PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
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Sources of the Romanche River and Lautaret Botanical Garden: A Nature Trek in the Écrins National Park

Oulx, Torino · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 2,150 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
EASY
Where?
Torino, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+13
Sources of the Romanche River and Lautaret Botanical Garden: A Nature Trek in the Écrins National Park
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

The sources of the Romanche in the Écrins

There are hikes that take you to the summit, and then there are those that truly take you inside the mountain. This day in the heart of the Parc des Écrins is one of those experiences you'll remember for its subtle beauty, the light, the details, and the feeling of walking in a place where nature reveals itself in all its forms.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

With Guidders, we'll explore the Romanche Springs, where one of the most iconic streams in the French Alps comes to life amidst pastures, glacial water, and high-altitude landscapes. But it doesn't end there: the route is enhanced with a visit to the famous Lautaret Botanical Garden, one of the most fascinating alpine botanical gardens in Europe, perched at over 2100 meters above sea level in a setting that seems designed to leave you speechless.

It's a perfect excursion for those who love real nature, but also for those looking for a panoramic, relaxing, and content-rich trek: alpine flowers, glacial scenery, accessible paths, photography, biodiversity, and the constant presence of the north face of the Meije, which accompanies the entire experience with its imposing profile.

This itinerary is ideal for those who want to experience a day in the mountains that's different from the usual: less performance, more wonder. A walk suitable for those who love to observe, slow down, breathe, and enjoy every step in an extraordinary alpine environment.

If you're looking for a beautiful day in the mountains to live and remember, this is the right excursion. With Guidders, we'll discover a spectacular corner of the French Alps, where water is born among glaciers and flowers grow suspended between sky and rock.

Book your spot and join us at the Romanche Springs and the Lautaret Botanical Garden: a perfect day for walking, breathing, photographing, and filling your eyes with real nature. This time, no scrolling: we're really setting off!

GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+13 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
300 m D+ · 12 km · 8h30
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 8h30 and 300 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Transport
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain
300 m
Max altitude
2,150 m
Distance
12 km
Duration
8h30
Day
12 km · D+ 300 m · 8h30
Map
The stops · 12 km
Meeting point 7:30approximate
Meeting point: Oulx Train Station., Corso Montenero 52, 10056 Oulx città metropolitana di Torino, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
HOW TO GET THERE
07:30MEETING
Meeting point: Oulx Train Station.
Meet us in front of the Oulx train station.
08:30PARKING
Lautaret Pass
The Haute-Romanche Valley is a natural amphitheater dominated by the most majestic peaks in the Alps. The Romanche, a glacial stream, has inspired countless mountain artists, including Charles Bertier.
12:00WATER
The Springs
Romance River Springs Trail Hike alongside the Romanche River, sometimes rushing and wild, other times calm and crystal clear, all the way to its source! This idyllic trail gently climbs the glacial valley at the foot of the Ecrins' highest peaks. Keep an eye out for whistling marmots amongst the rocks and, if you're lucky, maybe even a glimpse of ibex! The iconic and awe-inspiring north face of La Meije (3,983m) will be our constant companion throughout the trek. We'll reach the very point where the Romanche emerges from the scree slopes at the base of the Plate des Agneaux glacier. Short stop at the mountain refuge.
16:30RETURN
Botanical Garden Hike
"We'll visit the Alpine Botanical Garden (entrance fee applies) and a privately owned area. Afterwards, we'll hop in our vehicles and head back home..."

How do you get to Oulx? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Windproof
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
K-way
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Binoculars
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

VS
Vittorio S.
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Vittorio, a hiking guide and nature leader. After 28 years as a scout leader I decided to start again, turning my passion for the mountains into a profession. Twenty-eight years with young people teach you two things you need out there every time: watch the group, and don't rush. I bring experience, attention and team spirit to the trail, and I love sharing nature genuinely, with respect and proper care for safety. Step by step, together. 🥾 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano
Inglese
Francese
Spagnolo
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 8h30 with 300 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
Sources of the Romanche River and Lautaret Botanical Garden: A Nature Trek in the Écrins National Park

Sources of the Romanche River and Lautaret Botanical Garden: A Nature Trek in the Écrins National Park

Oulx, (TO) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,150 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
300 m
Max altitude
2,150 m
Distance
12 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
8h30
Guiddy points
+13
4 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

The sources of the Romanche in the Écrins

There are hikes that take you to the summit, and then there are those that truly take you inside the mountain. This day in the heart of the Parc des Écrins is one of those experiences you'll remember for its subtle beauty, the light, the details, and the feeling of walking in a place where nature reveals itself in all its forms.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

With Guidders, we'll explore the Romanche Springs, where one of the most iconic streams in the French Alps comes to life amidst pastures, glacial water, and high-altitude landscapes. But it doesn't end there: the route is enhanced with a visit to the famous Lautaret Botanical Garden, one of the most fascinating alpine botanical gardens in Europe, perched at over 2100 meters above sea level in a setting that seems designed to leave you speechless.

It's a perfect excursion for those who love real nature, but also for those looking for a panoramic, relaxing, and content-rich trek: alpine flowers, glacial scenery, accessible paths, photography, biodiversity, and the constant presence of the north face of the Meije, which accompanies the entire experience with its imposing profile.

This itinerary is ideal for those who want to experience a day in the mountains that's different from the usual: less performance, more wonder. A walk suitable for those who love to observe, slow down, breathe, and enjoy every step in an extraordinary alpine environment.

If you're looking for a beautiful day in the mountains to live and remember, this is the right excursion. With Guidders, we'll discover a spectacular corner of the French Alps, where water is born among glaciers and flowers grow suspended between sky and rock.

Book your spot and join us at the Romanche Springs and the Lautaret Botanical Garden: a perfect day for walking, breathing, photographing, and filling your eyes with real nature. This time, no scrolling: we're really setting off!

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
300 m D+ · 12 km · 8h30
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 8h30 and 300 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Transport

Itinerary

Day · approximate times
Map
Stops · 12 km
Meeting point 7:30Meeting point: Oulx Train Station.
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
07:30MEETING
Meeting point: Oulx Train Station.
Meet us in front of the Oulx train station.
08:30PARKING
Lautaret Pass
The Haute-Romanche Valley is a natural amphitheater dominated by the most majestic peaks in the Alps. The Romanche, a glacial stream, has inspired countless mountain artists, including Charles Bertier.
12:00WATER
The Springs
Romance River Springs Trail Hike alongside the Romanche River, sometimes rushing and wild, other times calm and crystal clear, all the way to its source! This idyllic trail gently climbs the glacial valley at the foot of the Ecrins' highest peaks. Keep an eye out for whistling marmots amongst the rocks and, if you're lucky, maybe even a glimpse of ibex! The iconic and awe-inspiring north face of La Meije (3,983m) will be our constant companion throughout the trek. We'll reach the very point where the Romanche emerges from the scree slopes at the base of the Plate des Agneaux glacier. Short stop at the mountain refuge.
16:30RETURN
Botanical Garden Hike
"We'll visit the Alpine Botanical Garden (entrance fee applies) and a privately owned area. Afterwards, we'll hop in our vehicles and head back home..."

How do you get to Oulx? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike.
Windproof
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
K-way
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Binoculars
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

VS
Vittorio S.
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Vittorio, a hiking guide and nature leader. After 28 years as a scout leader I decided to start again, turning my passion for the mountains into a profession. Twenty-eight years with young people teach you two things you need out there every time: watch the group, and don't rush. I bring experience, attention and team spirit to the trail, and I love sharing nature genuinely, with respect and proper care for safety. Step by step, together. 🥾 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 8h30 with 300 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Ibex
Still unsure? Message Ibex on WhatsApp →
No date
€24.90
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed