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 route, which can be done with the family, to discover the oratories built by the Bessats in the 19th century. The route follows a sunny slope and passes through two hamlets with typical houses and the village of Besse, which is worth a visit in its own right. As a bonus, there are some magnificent panoramic views of the Grandes Rousses and Écrins massifs between La Meije and Le Rochail.

The Emparis Plateau is a famous vantage point overlooking La Meije and the surrounding mountain ranges, particularly from its Lacs Noir and Lérié. This double circular route follows the classic route around these lakes but extends the circular route to include a less-frequented return route, which prolongs the day’s views.

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.

A very beautiful high-altitude hike offering the chance to climb a "3000-metre peak". This summit offers a 360° panorama of the surrounding mountain ranges.

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).

A stunning circular route around one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps, the Ferrand Valley, leading to the Râteau des Rousses and the turquoise Lac des Malatres. The route follows the Ferrand stream as far as the waterfalls, then bypasses the main path leading to Lac des Quirlies, before climbing to the impressive Pic du Râteau des Rousses — the only technical challenge — and returns to the valley via magnificent lakes, glaciers and meadows dotted with rounded boulders. Solitude and wonder guaranteed!

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.

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!

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).

Stage7 of this route. One of the most beautiful stages of this tour of the Écrins National Park. After making the most of the welcome at the Refuge des Mouterres and a campsite with an extraordinary view, you will discover the unspoilt nature of the Emparis Plateau, a Natura 2000 site with abundant mountain flora. You will leave theGR® 54C for a detour across the Emparis Plateau and its three lakes, Cristallin, Noir and Lérié, before descending to La Grave. Message from the moderators: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

A mountain hike on the Emparis plateau with views of La Meije.This hike can be completed over several days. Message from the moderators: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (for more information on this SNA and available accommodation, see the practical information).

This walk takes you to the Croix de Cassini (2,361 m), offering a magnificent 360° view of La Meije, the Aiguilles d’Arves, the Grandes Rousses, Belledonne, Le Taillefer and the Muzelle Glacier. In good weather, you may be able to see Mont Blanc, and blueberries can be picked in season.

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 hike to warm up and enjoy a superb view of the Deux Alpes resort. In this sense, the route allows you to benefit from the shade of the forest on the way up, and therefore to arrive in good conditions at Clos des Balmettes, where the descent to the resort will be in the open.

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.

A short walk starting from the village of Les Cours, taking you through six hamlets. An easy route taking less than 2 hours. You can extend the route with other circular loops using the various signposted waypoints.

A very pretty circular route with a wild, high-mountain atmosphere despite the presence of the L'Alpe d'Huez cross-country ski area, which, incidentally, allows you to hike safely whilst making your own tracks in the powder snow.

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.

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.

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).

This is the classic route to the Emparis plateau, extended to form a circular route with varied landscapes. Moderator’s note: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information). 30/09/2024: Route modified between sections 4 and 6 to follow the markings.

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 hike offering superb views of the Meije glaciers as well as the Emparis plateau. Whilst the Emparis plateau is renowned for its views of the Meije, it is naturally very busy. This hike allows you to enjoy the same views whilst walking in a wilder setting. Message from the moderators: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000), which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

This is an easy walk, mainly on paved or unpaved tracks (some are necessary), which nevertheless offers constant views of the Meije massif, wide open spaces around you, and a bright route rich in discoveries. What's more, this route is ideal for Nordic walking.

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 breathtaking hike leading to the magnificent Lac de la Muzelle in the Écrins National Park.A challenging climb alongside streams and waterfalls.

To spare your calves, the hike begins with a cable car ride up from La Grave. At the midway station (the end of the first section), the majestic Meije and its glaciers come into view! Then, for a bit of a walk, the path will take you to Lac de Puy Vachier with its midnight-blue waters, the Évariste Chancel mountain hut and a viewing platform from which the view takes in the upper Romanche valley, stretching from the Grandes-Rousses in the west to the Galibier and La Meije in the east.

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.

Following the Vénéon floods in June 2024, it is no longer possible to complete this route. The paths have been destroyed.

This circular route starting from Vaujany offers a beautiful view of Allemond, Lac du Vernet, and the confluence of the Eau d’Olle and Fare valleys.Most of the route is through woodland.

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

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.

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.

An easy ski-touring route in magnificent surroundings. A route with a lovely finish above the Col du Sabot. A very beautiful route for warming up or for beginners. The Col du Sabot lies on the border between the Grandes Rousses massif and the Maurienne.