Dive in Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, refuge of the mountain soul. Here, the guides' stories echo in every alley, the dizzying walls whisper to the mountaineers, and the silence of the heights of the Ecrins National Park reveals a rare power.
It's at the end of the glacial valley of Vénéon that you will meet Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans. Mountain huted on both sides by the verticality of the Écrins massif, its traditional hamlets are spread out along the bottom of the valley or clinging to the steep mountain slopes on terraces. For centuries, the Christollets have been taming the elements, which are considered, here more than anywhere else, untamable. Because at Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, you are at the gateway to the high mountains, this harsh and yet magnificent place. It is these peaks that have earned it its reputation as stronghold of mountaineering. I have to say that Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans is marked by this history with famous guides, like Pierre Gaspard, a native of the country, who was the first to conquer the invincible Meije, in 1877. Even today, the names of these mountaineers resonate in these places and new ones flock to follow in the footsteps of the pioneers. Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, it is also an enchanting setting for hikes in the heart of the Ecrins National Park and roaming in one of its numerous mountain huts.
Top 5
The essentials of Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans
Discover the essentials of Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans : hiking towards exceptional panoramas, climbing on its legendary walls, immersion in the museum, and encounters with a unique mountain culture. Prepare yourself for the essentials!
1
Museum of Mountaineering Memories
Discover this museum, a captivating tribute to the history of mountaineering, its guides, its legendary exploits and the indomitable Alps of Oisans.
2
Via ferrata of Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans
This via ferrata offers a magnificent view over the turbulent waters of the Vénéon River. It is divided into two sections: one for experts, the other for beginners and children from 2 years old.
3
Bridge of the Rajas
The Rajas Bridge, spanning the Vénéon River to reach the remains of the eponymous hamlet, has withstood the ravages of time. Built of stone in the 17th century, it has the distinction of having been designed as a humpback.
4
Dibona climbing site
No trail leads to the summit of this peak, whose silhouette could have come straight out of a fantasy book. You'll have to grab a rope and harness and set off on its long routes, equipped mainly with bolts.
5
The Mirror of the Fétoules
This isn't a lake, but rather a pond with a superb panorama of the Écrins and the Vénéon Valley. Its name evokes its waters, which reflect the brilliance of the Tête des Fétoules, majestic at 3 459 m. Twenty minutes higher, you can enjoy the Peyssa orientation table.
Highlights
in Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans
Tourist Office
Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans
Located in the heart of the Écrins National Park, the commune of St Christophe en Oisans boasts a remarkable natural heritage. Each valley is unique and offers sumptuous panoramas of legendary peaks such as the Meije, the Écrins or the Dibona.