Vieux Chaillol, Alpine summit in Écrins National Park, France
Vieux Chaillol is an alpine summit in the Hautes-Alpes that rises to 3,163 meters and forms a distinctive peak within the Écrins mountain range. The mountain is surrounded by forests and alpine meadows, with expansive views over surrounding valleys from the top.
The area was settled by early herders who used the alpine pastures for livestock, establishing farming traditions that shaped the region. In the 19th century, the Écrins massif gained scientific interest that eventually led to the creation of the national park.
The mountain paths around Vieux Chaillol connect several valleys where people maintain traditional alpine farming ways that have shaped the landscape for generations. These routes reveal how daily life and the environment are deeply connected.
Hikers can start from Chaillol 1600 village or Saint-Michel-de-Chaillol, with both routes requiring a full day to reach the summit. The best time to climb is from June through September when the higher paths are snow-free.
The Cabane des Parisiens mountain shelter sits about 1,143 meters southeast of the summit and offers hikers a resting point during the climb. This historic refuge shows how early mountaineers explored the region.
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