Le Couchon

Le Couchon is a mountain summit rising above the village of Ancelle in the Hautes-Alpes, at the heart of the Champsaur massif. Reaching 2,002 m, it is one of the region's most recognizable viewpoints, sitting on the edge of the Écrins National Park.

Where exactly is it?

Le Couchon rises directly above Ancelle, a small resort village about 17 km from Gap and 100 km from Grenoble. The summit also overlooks the neighboring Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes ski resort, whose upper lift stations end right at its base — making the peak a natural landmark for the entire Champsaur valley.

What will you see on the trail?

The route up Le Couchon passes through coniferous forest and alpine pastureland typical of the high meadows around the Écrins massif. The loop trail covers roughly 12 km and is rated moderately challenging — suitable for hikers with average fitness who already have some mountain-walking experience. Along the way, the path opens onto views of the Rouanne valley and the Drac river.

The real reward, though, is the summit panorama. On a clear day it stretches from the Gapençais to the Vercors, taking in the Écrins massif and the Monges massif, along with the full sweep of the Champsaur valley and the Dévoluy range. It's the kind of vantage point that captures the scale and variety of the Dauphiné Alps in a single view.

When should you go?

The best window for the climb is April through October, when the trail is free of snow and passable without winter gear. In summer the summit pasture is busy — it's a popular day hike for people based in Gap and visitors staying in Ancelle. In spring and autumn, expect a cooler wind along the ridge, so check the forecast before setting out.

What are the rules inside the national park?

Because the summit lies within the Écrins National Park zone, standard park restrictions apply: dogs must be kept on a leash (or are restricted in some areas), picking plants, minerals or fossils is forbidden, hunting and campfires are banned, and motorized aircraft — including paragliding in certain zones — are not permitted. There are no bins along the trail, so all rubbish must be carried back out.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Le Couchon? The summit reaches 2,002 m, making it a relatively gentle but clearly visible high point above the Champsaur valley.

How long does the hike to the top take? The loop trail is about 12 km and rated moderately challenging — most hikers need roughly half a day depending on fitness.

Is the trail suitable for beginners? Yes, with reasonable fitness and proper footwear the trail is accessible to most hikers, though some prior mountain-walking experience helps.

Can you hike it in winter? The recommended season is April to October. Outside that window the trail is often snow-covered and requires winter equipment and mountain experience.