The Auris balconies

Although mentioned for the first time in documents in 1058, Saint Peter's Church is almost certainly older. Its very good current condition conceals this fact, especially following recent renovation work to replace the damaged belfry.We know from the archives that La Garde held an important position in the parishes of Oisans in the Middle Ages, as it had a castle mound (typically a mediaeval defence structure), two towers and a stronghold. The position of the church bears witness to its age, since churches were traditionally built on a rocky outcrop or promentory in order to be both seen and heard. Indeed, the sound of ringing bells had to travel far to reach the peasants in the Alpine pastures or other villages. Having survived for centuries, the church has undergone a number of changes, since architectural digs have revealed an earlier building and graves. In April 2013, the wooden belfry supporting the bells was replaced and a bell ringing the note "D" was added! A sundial can be seen on the southern face.

Saint Arey was the Bishop of Gap between 579 and 614. Born into a noble Gallo-Roman family, he was ordained priest, and then Bishop of Grenoble, before continuing his vocation in the Triève and in Gap. Documents proving existence of the church date back to at least 1096.A number of legends are associated with the life of Bishop Saint Arey, but the most famous is the legend of the bear: On his way back from Rome in 605, Arey travelled over the Col du Montgenèvre on his way to Gap via Briançon. In the woods, his carriage came across a bear, which scared away one of the harnessed oxen. Arey then ordered the bear (or made a pact depending on the version,) to take the place of the ox under the yoke. The submissive animal allowed itself to be harnessed and the Bishop arrived in Gap pulled by one of the most original teams ever seen. The bear was freed and took refuge in nearby woods. According to the legend, the bear only emerged on the day of the Bishop's burial in 614. The church that we see today was built in 1840. with the first stone, blessed by the Bishop, laid on 11 May. Once the church was consecrated, a lead box sealed with the arms of the Bishop and containing the relics of several saints was placed in the tomb of the high altar, which was not consecrated itself. The former church had been dedicated to Saint-Arey and he remained patron saint of the new church. Shortly after it was built in 1878, the church received a visit, as recounted in a document of unknown origin: " The church, isolated on a rock overlooking the Romanche river, stands several stories high at an altitude of 982 m. It was rebuilt in 1841 and is shaped like an ogival-style Latin cross. The solid, old bell tower has been kept, although it is in the 11th century Roman style. The chimes are very pretty, even though the bells are not heavy. The church portal is truly remarkable, built with a type of large grain porphyry - a rare stone that is found locally. The interior of the church is very simple, without any decoration or stained-glass windows. The altar is made of white marble and is rather elegant. Some pictures of certain merit decorate the Sanctuary, representing Saint-Arey, the patron of the Parish, talking with Pope Gregory VII." Information from freneydoisans.com/freneytique/ Sources: Associations Coutumes et Traditions de l'Oisans / Freneytique - Fonds d'Archives numériques André Glaudas

A magnificent drive on one of the most spectacular roads of Oisans and that’s saying something! An amazing technical feat lead to the Route de la Roche being opened in 1902.The first ever road to get to Auris and its hamlets. The construction of this road was synonymous with progress and the end of isolation. Up until 1895 the only way to get to Auris was on foot or donkey by the "chimney" path. After the village of L’Armentier-Le-Haut, the road opens up to a vast horizon! If you’re scared of heights, turn back now! The road is narrow. It is not advised for motorhomes.