Key facts

Distance: 14.1 km
Ascent: +241 m
Descent: −1,232 m
Estimated time: 4 hr 15; hiking
Difficulty: Moderate; official rating
Route: Point to point; ends elsewhere

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 2%
Dirt & gravel 97%
Unknown 1%
Path types: Trail 86%
Track 11%
Road 3%

Description

This crossing progresses in a grandiose panorama of the high Champsaur, between lakes glittering in the sun and dark "gates of heaven". The alternating landscapes make this walk particularly enchanting and as often, the descent is made amongst summits and lakes, dales and pastures. The colour of the water contrasts with the more austere, wild schistose slopes of the valley that is nicknamed 'Heaven's gate'. Near to Prapic, the landscape opens onto vast pastures. The start point is the Drouvet summit. To get there, take the “Telemix” next to the Orcières 1850 Tourist Information centre. At the top, head towards "Lac des Estaris" to the right. Continue on the footpath past the Roc des Hommes and cross a zone of scree. Go along the right of the Lac des Staris. When you get to the Estaris mountain refuge, take the path on the right towards the Lacs Jumeaux. After skirting the lake nearest to the footpath to reach the outflow (point where water runs from the lake), head eastwards (left). You will come close to the Lac des Pisses. Continue until you reach the Pisses mountain hut. In the bottom of the valley, the footpath joins up with the Tombeau du Poète one to the left, towards Prapic. To return to Orcières, take the shuttle, which must be reserved in advance and without fail at Orcières' Tourist Information.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

Avoid this route in bad weather. Certain slopes can be slippery. The indicated time does not take into account time on the shuttle or the telemix.

Getting there

Start: Sommet du Drouvet, Orcières, Orcières (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/904203-Du-sommet-Drouvet-a-Prapic). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Surface and path types: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL, extract of 28 October 2026, matched to the track every 10 m (openstreetmap.org/copyright)
Official elevation gain: 241 m, Parc national des Écrins

From the Drouvet summit to Prapic