La boucle du Ferrand (Circuit n°14)

In the heart of the listed village of Besse-en-Oisans, the Maison des Alpages houses a museum, a projection room and exhibitions dedicated to pastoral life. It also organises excursions to meet the shepherds and their flocks.The visit to the museum is divided into several parts: A permanent and interactive exhibition invites visitors to learn more about pastoralism as it is practised today, dispelling preconceived ideas and and highlighting age-old know-how. -A museum area devoted to the rich history of Besse en Oisans and the Ferrand Valley, which depicts life in the mountain villages of yesteryear (collections of old objects, photos, testimonials, etc.). -A number of sections on issues such as global warming, predators, the environment and the economy linked to pastoralism complete the visit. The Maison des Alpages also offers free activities for children: access to the library (a wide range of books on the mountain environment, plant and animal life, transhumance, life in the past). A booklet of games and riddles is also available on request at the reception. The visit ends with the museum shop, which is mainly dedicated to local producers and aims to showcase quality products to local and visiting customers, by promoting the members of the Oisans Savoir Faire Route, Alpe is Here and the Ecrins National Park. The Maison des Alpages also offers guided tours of Besse, excursions to the mountain pastures to meet the shepherds and their flocks, as well as hikes through the pasture hamlets. These outings can be rounded off with a film from the festival "Les alpages font leur cinéma". More information on the outings and activities can be found on the dedicated web pages (outings and visits can be booked online) or on www.maisondesalpages-besse.com, as well as on the Facebook page of the Maison des Alpages. You can also contact the Maison des Alpages on 04.76.80.19.09 to ask any questions and book your activities. LABELS: - Member of the "Richesses Culturelles de l'Oisans" network (RCO) - Member of the "Oisans Savoir-Faire Route" -Esprit Parc National -Ecrins National Park Information Point