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).

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.

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!

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.

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!

A nice little circular loop in the Écrins National Park, to Lac du Lauvitel, from the Ougiers car park. The hike can start from La Danchère, but in August 2024 the road was closed due to a landslide in June. The ascent is via Les Selles and the descent via Les Rousses. It is a mountain trail, much of which runs through forest, so it is shaded, which is useful in hot weather. The trail is mostly paved with old stones and there are small bridges to cross.

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).