Réallon is a charming village-resort, free from sprawling entertainment complexes and the typical tourist infrastructure. Here, you’ll feel at home—close to both people and nature. Despite its modest size, the resort offers a wide range of family-friendly activities deeply connected to the environment, such as the “People of the Birds” trail (see below), as well as cultural events—all free of charge.
Réallon is also a living valley with a year-round population, featuring an authentic village and several picturesque hamlets, including Réallon village and the Gourniers hamlet.
Whether at the summit of Chabrières or from the Gourniers hamlet, Réallon is located within the Écrins National Park's membership area. From Gourniers, visitors can access the park's core zone. The park’s information center is also located here, along with trailheads leading to the Saint-Marcellin Chapel and the wild Réallon stream valley, at the foot of the 2,993-meter Mourre Froid peak.
At the top of the Réallon resort, breathtaking views of Lake Serre-Ponçon await, easily accessible for families via two chairlifts.
One of Réallon's major advantages is its proximity to the Mediterranean coast. It's among the most accessible mountain resorts from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, or Toulon—just a 2-hour-and-20-minute drive (210 km) from Marseille via the Durance Valley.
Looking to cool off or enjoy a change of scenery? Réallon sits just above Lake Serre-Ponçon, renowned for its beaches and water sports centers. In just a few minutes, you can transition from mountain trails to lakeside relaxation.
For an even quicker getaway, the postcard-perfect Lake Saint-Apollinaire is only about ten minutes from Réallon.
Réallon promotes sustainable and accessible tourism for families. Most activities—such as discovery trails and children’s programs—are free of charge. Access to hiking and mountain biking trails via the chairlifts is also very reasonably priced.
This trail features ten imaginative, nature-themed stations in the forest above Réallon. It’s a delightful family activity that can be completed in two hours—or stretched into a full day to enjoy every moment. Kids will love the whimsical huts, swings, forest playgrounds, and informative signs revealing secrets about birdlife in the Écrins.
The trail is safe and family-friendly, winding through cool larch and fir groves, with picnic areas and spectacular views of the Chabrières Aiguilles and the Réallon Valley. It’s a magical way to discover nature through play and wonder.
Following its successful debut in 2024, the “Kids au Sommet” festival returns to Réallon from July 9 to 11. This unique family festival takes place at the summit, accessed by chairlift, with a backdrop of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Écrins massif. Expect a mix of shows, workshops, and artistic encounters in a majestic natural setting.
The program includes bird-themed storytelling, music in the trees, puppet shows, whimsical mountaineering acts, musical tales, and acrobatic performances—all bringing families closer to nature through art and fun. The festival is organized in collaboration with the Helealea association.
Hop on a motorless kart at the top of the chairlift and zoom down Réallon’s slopes with friends or family. Two tracks are available: the 800-meter “Courtier” track and the 4-kilometer “Ripaa” run with a 600-meter vertical drop through the forest.
Open to all over 1.40 meters tall. These special karts are tricycles with brakes (no engines), and rentals include the kart and helmet. Just bring gloves and proper shoes. Prices start at €12 per person plus the chairlift fee.
Outdoor Cinema, Sports, and Family Fun : Throughout the summer, Réallon offers friendly activities such as open-air movie nights, archery, slacklining, kids’ olympics, and communal family barbecues.
Take part in “Amontagnage,” an authentic cattle drive from the Gourniers hamlet to the Chargès alpine pasture, accompanied by park rangers and herders. The full journey begins at 5 a.m., but participants can join en route and enjoy a complimentary aperitif from the municipality at the Chargès hut later in the morning.
Every Thursday from July 13 to August 17 (4 p.m. – 7 p.m.), local farmers and artisans gather at Réallon to sell cheeses, honey, cured meats, mountain specialties, and unique handmade crafts—a perfect chance to bring home a taste of the Alps.
Enjoy three days of concerts, jam sessions, and music workshops in a lively and welcoming atmosphere—all free of charge.
Celebrate the village’s traditional communal oven, restored a few years ago under the old school (now the park information center). During the Bread Festival, it’s fired up to bake loaves for a good cause: proceeds go to the “Sourire à la vie” charity supporting children with serious illnesses.
It’s also a great opportunity to rediscover the enchanting Gourniers hamlet—an ideal gateway to hiking in the Écrins.
On the first two Sundays of August, enjoy three concerts at three different altitudes: one at the base of the slopes, one at 1,750 m at the top of the Clos des Aurans chairlift, and one at 2,146 m at the Chabrières summit.
Each location offers a unique atmosphere—from village charm to forest serenity to panoramic grandeur. You can even attend all three, as they’re scheduled at staggered times (3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.). Concerts are free. A €13 package is available for round-trip access on both chairlifts.
From July 13 to August 17, enjoy a scenic Friday brunch at the Chabrières summit. A delicious start to a day of hiking: local meats and cheeses, waffles, cakes, fresh juices, and hot drinks—all served from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Brunch costs €7 with reservation, plus €13 for the two chairlifts.
Wednesday evenings also feature free communal barbecues in the village—just bring what you’d like to grill and join in the fun.
👉 For more information about summer at Réallon:
https://www.reallon-ski.com/