Tour du Signal de l'Homme

A hike with magnificent views of the Écrins massif and the glaciers of La Meije, Grandes Rousses and Taillefer. Crossing the isolated hamlet of Cluy is also a plus.

Ideal for a day or 1/2 day at your own pace.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Departure : Departure : Auris-en-Oisans station
Difference in altitude: 310 m
Round trip time: 3h30
Distance : 9.5 km

MAP AND TOPO
Map / Topo guide OBP n°3 (on sale at the tourist office): paths 312 + 253 + 301.
IGN Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET.

ITINERARY
Below the Vacancéole residence, at the entrance to the resort, take the path that climbs above the road, towards Col de Cluy.
A pretty passage alternating between conifers and meadows leads you to the stone chapel of Saint-Géraud. The ascent then begins on a track leading to the isolated hamlet of Cluy and its mountain chapel.
A few meters of flat ground to catch your breath, then a fairly straightforward climb of just over a kilometer through the mountain pastures, before arriving at the Col de Cluy. If you're lucky, you'll come across some marmots. You can pause for a moment to admire the Pic Blanc and Alpe d'Huez peaks just ahead.
Then follow the signs for Col de Maronne to get around Signal de l'Homme. This 2.5 km trail is easy and rolling. The added bonus: panoramic views of the Belledonne, Taillefer and Écrins massifs as you go.
At the Col de Maronne, return downhill to the resort of Auris-en-Oisans, with a view of the 2 Alpes glacier.

WHAT TO SEE ALONG THE WAY
Along the way, you'll come across the chapels of Saint-Géraud and Saint-Ilpice, and the isolated hamlet of Cluy.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO NEARBY
Discover the mountain pastures, a season of rare and precious moments, inviting you to immerse yourself in mountain culture, marvel at the landscapes and learn about life on the mountain pastures with the shepherds, breeders and their flocks.

THINGS TO KNOW
The Saint-Géraud chapel: legend has it that Count Géraud d'Aurillac passed through Auris-en-Oisans on one of his many pilgrimages to Rome. This chapel, dating from 890, was built on the very spot where he is said to have died.

Dogs must be kept on a leash, as herding dogs are present at certain times of the year.