Not far from the Italian border lies the natural region of Oisans. If it is home to several of the most famous French ski resorts, such as Alpes-d’Huez and Deux-Alpes, summarizing this vast territory spread over 21 municipalities solely to the attractions of winter sports would be a mistake, as the mountains and the banks of the Romanche have to offer tourists once summer comes. Nature, history, hikes, white water activities and rest… What if the mountains in summer had their say over the coast?
Surrounded by high Alpine peaks, Oisans did not wait for the democratization of winter sports to begin its rich history with humanity. Archaeological excavations have revealed the presence of inhabitants from the 8th centurye century BC and the first sedentary people from Antiquity, even if the region was probably inhabited well upstream. Ideally located on the road crossing the Alps from Grande Botte, Oisans saw many merchants from the Roman world pass through, as evidenced by the remains of a stone arch erected by the Empire, the Porte de Bons, on the commune of Mont-de-Lans.
A little more nature
Abandoned on several occasions in the Middle Ages, the region survives in particular thanks to mining. The ruins of the village of Brandes, not far from Huez, bear witness to this era. Although it is accessible free of charge, guided tours twice a week in summer allow you to discover the history of this isolated hamlet where 200 people lived between thee and XIVe centuries. With the industrial revolution, factories and a hydroelectric power station emerged, taking advantage of the waters of the Romanche to operate.
One of the region’s curiosities dates from this period: the Keller pavilion. Built as a habitat at the beginning of the 20th centurye century by the rich industrialist Charles Albert Keller, the singular building stands on immense concrete stilts. With its strange shape, it was notably used in the sets of the film “Les Rivières pourpres”, by Mathieu Kassovitz, and more recently in the comedy “Loin du Périph”, by Louis Leterrier, with Omar Sy and Laurent Lafitte.
Rich in a significant historical heritage, the real interest of Oisans lies in its abundant nature. Along the nearly 1,000 kilometers of marked trails, it is possible to discover alpine lakes and green valleys with the family, even for beginner walkers.
If experienced mountaineers will find what they are looking for at the foot of the Meije or the many steep cliffs in the region, simple tourists in search of pure air and simplicity have plenty to do. Among the unmissable attractions, the Oz waterfall and its 20 meter drop, the Diable waterfall and the homonymous bridge which precedes it, the Sarenne pass, ideal for a picnic and hoping to cross the chamois and marmot route, with stuning view. We will also appreciate the Pontet lake for swimming in an idyllic setting.
Risk appetite
Via Ferrata, climbing for all levels, trail running, mountain biking, rafting, tree climbing, horse riding… There are plenty of choices. For parents who want more rest, the water sports centers of Verney and Chambon offer more peaceful activities, in particular offering the rental of kayaks or paddles. Mountain holidays are also an opportunity to try paragliding. The many schools in the region suggest tandem trips, accompanied by an instructor, to discover the beauty of the surrounding mountains in a different way.
Oisans is easily accessible by bus from Grenoble. The town, three hours and forty hours from Paris by train, is 50 kilometers from Bourg-d’Oisans. Although many taxi companies allow you to get around on site, the simplest thing is to have your own vehicle (rental possible), in order to reach the sites of the different activities more easily and for less money.
To treat yourself to a breath of fresh air and preserved nature, the Taillefer massif and its very particular climatic conditions offer a striking spectacle. Spread across the communes of Livet-et-Gavet, Lavaldens, Ornon, Oulles and La Morte, it brings together more than 3,700 hectares of peat bogs, moors and forests. Labeled Natura 2000, it is an extremely protected area, where walkers are invited to pay attention to their footprints on the site. The few rules of use respected (do not leave the path, do not throw waste, etc.), it is an opportunity to discover the rare habitat of several species of plants and animals that have been able to adapt to the harsh conditions of the massif. In addition to the unusual fauna, the majestic setting of the place almost seems to have been spared the hand of man, as if straight from a distant past.
To treat yourself to a breath of fresh air and preserved nature, the Taillefer massif and its very particular climatic conditions offer a striking spectacle. Spread across the communes of Livet-et-Gavet, Lavaldens, Ornon, Oulles and La Morte, it brings together more than 3,700 hectares of peat bogs, moors and forests. Labeled Natura 2000, it is an extremely protected area, where walkers are invited to pay attention to their footprints on the site. The few rules of use respected (do not leave the path, do not throw waste, etc.), it is an opportunity to discover the rare habitat of several species of plants and animals that have been able to adapt to the harsh conditions of the massif. In addition to the unusual fauna, the majestic setting of the place almost seems to have been spared the hand of man, as if straight from a distant past.
To treat yourself to a breath of fresh air and preserved nature, the Taillefer massif and its very particular climatic conditions offer a striking spectacle. Spread across the communes of Livet-et-Gavet, Lavaldens, Ornon, Oulles and La Morte, it brings together more than 3,700 hectares of peat bogs, moors and forests. Labeled Natura 2000, it is an extremely protected area, where walkers are invited to pay attention to their footprints on the site. The few rules of use respected (do not leave the path, do not throw waste, etc.), it is an opportunity to discover the rare habitat of several species of plants and animals that have been able to adapt to the harsh conditions of the massif. In addition to the unusual fauna, the majestic setting of the place almost seems to have been spared the hand of man, as if straight from a distant past.
