Key facts

Distance: 5.9 km
Ascent: +760 m
Descent: −748 m
Estimated time: 3 hr 50; hiking
Difficulty: Moderate; official rating
Route: Out and back; same way back

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 8%
Dirt & gravel 86%
Unknown 6%
Path types: Trail 86%
Road 8%
Off-network 6%

Description

Between mountain cliffs and grassy plateaux, the Valsenestre valley is a favourite spot for rock-climbers. This trail winds its way through a large valley, inhabited by large number of chamois in the Alpine zone and by Alpine ibex in the mountain cliffs. The valley ends with a pleasant sloping ledge featuring a recently restored and authentic shepherd’s cabin. Vincent Nobili; Valbonnais Park Keeper From the village of Valsenestre, after the stopover gîte, follow the path to the left. It heads due north through a few bends over fairly low-lying vegetation. From here, you can see the Béranger valley, before you arrive at a large plateau (Le Clos), where you cross the torrent over a small footbridge. From here on, in summer, you can see sheep grazing in the mountain pastures. Follow the valley along a winding path around a large rocky bar to arrive at the Valsenestre valley. Here there is a shepherd’s cabin where you can watch the chamois and Alpine ibex that are attracted by the salt lick put out for the sheep. Behind the cabin, you can see a waterfall that is the source for the stream. The peaks surrounding this valley reach the high point of 3126 m at the Pic du Clapier du Peyron. To its left are the Brèche de Valsenestre 2,598 m, the Brèche du Lauvitel 2,855 m and lastly the Pas de l'Aiguille 2,354 m. To its right, the Col and the Tête de Ramu (2,760 m). Take the same route on the way back.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

In winter, the access road to the car park is closed.
When you arrive at the cabin, you will see the flocks guarded by Pyrenean Mountain dogs, whose role is to defend the sheep. Don’t go too near them - although the dogs seem friendly, they might see you as a threat and become aggressive.

Getting there

Start: Valsenestre, Valjouffrey (38).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/938060-Le-vallon-de-Valsenestre). 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: 760 m, Parc national des Écrins

The Valsenestre valley