Half of Orcières’ municipal area lies within the core zone of Écrins National Park. Lac des Estaris is the municipality’s largest lake and is classified as a nature reserve. Along the Drac, a mountain stream, you can spot brown trout, white-throated dippers and mayflies. The lake and stream therefore represent different aspects of nature: at Lac des Estaris, its size and protected status stand out; along the Drac, it is the species you can observe.

Heritage and daily life in Prapic

In the well-preserved hamlet of Prapic, fountains and basins bear traces of their former everyday use. The fountains have spouts shaped like animal heads; the basins, known as “bachats,” were used as washing places and watering troughs for livestock. The village’s history can also be traced through two connections to Sainte-Anne: residents rebuilt the Sainte-Anne church in 1880 after the fire of 1867. The Sainte-Anne festival has been celebrated for generations in Prapic’s chapel and takes place on the Sunday after 26 July. Check the programme for your travel year.

The Musée de la Casse opened in 1987 and presents rural life of the past through folk art and traditions, everyday objects and former crafts. A visit to the museum offers a different focus from the church and fountains: here, the emphasis is on everyday objects and activities. The museum is open seasonally; check the dates before your visit.

Hikes and activities

Le Saut du Laïre is a family-friendly hiking route from the well-preserved hamlet of Prapic to a waterfall at an altitude of 1,886 m. Le Monde des 6 Lacs has a different focus: the hike starts at the summit of Drouvet and crosses high plateaus and high-altitude lakes; it includes 17 unique installations. The destinations described are therefore quite different: a waterfall on one route, high plateaus, lakes and installations on the other.

The Roll Air Câble zipline is 1.8 km long and runs from the summit of Drouvet at an altitude of 2,650 m to Lac Long at 2,500 m. The O2 Area leisure complex has a swimming pond and another pond for water activities. The options also differ in form: a hike, a zipline and two ponds with different uses. Conditions in the mountains can change during hikes; access and conditions for Le Monde des 6 Lacs vary seasonally. Check the latest conditions before setting out.

A local speciality

At Luc Marchand, you can find honey harvested in Orcières, as well as an opportunity to taste it. Along with the nature and cultural experiences, this offers another point of reference for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Puy-Saint-Vincent, Saint-Bonnet-En-Champsaur, Villar-Saint-Pancrace, Aspremont, Aiguilles, Saint-Martin-De-Queyrières, La Bâtie-Vieille, La Saulce

For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.