens the doors to a wild and unspoilt region, ideal for all kinds of hiking. From accessible trails for family outings to more challenging itineraries for lovers of wide open spaces, there's something for everyone. Between larch forests, mountain pastures in bloom and breathtaking panoramas of the Écrins, every outing is an invitation to escape. Mountain refuges punctuate your itinerary for a gourmet break or an overnight stay close to the summits. If you're lucky, you'll come across marmots, chamois or eagles in flight... Tête d'Oréac, Vallon de Narreyroux, Crête des Lauzes... all names that make you want to put on your boots and go exploring!

Hiking map "On Pist" trail itineraries

Ski lifts

At Puy Saint Vincent, lifts are more than just a means of transport: they provide privileged access to high-altitude trails. In summer, 2 chairlifts, Les Prés and Crête des Bans, provide effortless access to the heights of the resort, and start their itineraries directly at altitude. In just a few minutes, you'll reach an altitude of almost 2,400 metres, opening the door to panoramic trails. This simplified access means that everyone, whatever their level, can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Écrins massif.

Pedestrian access

Theme trails at Puy Saint Vincent

A fun way to explore the mountain

At Puy Saint Vincent, themed trails offer a more playful and immersive way of discovering the mountain. Designed for young and old alike, they combine walking, observation and imagination through accessible routes, punctuated by installations, games and interpretation panels. Whether in the forest, on the heights or between hamlets, these itineraries offer a different way of walking: more curious, more sensory, and always as close as possible to the environment.

The Giant's Trail

Accessible from the top of the Crête des Bans chairlift (2,270 m), the sentier des Géants offers a panoramic descent to the resort. The route takes you through high altitude landscapes, pastures, lakes and vast panoramas of the Écrins massif. Punctuated by monumental installations, it plunges visitors into an imaginary world inspired by mountain giants.

Duration: approx. 1h30 to 2h (depending on pace)
Difference in altitude: mostly downhill (~ -600 m estimated)
Level: easy to intermediate
Access: via ski lifts (Crête des Bans)
Route: downhill to Puy Saint Vincent 1600

An ideal route for combining access to high altitude and accessible walking, with an artistic and contemplative dimension.

Le sentier des lutins

A real fun trail through the forest, the pixie trail is a must for families. Along the way, characters and clues invite children to solve a riddle, transforming the hike into a treasure hunt. The pleasant, shady trail partly follows the old letter carrier's path between Vallouise and Puy Saint Vincent.

Duration: 2 hrs
Distance: 4.3 km
Difference in altitude: +215 m
Level: very easy
Type: loop

An ideal outing to have fun walking, learn by observing, and share a moment in the great outdoors with the young ones.

The heritage trail

Between traditional hamlets, meadows and small woods, the heritage trail sheds light on the history and life of Puy Saint Vincent in bygone days. This peaceful trail links different villages and reveals chapels, local architecture and landscapes shaped by man. A gentle immersion in the area's mountain identity.

Walkingtime: 1h30
Distance: 5.3 km
Difference in altitude: +127 m
Level: very easy
Type: round trip

A walk accessible to all, perfect for combining cultural discovery and nature walks.

These themed trails make Puy Saint Vincent an ideal destination to vary your pleasures and discover the mountain in a different way, between imagination, nature and heritage.

Unmissable hikes in Puy Saint Vincent

Explore the most beautiful itineraries

At Puy Saint Vincent, each trail tells a different story. Here, it's easy to go from a larch forest to an open valley, then to a ridge with a view of the Écrins. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a real high-altitude hike, these itineraries allow you to discover the full diversity of the area, at your own pace.

Mélézin trail

The Mélézin trail is a gentle immersion into the heart of the typical landscapes of the Southern Alps. You'll walk under the larch trees, the emblematic trees that let the light filter through and provide a particularly pleasant atmosphere in summer. The trail is easy to follow, without any difficulties, and punctuated by viewpoints over the valley.

Departure point: Top of the Crête des Bans chairlift
Duration: 1h30 to 2h
Distance: approx. 4 to 5 km
Difference in altitude: +150 m
Level: easy
Type: loop

A perfect walk to take your time, breathe and enjoy the freshness of the forest.

From Puy Saint Vincent 1600 to the Narreyroux valley

This route leads to one of the most beautiful spots in the area: the Narreyroux valley. Right from the start, the trail alternates between undergrowth and open spaces before leading into a wide, peaceful valley dotted with alpine chalets. The atmosphere is truly authentic, far from the hustle and bustle.

Start: Puy Saint Vincent 1600
Duration: 2h30 to 3h
Distance: approx. 5.5 km
Difference in altitude: +250 m
Level: easy to intermediate
Type: Round trip

An accessible hike that already gives you a real taste of the mountains.

Col de la Pousterle and les Têtes

A change of register here. This is a more athletic hike, but the effort is amply rewarded. The climb is gradual but steady, and the higher you get, the more panoramic the views become. Once you reach the crests, the view is spectacular: a veritable balcony over the Écrins.

Departure point: Puy Saint Vincent 1600
Duration: 4h to 4h30
Distance: approx. 8.5 km
Difference in altitude: +600 to +650 m
Level: difficult
Type: Round trip

Ideal for those who want to get some height and take in the sights.

Lac des Hermès and Pré Rouge

This hike leads to pretty high-altitude lakes nestled in a more mineral setting. The contrast between alpine meadows, rocks and water is particularly pleasant. The trail remains accessible, even if the climb requires a little effort.

Departure point: Puy Saint Vincent 1400, 1600 or 1800
Duration: 2h to 2h30
Distance: approx. 6 km
Difference in altitude: +300 m
Level: intermediate
Type: Round trip

A great way to combine walking with a break by the water.

The canal trail

Easy and pleasant, this trail follows ancient irrigation canals that bear witness to the valley's agricultural past. The terrain is generally flat, making it an accessible walk for everyone. The trail winds gently through meadows, small woods and open vistas.

Departure point: Puy Saint Vincent 1400 (hamlets)
Duration: 1h30 to 2h
Distance: approx. 4 km
Difference in altitude: very slight
Level: easy
Type: Loop

Perfect for a leisurely outing with the family or at the end of the day.

The Oréac plateau

The Oréac plateau is a classic in this sector. It is reached by a gradual ascent to a vast open space at high altitude. Once at the top, the scenery changes completely, giving way to wide horizons and unobstructed panoramas.

Departure point: Puy Saint Vincent 1600 or access via the Crête des Bans chairlift
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Distance: 7 to 8 km
Difference in altitude: +400 m
Level: intermediate
Type: Loop

A well-balanced hike, combining effort and scenic pleasure.

The letter carrier's path

The Chemin du facteur is one of the most emblematic routes between Puy Saint Vincent and the valley. Steeped in history, it follows the old route used by the letter carrier to deliver mail between Vallouise and the resort's various hamlets. Every day, he walked this mountain path, sometimes in difficult conditions, particularly in winter when the inhabitants of Puy Saint Vincent even had to trace the path through the snow .

Today, this path has become a pleasant hike, mostly in forest, alternating shady passages with open views over the Vallouise valley. The trail descends gently, offering a smooth, accessible walk, punctuated by short breaks in hamlets or near local heritage sites.

Start: Puy Saint Vincent 1600 (tourist office)
Arrival: Vallouise
Duration: approx. 1h45 to 2h
Distance: approx. 5 to 6 km
Difference in altitude: -400 m
Level: easy

A charming hike combining nature and history, ideal for a gentle link between the resort and the valley.

Tour des Têtes

The Tour des Têtes is a long loop for hikers who enjoy long walks. The route climbs in altitude, between ridges, valleys and wilder passages. The scenery changes regularly, making this a particularly pleasant hike despite its length.

Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 12 to 13 km
Altitude gain: +600 to +800 m
Difficultylevel
Type: Loop

A complete hike, ideal for a real day in the mountains and to fully immerse yourself in the Écrins landscapes.

Good mountain habits

To make the most of your outing in the mountains and ensure everyone's safety, there are a few simple things you should do before and during your hike:

Check the weather forecast before setting off, and adapt your itinerary to the prevailing conditions
Choose a route suited to your current level and fitness level
Take sufficientwater, snacks and appropriate equipment (hiking boots, sun protection, suitable clothing)
Stay on the marked trails and respect the signs
Don't leave any garbage behind and preserve nature
Respect flora and fauna, and keep your distance from animals
Close fences when you're finished, and keep your dog on a leash near herds and flocks
If in doubt or tired, don't hesitate to turn back