Col de Maronne loop via Les Sures - Hiking

A hike in the heart of Europe's highest spruce forest! This area is regularly frequented by chamois, so keep an eye out for them.

From the tourist office, turn right onto Rue de Piégut. Follow the road up to the first bend, where you'll find access to the trail with a PDIPR sign pointing you in the direction of Les Sures. A short climb through the forest takes you to a track that climbs gently. At the end, take the path to the right, still heading for Les Sures. You'll then skirt the verdant slopes of Auris-en-Oisans on one side and overlook the Romanche valley on the other. Once you've reached Les Sures, the view is breathtaking! You'll even see the famous Alpe d'Huez resort in front of you.
You can then descend via the Col de Maronne back to the resort.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Start: Auris-en-Oisans resort
Ascent: 280m
Duration: 3h30
Distance: 4.6km

Topo Oisans au Bout des Pieds n°3 itineraries 313 and 301
IGN top25 n°3335 Est

THINGS TO SEE ON THE WAY
- Panoramic view of the famous Prégentil cliff and its geological folds.
- Be discreet, chamois are never far away.
- View of La Meije and La Muzelle (Écrins massif)

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
- Auris-en-Oisans and its 9 traditional hamlets, including Cours, home to a chapel, a rural museum and a few sundials (signs of plenty of sunshine).
- Numerous chapels: the chapelle des Anges, some of whose objects are listed as historic monuments, and the chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste, whose distinctive wooden bell tower.
- The oratories, all preserved.
- The Romanesque church.