Le Rafour – Villard Reculas
The path which passes through a forest of beech, oak and spruce trees is home to a rich fauna. Once in Villard Reculas you will find yourself in the heart of mountain pastures and meadows.
The houses in the village are highlighted by harmonious architecture using exposed stone and wood. View of the Bourg d'Oisans plain and the Taillefer massif.
TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS :
Departure: Le Rafour
Elevation: 720 m
Return time: 5h00
Distance: 5 km
Average level
MAP AND TOPO:
IGN Top 25 map n°3335 E
Departure from Le Rafour (719m). Take the road that crosses the small hamlet of Le Raffour, follow the sign towards 'Pied de Combe creuse'.
At the foot of Combe Creuse, the climb begins! A very steep climb in the forest for about 1h45 to 'La Fontaine de l'Ours' (1274m).
From there, you continue the climb, which becomes a little less steep. You will arrive on the road that leads to Villard Reculas. 100m on your right, on the other side of the road, you see a small path that goes up. There are no signs or markers. You go up this small path, and after 100m you see the post that indicates 'Les Essarts' (1435m). You turn right, direction Villard Reculas, there is still an hour of walking in the forest to reach the center. From Villard Reculas you have breathtaking views of the Bourg d'Oisans plain, the Taillefer, Belledonne, and the Ecrins.
The return takes the same route. You can also opt to go down via Sardonne, the road will be a little longer but also much less steep on the descent. In Essarts, take direction Sardonne, Combe de la Voute, and then direction Le Rafour. Total time ascent: 3h00, descent: approximately 2h30.
TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS :
Departure: Le Rafour
Elevation: 720 m
Return time: 5h00
Distance: 5 km
Average level
MAP AND TOPO:
IGN Top 25 map n°3335 E
Departure from Le Rafour (719m). Take the road that crosses the small hamlet of Le Raffour, follow the sign towards 'Pied de Combe creuse'.
At the foot of Combe Creuse, the climb begins! A very steep climb in the forest for about 1h45 to 'La Fontaine de l'Ours' (1274m).
From there, you continue the climb, which becomes a little less steep. You will arrive on the road that leads to Villard Reculas. 100m on your right, on the other side of the road, you see a small path that goes up. There are no signs or markers. You go up this small path, and after 100m you see the post that indicates 'Les Essarts' (1435m). You turn right, direction Villard Reculas, there is still an hour of walking in the forest to reach the center. From Villard Reculas you have breathtaking views of the Bourg d'Oisans plain, the Taillefer, Belledonne, and the Ecrins.
The return takes the same route. You can also opt to go down via Sardonne, the road will be a little longer but also much less steep on the descent. In Essarts, take direction Sardonne, Combe de la Voute, and then direction Le Rafour. Total time ascent: 3h00, descent: approximately 2h30.
