Tour du Signal de l'Homme – Randonnée depuis Auris-en-Oisans
Hike with magnificent views of the Écrins massifs and the glaciers of the Meije, Grandes Rousses and Taillefer. Crossing the isolated hamlet of Cluy is also a plus.
Ideal for a day or half day depending on your pace.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Departure: Departure: Place des Orgières
Elevation: 310 m
Duration: 3h30
Distance: 9.5 km
MAP AND TOPO
Map / Topo guide OBP n°3 (on sale at the tourist office): paths 312 + 253 + 301.
IGN Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET.
ROUTE
The start is located on the Place des Orgières. Towards the road, you go up the Route du Col on the left and pass behind the Vacancéole residence on the right. On the path you gradually climb up to the Col de Maronne. Once you arrive at the pass which is represented by the intersection with other paths, continue slightly to your right on the passable track, between 50 and 100m stay on the path on your left, do not take the one on the right which goes up to the Signal.
On your left, enjoy the view overlooking the Romanche Valley, Bourg d'Oisans, and the surrounding mountains. As you continue, the village of Alpe d'Huez will appear in front of you, which will then be on your right. You will see the Grandes Rousses overlooking the Sarenne Gorges.
Halfway along, the track splits into two sections, take a slight right: the path on the left goes down to the Sarenne gorges, the other on the right on grass is the path to follow for the hike and is not always marked by a yellow PDIPR sign.
In clear weather towards the valley and the Col de Sarenne, in the distance, you will be able to see the three Aiguilles d'Arves, before heading to your left towards the Col de Cluy where the passable track resumes. As you climb the pass, the view of the Massif des Ecrins, in particular the Roche de la Muzelle and the resort of Les 2 Alpes will open up. Behind you, admire the Pic Blanc (3330m) of the Grandes Rousses. Once you reach the pass, a PDIPR sign will indicate a grassy path descending on your right. Be careful and discreet on the descent and you might see marmots. Back on the passable track, turn right towards the Saint-Géraud chapel and descend towards the hamlet of Cluy. On your right again, before joining the road, climb the small discreet grassy path, which will offer you a pretty passage alternating conifers and meadows until you return very close to the resort.
Possibility of doing the route in reverse if you wish to start the route with a little less preliminary climb.
TO SEE ON THE COURSE
On the way you will come across the chapel of Saint-Géraud, that of Saint-Ilpice and the isolated hamlet of Cluy.
TO SEE, TO DO NEARBY
Set off to discover the mountain pastures, a season woven with rare and precious moments, which invite the traveler to immerse themselves in mountain culture, to marvel at the landscapes and to understand life in the mountain pastures with the shepherds, the breeders and their herds.
TO KNOW
On the Saint-Géraud chapel: the story goes that Count Géraud of Aurillac passed by Auris-en-Oisans, during one of his many pilgrimages to Rome. This chapel, which dates from the year 890, is said to have been built on the very spot where he died.
Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herding dogs at certain times of the year.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Departure: Departure: Place des Orgières
Elevation: 310 m
Duration: 3h30
Distance: 9.5 km
MAP AND TOPO
Map / Topo guide OBP n°3 (on sale at the tourist office): paths 312 + 253 + 301.
IGN Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET.
ROUTE
The start is located on the Place des Orgières. Towards the road, you go up the Route du Col on the left and pass behind the Vacancéole residence on the right. On the path you gradually climb up to the Col de Maronne. Once you arrive at the pass which is represented by the intersection with other paths, continue slightly to your right on the passable track, between 50 and 100m stay on the path on your left, do not take the one on the right which goes up to the Signal.
On your left, enjoy the view overlooking the Romanche Valley, Bourg d'Oisans, and the surrounding mountains. As you continue, the village of Alpe d'Huez will appear in front of you, which will then be on your right. You will see the Grandes Rousses overlooking the Sarenne Gorges.
Halfway along, the track splits into two sections, take a slight right: the path on the left goes down to the Sarenne gorges, the other on the right on grass is the path to follow for the hike and is not always marked by a yellow PDIPR sign.
In clear weather towards the valley and the Col de Sarenne, in the distance, you will be able to see the three Aiguilles d'Arves, before heading to your left towards the Col de Cluy where the passable track resumes. As you climb the pass, the view of the Massif des Ecrins, in particular the Roche de la Muzelle and the resort of Les 2 Alpes will open up. Behind you, admire the Pic Blanc (3330m) of the Grandes Rousses. Once you reach the pass, a PDIPR sign will indicate a grassy path descending on your right. Be careful and discreet on the descent and you might see marmots. Back on the passable track, turn right towards the Saint-Géraud chapel and descend towards the hamlet of Cluy. On your right again, before joining the road, climb the small discreet grassy path, which will offer you a pretty passage alternating conifers and meadows until you return very close to the resort.
Possibility of doing the route in reverse if you wish to start the route with a little less preliminary climb.
TO SEE ON THE COURSE
On the way you will come across the chapel of Saint-Géraud, that of Saint-Ilpice and the isolated hamlet of Cluy.
TO SEE, TO DO NEARBY
Set off to discover the mountain pastures, a season woven with rare and precious moments, which invite the traveler to immerse themselves in mountain culture, to marvel at the landscapes and to understand life in the mountain pastures with the shepherds, the breeders and their herds.
TO KNOW
On the Saint-Géraud chapel: the story goes that Count Géraud of Aurillac passed by Auris-en-Oisans, during one of his many pilgrimages to Rome. This chapel, which dates from the year 890, is said to have been built on the very spot where he died.
Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herding dogs at certain times of the year.
