La Grave is a journey through time, an immersion in a spectacular landscape and an encounter with mountain heritage and traditions.
A place that fully deserves its title a must-see in Oisans. But why? Perhaps because of its Alpine architecture, the harmony of the village dominated by la Meije, the classification of two of its buildings as historical monuments and the preservation of rural culture. So many good reasons to visit La Grave !
La Grave,
the country of Meije
How can we separate this village from this legendary summit, so much do they merge, physically and spiritually? La Grave, Meije is everywhere: it appears at the bend of an alley, imposes itself on hiking trails, and is proudly displayed on shop signs. Here, it is the kingdom of her majesty the Meije. Feel the intoxicating vertigo of entering La Grave, where the powerful spectacle of this indomitable mountain plays out before your eyes.
La Grave,
in the heart of the Écrins National Park
La Grave is a privileged gateway to the heart of the Écrins National Park, one of the largest and most spectacular in France. This natural sanctuary, dominated by legendary peaks such as the Meije, is a place protected and managed daily by the Écrins National Park, in order to ensure its preservation. La Grave, as in every territory of the park, you will encounter a rich and fragile biodiversity, with emblematic species such as the chamois and the golden eagle.
La Grave
and its architectural heritage
La Grave and its 5 hamlets clinging to the mountainside, nicknamed Les Traverses, offer mountain architecture in the purest tradition. The houses are made of local stone, topped with slate roofs, and joined by narrow streets. In addition to the parish churches of Saint-Paul and Saint-Mathieu, both listed as Historic Monuments, more than 60 buildings are part of the national inventory. This shows the built wealth of this place.
Classified as a Historic Monument
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
At the top of the village, theParish Church of the Assumption has been watching over for centuries La Grave. Built from some remains of the church of Notre-Dame-des-Basses-Arènes (1959th century), it was founded in the XNUMXth century in a Romanesque architecture, quite rare. Built in local stones, such as tuff or schist, this church bears witness to the know-how of the time. Rebuilt and remodeled over time, it retains remarkable medieval elements, such as its vaulted apse. This building, which has withstood the ravages of time, was classified as a Historic Monument in XNUMX. Special mention for the Meije which completely radiates this heritage site.
Did you know ?
In the past, La Grave was a farming village. Each family was responsible for its own production. Thus, they owned a house in the valley where they lived all year round, and another temporary dwelling, in the mountain pastures, which they used in the summer to look after their herds.
The houses in the village were large, designed for the family to live in, store hay, and mountain hut animals. The construction of the buildings, between the 18th and 19th centuries, did not evolve because it met these same needs and used similar techniques and materials. This is why we find an architectural harmony in La Grave.
When to come?
La Grave can be visited all year round. Each season is a new setting, a new opportunity to discover this extraordinary village.
Location – Contact
La Grave is located approximately 80 km from Grenoble, which represents less than 1 hours by car.
To get there from Grenoble, take the RN85 towards Briançon and the Oisans resorts. Once you arrive at Bourg-d'Oisans, continue your journey towards La Grave, following a route that runs along the impressive Romanche gorges.
