Tour of Oisans and Ecrins

Two weeks of active hiking, taking us to the foot of the highest summits in the southern Alps.

From Le Bourg d'Oisans, the Tour of Oisans and Ecrins footpath begins its grand tour with the help of handrails to reach the small villages perched on the mountainside. It descends towards the Sarenne mountain stream and then goes up to the mountain pass, with a panorama over the Monts de Lans. We then go down towards Clavans and the Ferrand valley, before a fine climb as far as Besse-en-Oisans, at the edge of the vast Emparis plateau. Above, Col de Souchet offers a five-star view over the Meije. A descent of almost 1000 metres leads to La Grave. You then walk along the River Romanche as far as its source on the mountain pastures of Villar d'Arène. When you arrive at Col d'Arsine, the spectacle is astonishing. The mountainous setting is an invitation to visit the Arsine glacier lake before beginning our long descent along the Petit Tabuc mountain stream as far as the Guisane valley and Monêtier-les-Bains. Our destination is Vallouise via Col de l'Eychauda and the peaceful chalets of Chambran. 8 km of road along the Onde mountain stream bring us to the Jas Lacroix alpine pastures. Crossing Col de l'Aup Martin, the highest point in all the tour, is always rich in adventure, and the descent towards the Pré de la Chaumette is equally exciting. To reach Lake Vallonpierre and Valgaudemar, you have to take care crossing no less than three mountain passes carved out in the schist. Along the Séveraisse, the footpath joins La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar and then rises through Villar Loubière as far as the Souffles refuge and the impressive Col de la Vaurze. Equally impressive is the descent towards the unspoilt Valjouffrey. The rich green Col de Côte Belle contrasts with the schist landscapes we have seen until now. Valsenestre, in the Béranger valley, comes as a well-earned break before we set off for the last few twists and turns. We arrive at the vertical Col de la Muzelle, leading to the Vénéon. One last mountain pass takes us to the biggest lake in L’Oisans, the Lauvitel, and we are back in Le Bourg d'Oisans. We have come full circle!

You can follow the GR® 54 footpath either from Le Bourg d'Oisans, L'Argentière, La Grave or from any other village along the way.