Besse (Isère) walks

This is a beautiful hike with a wide variety of landscapes ranging from pastures to glaciers that can be admired on the northern slope of the Écrins. Message from the moderator: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

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 is a route best enjoyed in a group of hikers or with your family, as the elevation gain is relatively low. However, it is a walk that will allow you to admire the scenery and walk along the edge of the crevasse. Be careful though, you are in the mountains and there are no safety barriers, so caution is advised. Discover edelweiss, marmots and gentian flowers and enjoy the immensely beautiful landscape! For the more adventurous, you can start from the village of Besse on theGR®54to arrive at the same starting point. Message from the moderator: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

Hike to a 3,000-metre peak offering a complete 360° panorama of the Écrins, the Grandes Rousses, Savoie, Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles d'Arves.To take this route, you will need a high-clearance vehicle. (!) User comment on 2 September 2025: >Very beautiful hike, but in my opinion the route should be revised. The track from Le Chazelet is closed to traffic( reserved for authorised persons and alpine farmers only).

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!

Hike facing the majestic panorama offered by La Meije, one of the queens of the Ecrins. Message from the moderator: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

A somewhat long but magnificent hike with the Meije glaciers in the background. Message from the moderator: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

Hike to a first-class viewpoint of La Meije.

A beautiful route along the two banks of the Vénéon, passing through the mountain village of Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, home of Father Gaspard, who conquered La Meije in 1877. You will pass at the foot of two magnificent waterfalls, one of which you can cool off in by swimming underneath if you are brave enough.

A well-deserved but spectacular view. A magnificent lake at the foot of the Muzelle glacier that is not to be missed!

Mountain hike ending at the glacial lake of Goléon, superb balcony views of the Meije massif and discovery of typical mountain hamlets.

A 360° view of La Meije and its neighbours and the discovery of Lac du Goléon, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. ⚠️ 30/07/2025: modification to (4) to follow the Tour des Aiguilles d'Arves and avoid private property.

Loop in the Écrins National Park. Tour of the Aiguille de Venosc via the Lauvitel and Muzelle lakes, then the Vénéon Valley.A rich and varied itinerary! It is relatively long. It can be done in two days by spending a night at the Refuge de la Muzelle or bivouacking near the refuge.

The Lac du Lauvitel and its integral reserve (the first in France, created in 1995).

After the difficult climb to Villard-Raymond, we will enjoy a varied hike through forests and mountain pastures, climbing to a small summit with a cross for a view of the entire landscape.

In an hour, you can reach a 360-degree viewpoint offering views of four Alpine massifs: Taillefer, Belledonne, Grandes Rousses and Écrins. The hike starts in the picturesque village of Villard-Reymond, which can be reached via a narrow road (with around 20 hairpin bends) from the Col d'Ornon. It begins in the shade of the undergrowth before reaching a ridge and then the Col de Saint-Jean. A steep climb, but under pine trees, takes you to the summit of Prégentil, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of peaks reaching 3,000-4,000 metres.

Starting from Villard-Reymond, there is a very pretty circular walk under the Grand Renaud cirque, through the mountain pastures and back via the Croix du Carrelet.

A hike to reach a very pretty lake in the Belledonne mountain range. Best done in spring to see the lake and its snowfields.

Le Pontet is a magnificent turquoise lake above the hamlet of Les Cours, near Villar d'Arêne. You can get close to it by car, but the walk from Les Cours is very pleasant and, depending on the season, you may see edelweiss and marmots.

The last stage begins at the large Vallon Lake. You will then cross the Col du Rochail, which rises to an altitude of 2,756 metres. After this climb, your path will take you to the Refuge des Sources, then to Villard-Notre-Dame, a village offering a superb view of Bourg-d'Oisans, your final destination.

A superb hike in a magnificent setting at the foot of the Aiguilles d'Arves. The coolness of the torrent, the landscape ravaged by erosion, flower-filled mountain pastures, the whistling of marmots and shy chamois complete the picture. A comfortable walk has been created passing through (1) and (2).

The start of the climb is very steep but rewarded by the view of the Sept Laux lakes and, at the top of the Pic de l'Agnelin, the Belle Étoile and the Cabottes on one side and Oisans and the Grandes Rousses on the other. From the point (1), there were no more traces, no more hikers, just pure bliss!

From Lac Labarre, the route follows part of the GR®54B. You will cross the Col de la Romeïou, the Cabane de la Selle, then the Col du Paletas. From there, a wild hike along the ridges, passing by the Neyrard at an altitude of 2,796 m, will take you to Lac du Vallon.