Snowshoeing Short Break for Foodies in the French Alps

We will meet you at Gap train station at 17:30 and transfer you to your luxury farmhouse base, just in time to settle in and enjoy an apéritif before dinner.

If you are in earlier, Gap is a lovely town to wander; or consider arriving the night before to ease in at a relaxed pace. Just make sure your travel plans align with the 17:30 pick-up.

Today’s snowshoe outing begins in Prapic, the last village at the head of the valley before steep mountains and winter snow close the way. With only a handful of year-round residents, it is a true high-alpine hamlet, often cut off by avalanches in colder months. Stone houses, narrow lanes and a timeless setting offer a rare glimpse of authentic mountain life.

From this quiet starting point, you will follow a classic U-shaped glacial valley deep into the Écrins National Park, ringed by dramatic peaks and pristine, snow-covered slopes. Your guide will adapt the route to the day’s conditions, perhaps leading to a panoramic plateau, or tracing the river along the valley floor. En route, you’ll pass the Saut du Laire, a frozen waterfall wrapped in local legend, and a lone mountain chapel, silent witness to the valley’s spiritual heritage. A rich, immersive day in one of the Alps’ most unspoilt winter corners.

This is a calm, nature-led day: mountain beauty, a gentle but satisfying effort, and a genuine alpine atmosphere, rewarding yet manageable on snowshoes.

Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 500 m

This superb day leads to the summit of La Palastre, blending a steady alpine ascent with unforgettable scenery. The route threads across open snowfields, quiet woodland and rocky outcrops, revealing ever-changing views over the Champsaur valley. Along the way there are plenty of chances to pause, perhaps to admire a frozen cascade or simply absorb the mountain hush.

After reaching the col, we will stop for a picnic in the snow-bright sunshine before the final push to the 2,278 m summit. The payoff: expansive views and that unmistakable “top of the world” feeling. The descent switches to pure fun, on snowshoes you can stride, slide, or even bounce your way down. A joyful full-day outing that blends natural beauty, satisfying effort and playful winter energy.

Distance: 8.5 km | Ascent: 630 m

It is the final day, so please pack up and check out before we set off. You can leave your bags safely at the farmhouse while we snowshoe.

We begin in the quaint Alpine village of Serre-Eyraud (1,373 m), a historic local ski spot. The trail winds gently upward through enchanting larch forest, with serene woodland views and the Champsaur peaks appearing between the trees.

After a steady climb of about 500 m, we reach the characterful Cabane de Tante Yvonne (1,809 m), a rustic shelter with benches and a stove, perfect for a cosy break. If you are keen for bigger vistas, a short extension takes us to a panoramic lookout at 1,887 m, surveying the snow-clad valley. This 8 km circular route blends quiet adventure and tranquillity, a real winter hidden gem.

At day’s end, we will return to the farmhouse to collect your bags, then your guide will drop you in Gap for 17:00, in good time for the night train or an evening train/bus to Marseille.

Distance: 8.5 km | Ascent: 521 m