Hiking in Les Orres is a real treat! Gain altitude, admire and breathe!

CONTENTS
Hiking with lifts
Hiking without lifts
Hiking with a guide
Les Orres hiking guide
Hiking with a guide
Les Orres hiking guide
Randonnée vacances en famille aux Orres, Alpes du sud
©RANDONNEUR-EN-HERBE-83
Lac Sainte-Marguerite
Willy Camus

In Les Orres, hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors, discover magnificent landscapes, take naps in the grass, picnic in the forest or beside a stream. Whether you're a sports enthusiast with a penchant for steep trails or a fan of contemplative family walks, choose your itinerary, put on your mountain boots, hit the trails and breathe!

From spring to autumn, trails are accessible depending on snow conditions.

  • + over 200 km of trails for all levels

  • 32 marked itineraries

  • positive vertical drop from 15 to 1300 m

The Pic Vert, Prélongis and Pousterle lifts give you access to the upper trails with a pedestrian pass.

PEDESTRIAN LIFTS HIKING MAPHERD PRESENCE MAP

💡Bon plan rando aux Orres

Thanks to the multi-activity pass, enjoy unlimited access to the pedestrian chairlifts and the Préclaux carpet all summer long.

DISCOVER THE MULTI-ACTIVITY PASS

Lift-inclusive hiking in Les Orres

Want to get some height without too much effort? In summer, Les Orres' ski lifts provide easy access to the finest high-altitude hiking trails. In just a few minutes, you can reach the trailheads and set off to discover mountain landscapes: panoramic views of the Écrins and the Embrun valley, high-altitude lakes, forests and alpine meadows. Walking at your own pace, with children or on a more challenging hike, is one of the many pleasures of summer in Les Orres!

SKI LIFTS OPEN IN SUMMER

Remontées mecaniques télésièges randonnées Les Orres, Alpes du Sud
©Les Orres - Aurélie Bellet

En quelques minutes, prenez les télésièges pour rejoindre les départs de sentiers et partez à la découverte des paysages de montagne : panoramas sur les Écrins et la vallée d'Embrun, lacs d’altitude, forêts et alpages. 

Cerise sur le gâteau : rejoignez les restaurants d'altitude pour se rafraîchir avec un verre, partager un apéritif entre amis ou se retrouver autour d'un repas en terrasse. Farniente et détente avec vue panoramique garantis.

Marcher à son rythme, avec des enfants, ou en rando plus sportive, c'est l'un des nombreux plaisirs de l'été aux Orres ! 

REMONTÉES MÉCANIQUES OUVERTES EN ÉTÉ

EASY LEVEL: family-friendly walks

Easy walks of between 1h and 1h30 to get some fresh air at altitude. The L'enfant des bois walk is ideal for children who are not used to walking. A great way to introduce youngsters to hiking! Prefer 360° panoramas? Take the Pousterle chairlift to Le Belvédère . The mountain is now accessible to the whole family , and ideal for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll!

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Le Belvédère - Itinéraire de randonnée - Le Belvédère - Itinéraire de randonnée
Equipment

Le Belvédère - Hiking route

Head towards the viewpoint and its orientation table to take in the exceptional panorama of the Massif de l'Aupillon and the Massif des Écrins, as well as the valleys of...

1h
D+ 15 m
1.80 km
Level green – easy

MEDIUM LEVEL: intermediate mountain hikes

Do you hike from time to time, are the kids used to walking, or do you just want to get away from it all and enjoy the mountains of the Hautes-Alpes without coming home with painful aches and pains? These half-day outings, lasting between 2h and 3h30, are just what you need!

For a refreshing stroll, head for the emblematic Lac de Sainte-Marguerite or the aptly named Au frais des mélèzes. The Balcon des vallons offers breathtaking views.

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Balcon des vallons - Balcon des Vallons
Equipment

Balcon des vallons - Hiking route

A magnificent panoramic view over the Grand Vallon, Les Orres, the Embrun valley, and the Écrins massif along this thematic ridge trail.

1h30
D+ 125 m
2.60 km
Level bue - Medium
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Lac Sainte Marguerite - Lac Sainte Marguerite
Equipment

Lake Sainte-Marguerite from the Télésiège de Pousterle – hiking route.

La randonnée incontournable des Orres ! Départ depuis le sommet du télésiège Pousterle, en passant par le Belvédère (n°4). Balade longue et aérienne.
Un havre de paix au...

2h
D- 303 m
3.20 km
Level bue - Medium
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Les Orres réserve grand clos - Les Orres réserve grand clos
Equipment

Au frais des mélèzes - Hiking route

From the top of the Télésiège du Pic Vert, enjoy a beautiful long downhill hike in the cool shade, winding through a larch forest.

You will pass the Réserve d’eau du...

2h30
D- 580 m
4.70 km
Level bue - Medium

NIVEAU DIFFICILE: sporting and committed itineraries in the Hautes-Alpes

It's getting serious! Longer distances, steeper ascents and descents : while still accessible, these trails are suitable for regular hikers or those who are already a bit sporty. Magnificent panoramas await you on arrival.

To enjoy these breathtaking views, take the Cairns trail, the Col de Terre Rouge (caution: this area is closed at the beginning of July to protect the fragile Tétras Lyre) or the Aérien. This sporty trail will give your legs a real thrill!

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Le sportif - Le sportif
Equipment

Le Sportif - Hiking route

The Sports Trail is a hike reserved for experienced hikers. It is ideal for those who enjoy physical effort, with very steep slopes!

1h30
D+ 580 m
2.80 km
Level red – hard
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L'Aérien - L'Aérien
Equipment

L'Aérien - Hiking route

A breathtaking ridge-line hike before descending into the forest. Stunning panoramic views guaranteed, but the trail requires careful attention.

1h30
D- 460 m
2.00 km
Level red – hard
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Col de Terre Rouge - Col de Terre Rouge
Equipment

Col de Terre Rouge - Hiking route

A crossing trail with breathtaking views over Serre-Ponçon and the Massif des Écrins, through the red earth landscapes from the top of the Télésiège du Pic Vert.

Follow...

1h30
D+ 225 m
1.90 km
Level red – hard

VERY DIFFICULT LEVEL: hikes for experts

High points and aerial trails are the main themes of these hikes, reserved for seasoned walkers with mountain feet.

The Pic du Boussolenc (2282 m) can be reached from the Pic Vert chairlift, with a finish on the magnificent Col de Terre Rouge, or you can take the Pousterle chairlift up to the crests of Les Orres. Don't be afraid of heights!

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La traversée du Boussolenc - La traversée du Boussolenc
Equipment

La Traversée du Boussolenc - Hiking route

An unforgettable hike for those who are not afraid of heights. Long and technical, it is reserved for experienced hikers!

Throughout the route, you can enjoy panoramic...

5h
D+ 580 m
7.00 km
Level black - very hard
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Pic du Boussolenc - Pic du Boussolenc
Equipment

Pic du Boussolenc - Hiking route

Set off to conquer the Pic du Boussolenc, which gets its name from being the last peak in the Orres area to be lit by the sun’s rays.

2h30
D+ 200 m
1.50 km
Level black - very hard

Lift-free hiking in Les Orres

In Les Orres, numerous hiking trails are accessible directly from the resort, without having to use the ski lifts. From the resort, the village or the hamlets, set off on foot to discover the landscapes of the Hautes-Alpes: larch forests, torrents, mountain pastures and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Family outings, nature outings or more challenging hikes: everyone can enjoy the mountains at their own pace, in complete freedom, right from the start.

EASY LEVEL: family nature walks

Make the most of the mountains! In Les Orres, several easy hikes are accessible without lifts. Perfect for a family outing, a leisurely stroll or a discovery of the Southern Alps landscape, these itineraries allow you to take time to observe nature, panoramas and little treasures along the way.

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MEDIUM LEVEL: for regular mountain walkers

Want to go a little further? Medium-level hikes offer a good balance between effort and discovery. Accessible to walkers accustomed to the mountains, these itineraries allow you to gain altitude, enjoy open panoramas of the Hautes-Alpes and discover a variety of landscapes, from forests to mountain pastures and views of the surrounding peaks.

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Chemin du garde_Les Orres
Equipment

Chemin du garde - Hiking route

A round trip in the shade of the forest. Beware of the trail with the same name, as its route is different.

4h
D+ 540 m
8.25 km
For beginners / novice
Level bue - Medium
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Vallon de Muretier_Les Orres
Equipment

Vallon de Muretier - Hiking route

A hike in the heart of a wild and unspoiled landscape, surrounded by snow-capped peaks until early summer. This place is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including marmots...

4h30
D+ 695 m
11.50 km
Level bue - Medium
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Lou Pastre - Lou Pastre
Equipment

Lou pastre - Large loop - Hiking route

Follow our Orrian shepherd "Lou Pastre" to discover, throughout the hike, how the inhabitants have used the elements to best adapt to the harsh mountain climate. A...

4h30
D+ 545 m
12.10 km
Level bue - Medium
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Col des Orres_Les Orres
Equipment

Col des Orres - Hiking route

The Col des Orres offers a stunning view of the Barcelonnette valley. You might even be lucky enough to spot chamois and mouflons along your hike!

5h
D+ 730 m
11.00 km
Level bue - Medium
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Lac Sainte Marguerite - Lac Sainte Marguerite
Equipment

Lac de Sainte-Marguerite - Hiking route

The must-do hike in Les Orres! Lake Sainte Marguerite is an ideal spot for a cool picnic. In the heart of beautiful alpine pastures still grazed by cows, you can hear and see...

4h30
D+ 645 m
11.70 km
Level bue - Medium
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Le Méale - Le Méale
Equipment

Le Méale - Hiking route

A hike with a very beautiful viewpoint and a 360° panorama over the valleys of Les Orres, La Durance, and Crévoux, as well as a diverse flora. Le Méale peaks at 2426m

5h
D+ 725 m
9.15 km
Level bue - Medium

DIFFICULT LEVEL: challenging hikes with elevation gain

Looking for a real challenge in the mountains? Difficult level hikes are for experienced walkers. With a greater vertical drop and more challenging itineraries, they offer spectacular views of the peaks of the Hautes-Alpes and the opportunity to experience the mountains in all their intensity, between effort and wide open spaces.

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Petit Vallon - Aupillon_Les Orres
Equipment

Petit Vallon - Aupillon - Hiking route

Follow the Petit Vallon stream upstream to the Petit Vallon hut, then continue to its source. From there, take a steeper and more challenging trail. This final section requires...

3h
D+ 1010 m
12.50 km
Level red – hard
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Col de l'âne - Col de l'âne
Equipment

Col de l'âne - Hiking route

From Sainte-Marguerite Lake, there is a challenging climb up to the Pass with views over the Haute-Provence Alp

Very difficult.(about 1:00 hr to go).

1h45
D+ 290 m
3.40 km
Level red – hard

VERY DIFFICULT LEVEL: demanding alpine itineraries

Reserved for very experienced hikers, the very difficult level hikes in Les Orres offer demanding itineraries with steep gradients and technical passages. The effort is considerable, but the high mountain scenery is well worth it.

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L'Aupillon depuis le lac de Ste Marguerite_Les Orres - L'Aupillon depuis le lac de Ste Marguerite_Les Orres
Equipment

L'Aupillon depuis le lac de Ste Marguerite - Hiking route

Starting from Lake Sainte-Marguerite (remember to add the time, distance, and elevation gain to the lake), follow the ridges of Les Orres to the summit of Aupillon, where you...

3h
D+ 630 m
5.80 km
For experts / practiced
Level black - very hard
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Côl de l'âne, Côte Ronde et Pic Silhourais_Les Orres - Côl de l'âne, Côte Ronde et Pic Silhourais_Les Orres
Equipment

Côl de l'âne, Côte Ronde et Pic Silhourais depuis le lac de Ste Marguerite

Starting from the lake (remember to add the time, distance, and elevation gain to the lake), hike through a beautiful valley to reach a panoramic view at Col de l’Âne, Côte...

4h30
D+ 610 m
7.40 km
Level black - very hard
For experts / practiced

Hiking with a guide

Hiring a professional mountain guide is the ideal way to explore nature off the beaten track, in complete safety, and to discover wild and beautiful places. Our guides adapt to your level and your desires, to make your walks, hikes and treks unforgettable moments.

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Hiking guide
Les Orres

Topo-rando-Les-Orres

A selection of 17 hikes of all levels, accessible without chairlifts, to take with you.

Departing from Le Chef-lieu, Les Ribes, Les Orres 1650 and 1800, these itineraries range from easy family outings to medium, difficult and very difficult hikes: explore the trails of Le Méale, Le Petit Vallon, Le Col des Orres, La Cabane du Nain Rouge and many other places to discover!

On sale at the Tourist Office
Price: €12

Prefer to hike from the chairlifts?

SEE THE HIKING MAP

A few tips for safehiking

Finding your way

Practical tips

  • The mountain is grazed all summer long. When approaching a herd, pause, do not run. Don't pet or threaten the animals. Keep your dog on a leash.

  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast (posted every morning at the tourist office and at the 1800 welcome point), and avoid leaving too late if you're going on a long hike, as the weather changes very quickly in the mountains.
  • MOUNTAIN RESCUE CONTACT: 112

What to bring

  • Walking shoes and suitable clothing (warm or windproof clothing)
  • Sun protection
  • Water and food
  • First-aid kit
  • A charged cell phone
Randonnée Boussolenc Les Orres, Hautes-Alpes
©Les Orres - Aurélie Bellet

RESPECTING NATURE

Many of us enjoy the pure mountain air and the flora and fauna. To keep our landscapes as beautiful and protected as possible, let's follow a few simple, common-sense rules to preserve what surrounds us:

  • Collect all garbage and take it with you
  • Don't leave the marked trails (to limit erosion and trampling of the flora)
  • Close fences behind you
  • Do not pick flowers
  • Do not touch young animals
  • Keep animals on a leash
  • Wild fires prohibited

MOUNTAIN FLORA AND FAUNA

FAQ - ORRES HIKING TRAILS

When is the best time to hike in Les Orres?

The best time to hike in Les Orres is generally from June to October, when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is most favorable. Summer allows you to take full advantage of the mountain scenery, larch forests, flowering alpine meadows and high-altitude lakes. It's the ideal season to discover the Hautes-Alpes on foot. Spring and autumn are also great for enjoying the peace and quiet and the flamboyant colors of the larch trees.

Are the tours suitable for families?

Yes, many hikes in Les Orres are perfectly suited to families. A number of easy itineraries allow you to walk gently, with little change in altitude, while discovering nature and mountain landscapes. It's an ideal activity for sharing a moment in the great outdoors with the kids.

Is it possible to hike with the ski lifts in Les Orres?

Yes, the ski lifts provide easy access to the altitude and to many trailheads. It's the ideal way to enjoy mountain scenery and panoramic views without having to walk all the way up.

Is it necessary to take the ski lifts to hike in Les Orres?

No, it's not compulsory. In Les Orres, some hikes are accessible directly from the resort or hamlets, without using the lifts. However, they also provide rapid access to higher altitudes and panoramic views, which can make certain outings easier or open up access to longer itineraries.

Are there any hiking maps or itineraries available?

Yes, several signposted itineraries are available on site, and hiking maps allow you to choose your route according to your desired level and duration.

What do you need for a hike in Les Orres?

Good walking shoes, water, sun protection and a light jacket are recommended. At altitude, the weather can change rapidly, so it's important to be well equipped.

What level of hiking experience do you need in Les Orres?

The hiking trails in Les Orres are varied:

  • easy level for walkers and families
  • medium level for regular walkers
  • difficult to very difficult for experienced hikers
    There's something for everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers.
Are there any difficult hikes in Les Orres?

Yes, the resort also offers difficult to very difficult hikes for experienced walkers. These itineraries involve a greater difference in altitude, longer distances and sometimes technical sections. In return, they offer spectacular scenery and complete immersion in the high mountains of the Southern Alps.

Luge sur rail Station Les Orres, activités famille dans les Hautes-Alpes
Aurélie Bellet

All summer activities in Les Orres

What to do in Les Orres in summer? Accrobranche, mountain biking, mountain karting, giant zip line, rail sledging, via ferrata... and lots of other mountain activities!

SUMMER ACTIVITIES MOUNTAIN HOLIDAYS