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Remember…

There is no free rescue service in the Alps, and the cost of an emergency could be extremely expensive. Be adequately insured, and be cautious. The addresses of several specialist insurance companies whose policies cover mountain walking/trekking will be found in Appendix B. It is advisable to leave a copy of this policy at home with a friend or family member, and take the original with you. Reduced cost (sometimes free) urgent medical treatment is available to EU citizens carrying a European health insurance card (EHIC), which replaces the old form E111. However, payment is usually required at the time of treatment, so make sure you have insurance cover. The free booklet Health Advice for Travellers, available from post offices in the UK, gives details of entitlement.

The Parc National des Écrins

A shepherd pens his sheep near Refuge de la Muzelle (Stage 9)

The Parc National des Écrins, around and through parts of which the Tour of the Oisans makes its circuit, is the largest and highest in France. As long ago as 1913 a protected zone was centred on La Bérarde at the head of the Vallée du Vénéon in the centre of the range, but it took another 60 years before the Parc National was fully established. It now covers an area of some 91,800ha, with an outer protected zone almost doubling its size to 180,000ha. The park has scores of peaks reaching over 3000m, and in the 4102m Barre des Écrin the highest summit in France outside the Mont Blanc group.