La mine de l'Herpie – rando
The climb through the mountain pastures is gradual along the mule ramp (passable track). Several remains of mines mark the route, including those of Brandes and Herpie.
A gradual hike without difficulty, particularly pleasant at the beginning of the summer season, when the mountain pastures are in bloom. No difficulty on this wide track with a regular slope, enough to enjoy the clear view.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Departure: Alpe d'Huez altiport
Elevation: 350 m
Round trip duration: 2h45
Return distance: 5,2 km
Level: easy
ROUTE
From the altiport follow the road towards the col de Sarenne and take the first track that goes up on the left. From there, simply follow the track to the Herpie mine and even beyond if your calves are up for it.
For 1,5 km the track climbs gently across, then makes a few bends before arriving at the mine. All along the path the view is largely clear of the surroundings since you are walking in the middle of the mountain pastures.
MAP AND TOPO
TOP 25 IGN 3335 ET – Bourg d'Oisans, Alpe d'Huez
Topo map OBP n°2 (Oisans at the End of the Feet) trail 256.
TO SEE NEARBY
– The archaeological site of Brandes
- The col de Sarenne
TO KNOW
The Herpie mine opened in 1880 to exploit coal in the coal valley. It is the highest mine in Europe and a cable car, called at the time “aerial cable railway” was built in 1904 to lower the coal to Bourg-d'Oisans. This equipment allows it to be exploited intensively with 30 to 50 workers on site especially in winter. Some rusty debris from this cable car with vagonets are still visible in places.
It closed suddenly in 1951, a few months after an avalanche swept away part of the buildings and killed 12 people.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Departure: Alpe d'Huez altiport
Elevation: 350 m
Round trip duration: 2h45
Return distance: 5,2 km
Level: easy
ROUTE
From the altiport follow the road towards the col de Sarenne and take the first track that goes up on the left. From there, simply follow the track to the Herpie mine and even beyond if your calves are up for it.
For 1,5 km the track climbs gently across, then makes a few bends before arriving at the mine. All along the path the view is largely clear of the surroundings since you are walking in the middle of the mountain pastures.
MAP AND TOPO
TOP 25 IGN 3335 ET – Bourg d'Oisans, Alpe d'Huez
Topo map OBP n°2 (Oisans at the End of the Feet) trail 256.
TO SEE NEARBY
– The archaeological site of Brandes
- The col de Sarenne
TO KNOW
The Herpie mine opened in 1880 to exploit coal in the coal valley. It is the highest mine in Europe and a cable car, called at the time “aerial cable railway” was built in 1904 to lower the coal to Bourg-d'Oisans. This equipment allows it to be exploited intensively with 30 to 50 workers on site especially in winter. Some rusty debris from this cable car with vagonets are still visible in places.
It closed suddenly in 1951, a few months after an avalanche swept away part of the buildings and killed 12 people.
