A beautiful walk that takes you through the Sarenne gorges and up the slopes of the Signal de l'Homme. You will also pass through the very charming hamlet of Rosai which is well worth a visit.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Departure : Auris en Oisans
Difference in altitude : 560 m
Round trip time: 5h
Distance : 12.5 km
Technical level : easy - physical level : easy
MAP AND TOPO
Map / Topo guide OBP n°2 et 3 (on sale at the tourist office): chemins 301 + 290 + 265 + 252 + 339 + 253.
ITINERARY
From Auris, follow the path towards the Col de Maronne. At the Col de Maronne, descend towards the Rosay/Roman Bridge.
At the Roman bridge, continue towards the Sarenne pass.
Join Le Gua then follow the path 339 towards the Col de Cluy.
For the return to the Auris station, follow the path 253. At the foot of the Signal de l'Homme return via the Col de Maronne, then follow "Auris Station".
TO SEE ON THE TOUR
- The hamlet of Rosay has a mountain charm with its typical Oisans stone houses and also for its 15th century chapel of the Ste Trinité.
- The Roman bridge is aptly named as it marks the passage of an ancient "Roman road", which linked Grenoble to Italy via the Col du Lautaret and the Romanche valley.
- The old Sarenne mill, on the banks of the torrent of the same name, with its remains and explanatory panels.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO NEARBY
Discover the botanical garden on the path 252, towards the Col de Sarenne.
TO KNOW
The Sarenne, "the longest black track in the world". In fact, the path you are taking is the end of this mythical ski run in winter.
Dogs must be kept on a leash because of the presence of herding dogs at certain times of the year.
From the Sarenne Valley to the Ferrand Valley, this pass embraces a large part of Oisans. Bring a picnic and sit back to enjoy this magnificent natural setting! To round off the experience, stop off at Bergerie du Col to buy some cheese.The view from the mountain pass is quite simply magnificent! There are plenty of marmottes and chamois to delight nature lovers, as well as orange lilies and gentian for flower lovers! Not to forget crystal enthusiasts, as there are several fine examples too...
Reaching Alpe d’Huez involves tackling the 21 famous switchbacks known to cyclists the world over. Climbing to the top by car is less of a problem, and you are sure to arrive in better shape at the summit!This almost 47 km circuit start in Bourg d'Oisans. This route takes you first to the centre of the resort, where ↘two exhibitions await. The first unveils details of the lives of the inhabitants of Brandes, a small village that grew around the silver mines operating from the mid-12th century to the mid-14th century for the profit of the ‘Dauphin’, the Lord of the Dauphiné region. The museum displays the findings of the archaeological digs that have been carried out on this site for the past 35 years. The second exhibition, entitled ‘Local people, living in Oisans in the old days’ (Gens d’ici, vivre en Oisans autrefois), focuses on key themes, guiding visitors along a trail which takes them deep into the daily lives of Oisans inhabitants, from birth through to death: rites and beliefs, peddling, wakes…everything that forms the core of a mountain society. A new exhibition: "Ready for sport" depicting how Alpe d’Huez gradually became the sports resort, we know today. A short step from the museum, next to the altiport, you can see the ↘Brandes silver mine, a unique archaeological site in Europe. Guided visits are organised twice a week. You can then carry on up to the ↘col de Sarenne for a magnificent view over the Emparis plateau. After the pass, you find yourself in the Ferrand valley, with its string of villages: Clavans-en-Haut‑Oisans, Besse-en-Oisans and Mizoen. Give your legs a stretch by strolling peacefully through the streets of these pretty villages. Before returning to Bourg-d'Oisans, stop off at Freney d’Oisans. A Route des Savoir-Faire member will welcome you to his work place and show you his skill. Gilles, a passionate beekeeper, offers «Bee Safari» adventures going from hive to hive dressed in beekeeping gear (please phone ahead). You can explore his ↘"Un Ecrin de miel" smallholding and taste his delicious produce, including mountain honey and other regionally produced honeys, propolis, gingerbread and nougat.
Oisans Tourisme - 24/06/2024
www.oisans.com
Report a problem
From 01/05 to 31/10.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Phone : 04 76 80 13 52
Email : info-auris@oisans.com
Website : www.auris.fr
Ground
Grit
Topo guides references :
Map / Topo guide OBP n°2 (on sale at the tourist office): trails 301 + 290 + 265 + 252 + 339 + 253.
Map references :
IGN Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans et l'Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET.