At the Col de Sarenne (1999 m)

Located at the end of a winding road, the Col de Sarenne links the Sarenne and Ferrand valleys. It offers an unspoilt natural setting, ideal for a picnic or a stopover at the sheepfold, and marks the start of the hike to the Croix de Cassini.
Getting to the Col de Sarenne is an adventure in itself. The narrow asphalt track winds up the side of a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Ferrand valley and the Écrins massif along the way. Accessible only in summer, when the snow has left the mountain, it immediately sets the mood with its impressive climb.

The Col de Sarenne is an ideal spot for a break in the heart of nature, a picnic facing the mountains or a stopover at the col's sheepfold, where you can discover and taste local cheeses. It's also the starting point for the hike to the Croix de Cassini.

This aerial and technical hike leads to the summit of the Croix de Cassini, at 2,361 m altitude. From the summit, a 360° panorama opens up over the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc can be seen on the horizon. The experience is accessible to those with a little mountaineering experience, and offers a breathtaking panorama.

In summer, the Col de Sarenne is also very popular with cyclists for its wild and demanding character, and is on the route of the 2026 Tour de France. In winter, it gives its name to the "Sarenne" ski run, the longest black run in Europe, linking the Pic Blanc at 3,330 m to the Sarenne gorges over a distance of almost 18 km.

Around the pass, wetlands and high-altitude marshes contribute to the ecological richness of the site. Fed by melting snow, these fragile environments play an essential role in local biodiversity, and bear witness to the natural balance preserved in the heart of the mountain pastures.

An authentic, lively site, where nature remains largely unspoiled: marmots and chamois roam the alpine pastures, while orange lilies and gentians color the meadows, and a few crystals dot the ground.