The Grand Pastre

Key facts

Distance: 13.0 km
Ascent: +631 m
Descent: −592 m
Estimated time: 4 hr 10; hiking
Difficulty: Moderate; official rating
Route: Loop; back to the start

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 23%
Dirt & gravel 77%
Path types: Trail 47%
Track 30%
Road 23%

Description

Follow in the ancient footsteps of the shepherds, along the « Lou Pastre » path from Les Orres, passing through forest, hamlets and alpine pastures. Starting from the ski resort of Les Orres, this trail is divided into several thematic sections. Follow the course of history thanks to the various interpretation panels provided along the way. You first go through the forest to reach the alpine pastures offering numerous vantage points over the valley of Les Orres and the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. From the car park follow signs for the Lou Pastre long loop (« Lou Pastre Grande Boucle »). After a few metres, continue straight ahead.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Les Orres 1650, Les Orres (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/974540-Lou-Pastre). 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: 631 m, Parc national des Écrins