Villard Notre Dame - Villard Reymond - Hiking

High above the houses, the small church displays its architectural elegance soberly. Nevertheless, it is a fine heritage building with foundations dating back to the Middle Ages.Next to a small cemetery, overlooking the village square and visible from far and wide, the church underwent considerable renovation a few years ago and is among the best preserved churches in Oisans. The porch, which has similar features to that of the south gateway of La Grave church and a small shield-shaped stained-glass window, dates back to the Middle Ages. Its originality can still be seen in the wooden ceiling made of elegant box sections, together with a 19th-century sculpted preaching chair. The bell tower, built of wood and originally covered with white iron, was rebuilt in stone between 1757 and 1776, as, according to Bishop Camus "it moved when we rang the bells".

Villard-Notre-Dame has kept its old charm of authentic mountain village with its stone houses cladded with lime plaster, all with south facing balconies opening on the deep valley of La Gorge which descends steeply to the plain of Bourg d'Oisans.The road leading to Notre Dame shares all the features of this highly original alpine area in which the village nestles. The closeness of the village to the mountain is due to the untamed nature of the two small valleys above. Firstly, the Sources, featuring superb waterfalls, leading up to the top of the Rochail (3022 m), with its hanging glacier. The second, the Pisse, is dominated by the Grand Renaud (2776 m), looking like a majestic ship pulled from the depths of the oceans. Perched above the houses, the small church is of a sober architectural style. The untamed surrounding mountains ensures there is a wide variety of both plant and animal life. Sharp-eyed hikers will not be disappointed. For more information, if the 'Mairie' is closed, please contact the Bourg d'Oisans tourist office.

Villard Reymond Is a high mountain village in the heart of the Oisans massif, boasting a birds-eye view over Bourg d'Oisans. Located opposite the Grandes Rousses and Alpe d'Huez, it nestles at the foot of the Grand and Petit Renaud.The south-facing village dominates the small valley of Grand Riou and offers a magnificent view over the Taillefer. The area covered by the village starts at an altitude of 820 m on the right-hand bank of the fast-flowing Lignarre river and reaches up to the summit of the 2732 m Grand Renaud. With a village hall located at 1650 m, Villard Renaud is the highest village in Isère and the second highest in France. Located within the boundary of the Ecrins National Park, Villard Reymond is an unspoilt village with outstanding views over the Oisans mountain ranges. In this magnificent setting, life remains as peaceful as in the olden days, with locals offering a warm welcome. The road crosses over the Lignarre river and immediately starts to climb through the hamlet of Le Villaret, known for its slate quarry. The village lies at the end of a picturesque road, typical of the environment that characterises Villard Reymond, consisting of Alpine forests, rocky cliffs and pastures. Deer and chamois are regularly spotted and when out walking, it's not unusual to hear black woodpeckers and grey cuckoos, as well as seeing hazel grouse, rock partridge and black grouse. If you're lucky, you may come across wood orchids, but remember, look and don't touch! In the summer, there are a number of mountain-bike and hiking trails leading to places such as Le Prégentil, Le Clot de la Selle and the Col de Corbière. In winter time, visitors can choose from a wide range of snowshoeing and ski mountaineering trails. If the Mairie is closed, contact Bourg d'Oisans tourist office for more information.