HEATWAVE REFUGE IN LES ORRES: REFRESHING IDEAS BETWEEN LAKES AND PEAKS

As the heatwave sweeps across France, head to Les Orres in the Hautes-Alpes to cool off at an altitude of 1,800m. At the gateway to the Ecrins National Park and overlooking Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the resort offers young and old alike an XXL playground to keep busy in the shade of larch forests. An accessible mountain destination, where you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, whatever the weather. In case of record-breaking heat? Cool, indoor adventures and balmy nights in a resort residence or hotel, or in the great outdoors.

1. Gain altitude

Les Orres chairlifts transport mountain enthusiasts up to 2,530 metres in altitude, effortlessly! The perfect way to refresh your spirits in the fresh air, without tiring yourself out, and take in the sights. Open to pedestrians and mountain bikers alike, they offer breathtaking views over Lac de Serre-Ponçon!

• From €8.50 (+12 years), per pedestrian ascent
• Web exclusive: -15% online

2. Soak your feet in a mountain lake

Calling all contemplative epicureans! This variation on the classic aperitif hike guides hikers along moderate mountain paths to the Lac de Sainte Marguerite, a landmark of Les Orres at 2227 meters altitude. The ideal spot for a picnic, surrounded by lush alpine meadows and local produce. Enjoy the delicious sensation of having the mountains all to yourself, with your feet in the water to bring down the mercury, before returning to civilization at nightfall.

• 10km / 580m ascent / 2h30 walking time
• On your own or with the guide office
• Ages 8 and up
• Price: €33/adult, €28/child (under 13)

3. Hiking in the cool of the larches

On arrival at the Pic Vert chairlift, hikers set off to discover the Grand Clos reserve, a mirror-lake-like water reserve running through the larch forest in the shade of the vegetation. This downhill hike, ideal for hot weather, takes you back to the resort center in 1650.

• 4.70km / 580m ascent / 2h30

4. Cool off in the springs

With children in tow, the Jerusalem springs hike is an ideal way to cool off in midsummer, with water trickling down the limestone walls and moistening the skin of young and old alike. Why Jerusalem? Until the ^18th century, the Jerusalem springs and other lands belonged to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Malta.

• Easy hike: 6km / 315m ascent / 2h30

5. Forest adventure

In the heart of a vast forest, the "Jungle Aventure" leisure park offers numerous activities in the shade of larch trees, including a tree adventure with 9 courses for all levels and the adventure mine, a 60-meter-long underground adventure course in a 1-meter-diameter tube strewn with obstacles.

• Ages 2 and up
• Price: from 11€ for the tree climbing course and 6€ for the adventure mine

6. Siesta in the shade of the larches

Comfortably installed in a hammock or on a swing, let yourself be lulled to sleep by the voice of the storyteller who gently (or humorously) declaims texts by authors in the shade of the larches. Giono, Colette, Goethe.... Prose after prose on the beauty of nature, inner calm returns.

• 45 minutes
• On reservation

7. Enjoy the pool

A refreshing dip in an open-air pool with panoramic views over the valley, the Écrins and Lac de Serre-Ponçon in the Les Orres open-air pool, to feel like a fish in water.

• From 11 a.m. to 7.30 p.m
• Price: €5 per day (+12 years)

8. Sleeping in the cool

BIVOUAC AT GRAND VALLON

Meet at 4pm, starting from the Hameau des Ribes. Hikers join the camp after discovering an ancient glacial lake. In the morning, we wake up gently, in harmony with the sounds and smells of nature. The morning is devoted to discovering the Grand Vallon mountain pastures, a mythical place of transhumance. Along the way, marmots, chamois, torrents and mountain flora punctuate the scenery, providing a complete change of scenery.

• Walking time: 1h30 on day 1 / 3h on day 2
• Difference in altitude: 200m D+ / 200m D-
• Bivouac equipment included

CONTEMPLATE THE STARS FROM YOUR BED

Nestled in a lush green setting, in the heart of the larches, lies an intimate and unusual refuge for globetrotters in search of peace and quiet. There are no motorized vehicles here: access is by foot. The kotas reveal themselves in the silence of the forest, where they become one with the scenery. Immediate disconnection on entering, without sacrificing comfort. With a floor area of 20m², each kota includes a private terrace in the heart of nature, a King Size bed (1800x200), a panoramic roof opening for star gazing, a separate toilet and a walk-in shower under the trees.

• Rates: from €179 per night for 2 people, including breakfast and snacks delivered to the kotas and a covered parking space.

9. Indoor winter sports

The resort of Les Orres offers holidaymakers the chance to discover new sensations in a thermal building. A fun alternative for hot weather.

PÔLE SPORT INNOVATION

From the real to the virtual and from the outdoor to the indoor, 5 simulators let you discover the playground of Les Orres and the Serre-Ponçon valley, in life-size. Downhill mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, paragliding, speed-riding and downhill skiing: thrill-seekers can experience an unprecedented immersion experience, equipped with a VR helmet. See you outdoors as soon as the heat has died down!

INDOOR SKIING

The principle is the same as that of an XXL version of a treadmill: slide, with varying degrees of speed and inclination, before hitting the snow-covered slopes! And to help you progress, there are beginners' courses all summer long, supervised by instructors.

• Ages 6 and up
• From 40€ per hour

SKATE RINK

The Orres skating rink is the perfect refuge from the heatwave, allowing families to (re)discover the thrill of sliding, while admiring the panoramic mountain views. A fun activity below 10 degrees Celsius, a must on any mountain holiday with children.

• Open every day in summer except Saturday, with ice garden and night-time activities.

10. And more

Cinema, Kids Park, spas...

The Les Orres resort offers a wide range of refreshing activities, accessible to all, whatever the weather.

Good plan to take advantage

Passp'Orres multi-activity pass

This multi-activity pass opens the doors to the mountains in summer! In 1, 6 or 13-day versions: unlimited access to ski lifts, heated outdoor pool, skating rink, tennis courts, cinema, board games, multi-sports equipment, pétanque bowls and pedestrian chairlifts. This pass also entitles the holder to enjoy tobogganing on rails (1, 5 or 9 laps depending on duration) and discounts of up to 30% on a range of activities between the peaks and the lake, to strengthen family ties!

• From 14€/child, 18€/adult for one day
• 38€/children, 50€/adult for 6 days

DISCOVER

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Temperatures in recent years :

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