Route d'exception : La route d'Oulles

Tourist routes

38520 Oulles

Oulles is one of the smallest villages in the Alps, with fewer than a dozen year-round residents. Nestling at the top end of a valley, it offers breathtaking views over the Grandes Rousses, the Meije and the Barre des Ecrins.

If you climb a little higher above the village, you will be rewarded with an even greater view. Located at an altitude of 1400 m on the Massif du Taillefer, Oulles Is the least populated village in Isère. The road leading up to the village is a sign of the sheer steepness of the surrounding mountains. Locals even say that it is so steep around Oulles that the inhabitants used to shoe their chickens! But it all adds to the charm of the village.

Oulles has only been accessible to vehicles via this road cut into the rockface since 1963. Immense effort was required to claw back these 7 kilometres of switchbacks from the mountainside - a miracle to create a path out of such a steep mountainside. All this gives you an idea of this incredible road that leads to the little village of Oulles, intact and with unspoilt charm, looming out of the past… (The road is narrow and winding, so drive carefully).

A wide range of mountain activities can be enjoyed in Oulles. Cycling, for example, up the 7 km of switchbacks, although the climb is very pleasant on this wooded mountainside, protected from the wind. Hiking with the family on the path to Ornon or slightly more challenging hiking up to the Taillefer mountain hut, as well as the Grand Galbert, Lac du Poursollet, the summit of the Taillefer, Lac Fourchu, Puy d'Oulles and others. All this can also be explored and enjoyed in winter on snow shoes and ski touring. Last but not least, a mountain biking path starts from the village on the Chemin de Malaine, although it is suited to experienced mountain bikers, as there are 84 switchbacks over the 680 m descent!

For more information if the 'Mairie' is closed, please contact the Bourg-d'Oisans tourist office.