Chemin du Facteur : Tour Le Bourg-d'Oisans - Villard Reymond - Col St Jean - Hike

The path winds steeply up and down in the heart of a beech forest and offers a superb panorama over the plain of Le Bourg-d'Oisans and the Grandes Rousses massif.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Departure : Le Bourg-d'Oisans - Parking Cinéma
Difference in altitude: 1100 m
Round trip duration : 6h15
Distance : 12,4 km
Level : difficult

MAP AND TOPO :
IGN Top 25 map n°3335 E (EST)
Map OBP N° 1 - 652 653 641

ITINERARY
The hike starts near the car park next to the cinema/Maison du Parc. Follow the signs towards Villard Reymond. This is where the Chemin du facteur starts.
When you arrive at Le Merlon, DO NOT cross the torrent but stay on the same path. On the dam, go down the tyre stairs and continue along the path on the left. This is where the real climb begins. All the way up, follow the signs to Villard Reymond and the yellow marks on the trees.

Arriving at the Col de Solude, enjoy the stunning views before descending to the village of Villard Reymond.

For the return journey, turn back to the Col de Solude and from there continue towards the Col de St Jean. On arrival at the Col de St Jean you can start the descent directly or go up to the Pré Gentil (15 minutes) to enjoy a superb 360 degree view.
For the descent, follow the sign to Tête des Fromentières and then follow the sign to Le Puy.
In Le Puy, turn right and follow the signs for Le Merlon to return to the starting point.

TO SEE ON THE ROUTE
-Col de Solude with a breathtaking view of Bourg d'Oisans, the surrounding villages and mountains.
-The village of Villard Reymond.
-La ferme du champ perché (RSF)

TO SEE IN THE VICINITY
-Maison du Parc Le Bourg-d'Oisans

TO KNOW :
The postman's path (Chemin du Facteur) - a path between Le Bourg-d'Oisans and Villard Reymond - was used by the population and by the postmen, hence its name.
Villard Reymond is the highest commune in Isère and the second highest village in France.
A commune in the Ecrins National Park, Villard Reymond enjoys a preserved natural environment and remarkable views of the Oisans mountains.