Chemin du Facteur : Tour Le Bourg-d'Oisans - Villard Reymond - Col St Jean - Hike

The path winds steeply up and down in the heart of a beech forest and offers a superb panorama over the plain of Le Bourg-d'Oisans and the Grandes Rousses massif.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Departure: Le Bourg-d'Oisans - Parking Cinéma
Difference in altitude: 1100 m
Round trip time: 6h15
Distance: 12.4 km
Level: difficult

MAP AND TOPO :
IGN Top 25 map n°3335 E (EST)
OBP map No. 1 - 652 653 641

ITINERARY
The hike starts near the parking lot next to the cinema/Maison du Parc. Follow the signs to Villard-Reymond. This is where the Chemin du facteur begins.
When you reach the Merlon, DO NOT cross the torrent, but stay on the same path. At the dam, climb down the tire steps and continue along the path to the left. This is where the real climb begins. All the way up, follow the signs for Villard-Reymond and the yellow markings on the trees.

When you reach the Col de Solude, enjoy the breathtaking views before descending to the village of Villard-Reymond.

For the return journey, turn back to the Col de Solude and from there continue towards the Col de St Jean. On arrival at the Col, you can either start the descent directly or climb to Pré Gentil (15 minutes) for a superb 360-degree view.
For the descent, follow the sign to Tête des Fromentières, then follow the sign to Le Puy.
At Le Puy, turn right towards Le Merlon to return to the starting point.

THINGS TO SEE ALONG THE WAY
-Col de Solude, with breathtaking views of Bourg-d'Oisans and the surrounding villages and mountains.
-The village of Villard-Reymond.
-La ferme du champ perché (RSF)

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
-Maison du Parc in Le Bourg-d'Oisans

GOOD TO KNOW :
Le chemin du facteur - the path between Le Bourg-d'Oisans and Villard-Reymond - was used by the local population and letter carriers, hence its name.
Villard-Reymond is the highest commune in Isère and the second highest village in France.
Part of the Ecrins National Park, Villard-Reymond enjoys unspoilt countryside and remarkable views over the Oisans mountains.