Wildlife observation in massif des Ecrins

Our adventure begins here! We meet in Gap for a 30-minute transfer to our accommodation in the heart of the Écrins. Once we've settled in, we'll get to know each other: our guide, the other participants and the equipment we'll be using throughout our stay (spyglass, binoculars, etc.).

Together with a park warden, we learn the techniques and best practices for observing wildlife while minimising our impact. As true investigators, we will open our eyes and ears wide to discover the secrets of nature. Using the identification keys, we'll discover how to spot animal tracks and gain a better understanding of the botanical wealth of the park.

Back at our accommodation, we share our discoveries and impressions of the day in a warm and friendly atmosphere. With anecdotes, exchanges and laughter, this moment of sharing strengthens our group spirit before setting off on new adventures the next day.

Today, we'll be exploring a valley in the Champsaur in search of the tracks left by wildlife: wolves, chamois, roe deer, hares, ermine... Each step will be an investigation, each clue a testimony to the passage of these animals.

As true explorers, we'll learn to read nature differently, to decipher footprints, tracks, faeces and the remains of meals. Nothing will escape our notice, whether our subjects are furry or feathered! After this day, our walks in the forest or in the mountains will never be the same again.

We'll also have the opportunity to talk to an expert in pastoralism from the Maison du Berger to better understand the relationship between humans and wolves. This will also be an opportunity to discover the Musée du Berger, which traces the history of pastoralism in the Hautes-Alpes.

Back at our accommodation, we meet up for an evening screening of a film related to the day's adventure. It's an opportunity to relax and exchange ideas, while sharing our impressions in a friendly atmosphere.

On the third day, we set off together to explore a wild and unspoilt valley, a veritable jewel case of nature still largely untouched by man. Today, we have a mission: to raise and place motion-detection cameras to reveal the discreet but incessant interactions between wildlife, humans and the environment we share.

With our binoculars, spotting scopes and thermal imaging cameras, we're scanning every nook and cranny, trying to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife: from the tiniest passerine to the most majestic of birds of prey, including herbivorous, insectivorous and carnivorous mammals. Together, we decipher the different trophic chains that shape this mountain habitat and gain a better understanding of the subtle balances that prevail.

At the end of the day, we visit a farm to meet passionate breeders who are deeply attached to this rugged yet generous land. It's a great opportunity to discover their daily lives, talk about their relationship with the mountains and share a moment of their reality.

After a day full of discoveries, we meet up again for an evening film about the wolf, its ecology and its territory, followed by a lively discussion. It's an opportunity to deepen our understanding of this fascinating animal and the issues surrounding its cohabitation with man.

For our last day in the great outdoors, we set off to explore the mountain pastures, veritable havens of peace for wildlife. Binoculars and spotting scopes in hand, we make our way discreetly in search of chamois and ibex, hoping to catch a glimpse of them in their natural habitat. Each sighting is a privileged moment, a total immersion in this grandiose environment.

Looking up, we scan the sky for the great mountain birds of prey: the golden eagle, the majestic bearded vulture... Here, everything invites us to slow down, observe and reconnect with nature. With its breathtaking panoramas and pure mountain air, this day is full of emotions and unforgettable memories.

As night falls, we plunge into a whole new world, that of the nocturnal world. Far from the hustle and bustle of the day, we try to make contact with the discreet species that are emblematic of the Hautes-Alpes: little owls, Tengmalm's owls and even wolves. In this unique atmosphere, we listen, we call, we wait... And perhaps we'll be lucky enough to hear a response, a fleeting but magical exchange with these creatures that until now have inhabited our imaginations.

After breakfast and a final tidy-up of the gîte, we take a moment to share our impressions and look back on this adventure together. We then set off on a final hike nearby, but this time it was up to us to lead the investigation! Armed with everything we've learnt, we follow the tracks and clues left in the field, guided by our mountain leader who keeps a close eye on our observations. Every footprint, every trail brings us a little closer to that unique feeling of connection with wildlife, as experienced by our ancestors in their quest for furtive and precious encounters.

During the picnic, we continue our birdwatching, watching for passerines and large birds of prey in the sky. It's also an opportunity to chat one last time, ask our last questions and savour these moments in the great outdoors. In the middle of the afternoon, it's time to come back down and wrap up this wonderful adventure, with our hearts full of memories and unforgettable images. For those who need it, transport back to Gap station is provided, marking the end of a trip rich in discovery and emotion.