The Auris balcony paths

The Croix de Cassini is named after Cassini III of Le Freney who used it for his measurements under the reign of Louis XV. Cassini maps, drawn over 250 years ago, are just as accurate as our current IGN maps.The 2361-metre Croix de Cassini offers THE 360° panoramic view, one of the most spectacular in Oisans over the neighbouring valleys and mountain ranges. In the 18th century, César-François Pasini was entrusted with the ambitious assignment of mapping the kingdom of France. A number of cartographers before him had already offered their work, notably Nicolas de Nicolay, born in La Grave in the 15th century, commissioned by Catherine de Medici. Under Louis XIV, the task was then entrusted to Abbé Picard, who consulted the best engineers and, in particular, an outstanding astronomer named Gian Domenico Cassini, or Cassini I. The Cassini family, which included 4 generations of topographers from father to son, changed maps from a naive style to geometrical triangulation and toponymic surveying. Their maps were drawn between 1750 and 1790, with France being divided at the time into 181 maps. Previously the Croix de Cassini was named the Croix de Tournefort after the French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656-1708), who explored Savoy and the Dauphiné regions. Louis XV's surveyor, Cassini III, chose this summit to map the region in 1739 due to the unique characteristics of this open view point. The summit took his name in order to keep a record of the visit to this valley of the illustrious king's representative. Thanks to the magic of geometry, the Cassini maps, drawn over 250 years ago, are just as accurate as our current IGN maps and can be laid over the IGN maps or any satellite maps from the Internet, with hardly any noticeable differences. It is worth noting that there are many Monts Cassini in the mountains of France. The Croix Cassini itself was erected by Maximin Reymond and François Pichoud in 1975, although the exact date is unknown. Every year since 1999, on the last week of August, members of the association "La Montée de Cassini" raise a glass to friendship in front of the Cross, before sharing a good-hearted, friendly meal at the Col de Sarenne. Source: Mr Albertino ()

The village of Clavans (1400m) was called “Saint Didier du pied du bois” and means “the key” in local dialect. This name was given because the village always kept the entrance of the Valette and Quirlies passes, located on the former border with the Savoie department.Nestled against a slate ridge, this flowery village, often awarded on the occasion of departmental competition will enchant you with its pretty fountains, squares, its church and its small and charming chapel. The two villages that comprise it (Clavans le Bas and Clavans le Haut) are located 2 kms away from each other, bordering Ferrand. This impetuous torrent, which has also given its name to the valley, has its source in Lake Quirlies on the Sarenne glacier (subject to a beautiful hike in the site) and then passes through the pastures, forming beautiful waterfalls and ends its way into the turquoise waters of the Lac du Chambon. Its beautiful old houses testify to the prosperity of farmers and peddlers of Oisans. The long and harsh winters are the reason that some men became hawkers to sell products throughout France (and sometimes abroad!) They sold haberdashery products, small household items and plants from Oisans. You can also admire the old houses, some of which have hosted Huguenot refugees in the earliest times of the French Wars of Religion. Indeed, following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, there are hundreds of Protestants of Oisans who tried to flee to the Savoie region by crossing the Vallette and Prés Nouveaux passes. The people of Clavans in Haut-Oisans, have maintained their traditions. Discover the craft activities such as “farouilles” (old locks), basketry (homemade wicker baskets…), and taste delicious local honey and local and regional specialties. In summer, it is possible to escape to the hills by crossing the Col de Sarenne, a wonderful panoramic viewpoint of the Massif de la Meije linked with the Alpe d’Huez ski station by a former pastoral road. The slope of Cerisier, of Clos Chevalleret, without forgetting the traditional walk to the Quirlies Lake are some of the beautiful landscapes that you can discover. Note that Clavans is located on the GR54 Tour de l’Oisans. In winter, the backcountry ski slope of the Grand Sablat glacier can be used, starting from the Pic Blanc (Alpe d’Huez) with the help of a guide.

We reach the Sarenne pass by following a series of hairpin bends that slowly weaves above the beautiful Ferrand valley until the Emparis Plateau. Did you know that the word Ferrand comes from the latin term “ferus” which means wild?So much to do! The chamois is almost more common that human in this area dedicated to the mountain. A unique road to discover! A beautiful, open sky visit of the typical landscapes of Oisans. The Vallée du Ferrand, dedicated to pastoralism is completely different from its neighbour the Vallée de Sarenne. Here you are in a fragile environment, protected in order to save the animals and the pastures. So discover with care and stay on the roads.