Mont-de-Lans walks

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).

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).

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.

In the past, there were hot springs in the hamlet of Mailloz, which were used by the locals for a very long time. Some records indicate a temperature of 20°C, whilst others suggest as high as 28°C. These springs disappeared when the Chambon dam and the penstocks were built. This path takes you through the Mailloz forest, past various historical remains: the Italians’ hut (built by workers), a penstock, a small dam, an old mill, former bathing areas and the old tufa waterfall. Not to mention, towards the end, a stop at the little lake of Mailloz, an enchanting spot for a picnic or a dip in the water. Do also take a moment to admire the trees in the forest; some appear to be well over a hundred years old.

This route offers magnificent views of the Écrins Massif and La Meije, as well as the Bourg-d’Oisans valley. There are four chapels along the route: those in the hamlets of Les Cours and Cluy, the Saint-Géraud Chapel and the chapel in the hamlet of Les Certs. This is an easy walk with several picnic spots along the way. There are several alternative routes available, allowing you to extend the route. You can start from the resort.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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).

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 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).