Oisans covers part of the Grandes Rousses massif, the highest point of which is Pic Bayle, at 3 m.
Discover the Grandes Rousses massif
What characterizes this mountain range above all are its numerous glaciers: the Rousses glacier, the Saint-Sorlin glacier, the Quirlies glacier, etc. The latter feeds the Quirlies lake, accessible via a hiking route in the Grandes Rousses massif, which follows the Ferrand Valley for 6 hours. There is also a more difficult path but more efficient, to reach this lake in 4 hours.
You can enjoy the beautiful mountain lakes even if you are a beginner, for example on the lower lakes plateau or plateau of the Petites Rousses lakes, which is listed as a national heritage site. It is accessible by cable car and will allow you to admire 5 lakes for 1 hour 30 to 3 hours: you can create your own tailor-made route.
Enjoy plenty of activities in the Grandes Rousses!
Les Grandes Rousses has several winter sports resorts, including the famous Alpe d'Huez, which is one of the largest in the country. During the nice weather, you can leave the village for a hiking route in the Grandes Rousses massif. It will take you from Alpe d'Huez to col de Sarenne in 2 hours (allow the same amount for the return trip). You can take the opportunity to visit the Brandes archaeological site, as well as the Herpie coal mines.
On your way back from this hike, don't miss the church of Alpe d'Huez, Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, whose architecture from the end of the 60s is astonishing. Don't hesitate to relax after your workout in one of the town's wellness areas. Hammam, massage, jacuzzi... There's something for everyone, even for those who haven't been hiking! Alpe d'Huez offers indoor and outdoor activities for everyone, in winter and summer: skiing of course, mountain biking, hiking, rail sledding... Not forgetting road biking with the legendary climb of the Alpe.
The Grandes Rousses massif, refuges and history
Who says hiking route in the Grandes Rousses massif said high mountain refuge. For seasoned sportsmen, the plan opportunities, Horses is a long hike that will give you the opportunity to discover one of the 26 refuges of Oisans, the La Fare refuge.
This is a rather technical circuit, accessible by cable car. In addition to being able to approach the Barbarate glacier, you will discover the Oisans maquis, a high place of the French resistance, thanks to information panels placed along the route.
If you are not physically fit for the Cavalles plan, you can turn to the Fare Lake hike. Of a moderate level, you will still have the opportunity to see one of the remains of the Oisans maquis. Indeed, on the edge of the lake is the Rajon cabin, a former makeshift hospital in 1944 when the maquisards fled the enemy. This mountain hut became for a few days the highest hospital in the world, at an altitude of 2645 m.
