Botanical and heritage hike around Lautaret with the Hotel le Faranchin

It's here, from the Col du Lautaret, that you'll be seduced by the delicate fragrance of Alpine flora. During your hikes, you'll have the opportunity to discover the famous botanical garden of Le Lautaret, as well as the village of Villar d'Arène, its fountains and much more...

Your guide will share with you his knowledge of the geology of this fabulous area, to help you understand our endemic species and the practices of our elders that make up our mountain traditions!

The hikes on offer during this trip are not particularly difficult. A gentle walk with contemplative breaks, to take the time to discover and learn about the local flora and heritage.

Program of your stay :

►1st day : Arrival at the hotel.
From 3pm, you can settle into your room. You will then be invited in the late afternoon, to join an aperitif, which will be an opportunity to meet your tour leader during this stay.

►2nd day : Sentier de Valfourche 2050m altitude (option les Sources de la Romanche 2150m)
We start the day by crossing the Pas d'Anna Falque glacial lock to reach the Plan de l'Alpe. We follow this long, flat stretch to Valfourche and its view of the Tombe Murée glacial cirque. Optional option to continue to the Romanche springs (additional 100 m ascent).
Picnic at the springs or Valfourche.
Difference in altitude +/- 350m / 3h to 4h effective walk / overall duration of day: 6h to 7h

►3rd day : The forest trail 1738m
This forest trail takes in a "beautiful Mélézin" with a return to the right bank of the Romanche, via the Vernois and the search for "fool's gold".
Difference in altitude: 270m approx. 1h30 to 2h effective walk / duration of day approx. 3h30.

►4th day : Côte Rouge, le Chazelet
This is a contemplative loop, facing the Meije and its glaciers. A passage to start in the forest to the Col des Plagnes 2106m. Return via the high-altitude hamlet of Les Clots and its balcony path.
Picnic on site.
Difference in altitude: 420m approx. 3/4h effective walk/ day's duration 6/7h.

►5th day : Col du lautaret, Jardin Alpin and Col du Galibier 2955m
We'll set off to visit the Jardin botanique du Lautaret, then head up to the Galibier, enjoying the magical panorama from the top of the pass!
If you wish, we'll take a short detour to buy an excellent Gruyère de Montagne cheese, then head back down to Villar d'Arène.
A relaxed, contemplative day in good spirits with Sabrina, your host.

►6th day : Pontet loop - Col Aiguillon 2060m
A walk that takes you over the beautiful lake and then along a balcony path to the col and summit of Aiguillon, with a view over the Romanche valley.
Difference in altitude: 220m approx. 2hrs effective walk / day's duration approx. 6/7hrs.

Day 7: The end of the trip. Departure after breakfast.

Maximum age: 90 years

Minimum age: 18 years