Grandes Rousses walks

This hike, which takes place entirely above 2,000 metres, takes you to the edge of two artificial lakes fed largely by the Saint-Sorlin Glacier, dominated by the Pic de l'Étandard.

An easy walk at medium altitude, accessible to most people, around the four lakes: Lac Noir, Lac Besson, Lac Faucille and Lac Carrelet, above Alpe d'Huez. Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Get off the beaten track by passing by Lac Noir and return above Lac Carrelet and Lac Besson!

A superb loop that is fairly accessible, even if the first kilometre is on a slightly steep path. You will cross multiple waterfalls, streams and torrents, all with breathtaking views of the Emparis plateau and all the surrounding mountains.

This circular, which starts at the Col de la Croix de Fer and passes by the Refuge de l'Étendard, gives you a taste of the high mountain atmosphere. Snow cover persists for quite a long time after winter. This hike is best done in late August or September. This hike can be easy in summer or difficult when there is snow (winter or spring). I did it when there was a lot of snow, which is why I consider it to be quite difficult.

From the Col de la Croix de Fer, often used by the Tour de France, enjoy a peaceful short hike on a little-used slope. Beautiful views of the surrounding area, particularly the Aiguilles d'Arves.

This is a beautiful walk that allows you to discover the beautiful chalets of Alpe d'Huez, followed by a gentle path to an old coal mine that closed in 1951, the Herpie mine. Then there is a steeper climb to Lac Blanc. The descent to Alpe d'Huez offers a beautiful view of the resort.

This easy circular offers superb 360° views of five mountain ranges during the journeyOisans with a view of La MeijeThe Aiguilles d'Arves, symbol of the MaurienneThe Grandes Rousses mountain rangeThe Belledonne rangeThe Taillefer massifnot forgetting the Emparis plateau.

This is a circular route without difficulty that takes you down into the Sarenne gorges. The first half of the hike is on the road with beautiful panoramic views, and the second half is along the Sarenne river, through the undergrowth to the village of Huez. You can choose to go back up via the ski lift or on foot via the Chemin du Village de l'Alpe (allow an extra 1½ hours, with a significant elevation gain).

A circular hike in a rather deserted area, with unique geological features alternating between steep high-altitude grasslands and a chaos of clay and black limestone needles.

A short, peaceful walk on a good trail overlooking Lac de Grand-Maison with a 100m elevation gain between the two passes!

Pass under trees, pastures, rocky outcrops, streams and enjoy unobstructed views of the peaks. A superb condensed route that is well worth the detour and requires a little effort.

This circular loop starting from Vaujany takes you up through the forest and blueberry bushes to the Grand Beau Rocher. There isn't really a rock at this spot, but there is a magnificent view of the entire region.

Hike on a historic site chosen by César-François Cassini in the18th century to map the Écrins Massif and other surrounding mountains. Magnificent 360° viewpoint over the Grandes Rousses, Belledonne, Taillefer, Rochail, Muzelle, Mont de Lans Glacier, La Meije, Aiguilles d'Arves and even Mont Blanc in the distance! And the resorts of Alpe d'Huez on one side and Les Deux Alpes on the other... An easy climb but a more... "sporting" descent!

A complete change of scenery is guaranteed on this ride, where you’ll be treated to a feast of lakes. The approach to the plateau via the Refuge de la Fare is impressive but poses no real danger, especially as the view on arrival is well worth the effort. Reaching the Dôme des Petites Rousses is then a mere formality before tackling the descent, partly along the ski runs.

Lac des Quirlies (2,566 m) and its eponymous glacier are situated on the eastern slope of the Grandes Rousses massif, right at the far end of the Ferrand Valley. This is a truly beautiful hike that passes through a lush, peaceful valley before reaching a much more rugged landscape around this glacial lake, surrounded by high peaks. Magnificent panoramic views of the Arves and Écrins massifs and, in the distance, the Vanoise. No technical difficulty apart from the length and elevation gain.

Another magical stage, thanks to the breathtaking scenery all along the balcony trail above Lac du Chambon, including a stop at the ‘petrifying’ spring. Opposite lies a long mountain range and majestic glaciers, with famous names: the Girose Glacier, Pic de la Grave, Le Râteau and the majestic Meije. You will finish this stage at the start of the Emparis plateau at the Refuge des Mouterres, one of the most beautiful camping spots with an exceptional view of the Meije. Message from the moderators: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).