Once upon a time there was a small pastoral village, made of schist and slate, perched at the very end of the Alps, between Isère and Savoie. Besse, in fact, could be one of those regions straight out of a fairy tale, so striking is its timelessness. Enveloped by majestic mountains and topped by an enchanting plateau, that of Emparis, the Bessat region is adorned with a singular beauty that has earned it its inclusion in the inventory of Buildings of France.
You'll have to climb well above the Chambon Dam if you want to find this amazing village. Isolated at an altitude of 1 m in the Arves massif, Besse is characterized by its vast, steppe-like mountain pastures and snow-capped peaks. The territory is also marked by numerous watercourses carving deep, green furrows. Besse also overlooks the Ferrand torrent, whose name the valley proudly bears.
A land of pastoralism par excellence, you will be charmed by the authenticity of the places and the beauty of the landscapes revealing the queen of the Écrins, the Meije.
Top 5
The essentials of Besse
"Who has not seen Besse and Emparis saw nothing!" Here is an old adage from Oisans which has the merit of being explicit. Indeed, Besse is a must-see that you absolutely must discover. But once you're up there, what should you absolutely not miss? Here are our top 5!
1
Visit the traditional village of Besse
Discover Besse, its history, its architecture, its anecdotes, thanks to guided tours. The Bessat region will no longer hold any secrets for you!
2
Discover the Emparis plateau
The Emparis plateau is a must-see in the Oisans region, with its view of the Meije. This steppe-like ocean of greenery, dotted with mountain lakes, is nonetheless a fragile place, and a number of measures have been taken to preserve its biodiversity.
3
Ski touring from Besse
Discover ski touring from Besse and explore its snowy landscapes surrounded by high peaks. Its geographical location allows for varied routes leading in particular to the Grandes Rousses massif or the Plateau d'Emparis.
4
Visit the museum of the Departmental House of the Alps
This museum, in the heart of Besse, is an immersive journey into the heart of pastoral and alpine traditions. Discover the history of shepherds and mountain life. An authentic and interesting place!
5
Discovery trail
Why not combine sport and culture? This fun hike offers just that, guiding you through the history of these places and their unspoiled nature, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Highlights
in the Ferrand valley
Welcome Guide
Find all the practical information to prepare your stay in the Ferrand valley
Tourist Office
from the Ferrand valley
The Ferrand Valley Tourist Office will help you discover Mizoën, Clavans-en-Haut-Oisans et Besse-en-Oisans, crossing the valley from the heights of Lake Chambon to the col de Sarenne passing through the Emparis plateau!
Opening periods
| Opening hours from June 16 to September 07, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open from 09 a.m. to 30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Tuesday | Open from 09 a.m. to 30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Open from 09 a.m. to 30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Thursday | Open from 09 a.m. to 30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Friday | Open from 09 a.m. to 30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Open on Saturday | Open from 09 a.m. to 30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 30 p.m. |
| Sunday | Open from 09 a.m. to 30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 30 p.m. |