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Explore Huez from HOTEL ROYAL OURS BLANC

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Nestled in the heart of the stunning French Alps, HOTEL ROYAL OURS BLANC serves as the perfect base for discovering Huez and its surroundings. Enjoy the world-renowned ski slopes of Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski, or embark on a hiking or mountain biking adventure along picturesque trails. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the 12th-century Saint-Ferréol Church and the Huez and Oisans M...See more

Walking around HOTEL ROYAL OURS BLANC

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Walks and discoveries in HOTEL ROYAL OURS BLANC.
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Around the Signal de l'Homme by e-bike
260 m

Around the Signal de l'Homme by e-bike

This lovely loop starting from Alpe d'Huez takes you onto the south-facing side of Auris with lovely views over the Meije from the Col de Cluy. The ride around the Signal de l'Homme gives you a 360° panoramic view over the valley. ROUTE Starting from the centre of the resort, ride up to the Altiport and follow signs for the Col de Sarenne. At the Pont de Sarenne bridge, turn down to the right into the Gorges de Sarenne and a little further on, turn left towards the Col de Cluy. At the Col de Cluy, you have two options; either stay on the track to La Chapelle Saint Giraud, or else take the path to the right, which is a little trickier, but which also comes out at the chapel. Ride along the road to Auris and then take the track up to the right of the resort to the Col de Maronne. Continue along the track to the right all the way around the Signal de l'Homme and ride back to the Col de Cluy. Go down into the Gorges de Sarenne and turn left on the track to Huez. Once back on the road in the village, ride back up to Alpe d'Huez on the paved road. PRACTICAL INFO Recharging: in restaurants in Auris and Huez. Refreshments and restaurants during the ride: Bar and restaurants in Auris. Bar and restaurants in Huez. DON'T MISS The Chapelle Saint Giraud in Auris and the atmosphere and narrow streets of Huez. The Musée d'Huez et de l'Oisans museum. The Palais des Sports. Summer market: Friday mornings in Alpe d'Huez in front of the Tourist Office.

32 km
1341 Rte d'Huez 38750 Alpe d'Huez
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Ours forest via Combe du Bras
459 m

Ours forest via Combe du Bras

This great enduro route is perfect for experienced bikers. It’s one of the rare tracks that leads down to Bourg-d’Oisans from Alpe d’Huez. Route in the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme) Departure : Alpe d' Huez, 1850 m Arrival: Allemond or Le Bourg-d'Oisans, 720 m Length: 2 hours Distance: 17 km Highest point: 1 850 m Lowest point: 720 m Total height gain: 146 m Total height loss: - 1280 m Technique: 4/4 Endurance: 2/4 Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans et l'Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET ROUTE > This route is signposted by the FFC [EN6]. > In Alpe d’Huez, ride up to the top of the resort, to the «Rond point des Pistes» roundabout and then onto the «Chemin Panoramique» that goes around the Grande Sure. > Follow the panoramic path to a viewpoint table, where you can take a minute to admire the view, before switching into descent mode. > Set off into the Combe du Bras, following the path straight down into the forest (not going up to the right). The upper part of the Combe du Bras features rather slippery soil bends. Lower down, the terrain becomes stony and more technical. > This path brings you down to the Huez – Villard-Reculas tarmac road, which you take to the right for 3km to Villard-Reculas. The «Pas de la Confession» road daringly overhangs the entire Le Bourg-d’Oisans plain with superb viewpoints. Ride through Villard-Reculas. When you get to a car park, take the grassy path at the end to the left. > The path into the Forêt de l’Ours starts below the war memorial, in a field where there are sometimes livestock. Take care, as «speed bumps» have been installed as far as the beginning of the wood. > Once in the woodland, the path is fast until a small footbridge. Just afterwards, go straight on at the switchback, following the signs [EN 6]. The first part has lovely banked switchbacks and then after a traverse, you get to the more technical section called ‘La Fontaine de l’Ours’. > After this exciting section, you arrive directly in the Bourg-d’Oisans plain, close to the hamlet of Le Raffour. From here, you can either go straight on to Allemond, or turn left to Le Bourg-d’Oisans.

2 h
17 km
Hard
106 Place du Cognet 38750 Alpe d'Huez
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The Combes track
505 m

The Combes track

This a varied route through pasture and woodland, descending gradually into the Eau d’Olle Valley. It switches between short descents and uphill sections, without any major technical difficulties, although a good level of fitness is required. Route in the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme) Departure: Alpe d'Huez ("Rond point des pistes" roundabout), 1 850 m Arrival: Le Bourg-d'Oisans, 720 m Time: 3 1/2 hours Distance: 33 km Highest point: 1 850 m Lowest point: 712 m Total ascent: 583 m Total descent: -1 718 m Technique: 2/4 Endurance: 3/4 Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans et l'Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET ROUTE > The route follows the FFC signposting [XC 6] as far as Oz. > Ride up to the very top of the resort, to the «Rond point des pistes» roundabout and on to the «Chemin panoramique » (on the left of the «Le Signal» chairlift), which goes round the Grande Sûre. > Follow this panoramic and the Combe du Bras path. The first part is on earth switchbacks, whereas, lower down, the path becomes stonier and more technical. > When you arrive at the Huez - Villard-Reculas road, turn right for 3km to Villard-Reculas. > Just before entering Villard-Reculas, follow the [XC 6] until Pré Reynaud. > At Pré Reynaud, turn left to Le Bessay. After crossing the ‘Pont du Gay’ bridge, go through Le Faubourg, with its old mountain barns. > From Le Bessay, ride up the road for about 500m to the hairpin bend and take the ‘Chemin de la Rompure’ towards Enversin-d’Oz. > In L’Enversin, turn down to the left, riding below the village. Around the last houses, don’t miss the small path down to the left, signposted Pourchery. > In Pourchery, after the chalet called «Maitreya», turn left towards the Lac du Verney, following the FFC signs (XC 7). The path cuts across the road on several occasions. Cross the hamlet of Le Verney, then the Eau d’Olle river via the Himalayan footbridge and ride along the side of the lake back to Allemond. > It’s now a 10 km flat ride back to Bourg-d’Oisans. One option is to follow the dyke, via Le Raffour. Or to go back to Alpe d'Huez in the summer, cross over the dam to Allemond to take the cable car up to Oz and then to Alpe d'Huez. Remember that you need a ticket to take the cable car.

4 h
33 km
Medium
621 parking de la place du Cognet 38750 Alpe d'Huez
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Le Boulangeard
505 m

Le Boulangeard

A "special enduro" ride, this route starts in pastureland and ends at Allemond at the Lac du Verney (1350 m of height loss). Although not very technical, it can be very fast for experienced riders and good practice for the less experienced. Route in the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme) Departure: Alpe d'Huez, 1 850 m Arrival: Le Bourg-d'Oisans, 720 m Time: 2 hours Distance: 19 km Highest point: 1 995 m Lowest point: 712 m Total ascent: + 220 m Total descent: - 1 350 m Technique: 3/4 Endurance: 2/4 Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans et l'Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET ROUTE > Starting at the «Rond Point des Pistes» roundabout in Alpe d’Huez, follow the Route des Lacs road up to the Col du Poutran. At La Fontaine du Poutran, take the track on the left (signposted «EN3»). > Once at the Crête de la Sure (1995 m), you are at the highest point of the route. The path goes down to the right, crossing pastureland before passing under avalanche shelters and then winding its way along the edge of a forest. This section can be very fast for skillful riders and is a good exercise for those with less experience. > Lower down, the path suddenly becomes calmer and you arrive at the Sardonne/Oz junction. Carry straight on towards Oz. This is a small, transverse path that then turns into an off-road vehicle track. Stay on this track for just under 1 km until you get to a right-hand bend. At this bend, follow the path going off to the left towards “Pré Raynaud”. This section, which is also part of the Megavalanche, is quite fast and technical. > After this somewhat intense section, you arrive on an off-road vehicle track. Carry on down it, past the hairpin bend and just 10 m further on, the Chemin du Boulangeard goes off to the right (signposted “EN 4”). You are now getting to the serious part, with technical switchbacks and some fine banked bends that follow one after the other until you reach the road leading to Le Boulangeard. > Once on the road, turn right for 100 m and then take the first path down on the left. After a few bends and some wooden steps, you join the road to Allemond and the Lac du Verney. Carry straight on to Bourg-d’Oisans via le Raffour and then the track alongside the Romanche river. Or to go back to Alpe d'Huez in the summer, cross over the dam to Allemond to take the cable car up to Oz and then to Alpe d'Huez. Remember that you need a ticket to take the cable car.

2 h
19 km
Medium
621 Avenue du Rif Nel 38114 Oz-en-Oisans
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Espace Alpe d'Huez
725 m

Espace Alpe d'Huez

Just 1h30 from Grenoble, in the heart of Isère, Alpe d'Huez is one of the largest mountain playgrounds in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This complete and varied ski area welcomes families and keen skiers alike! With 250 km of slopes, there's something for everyone: Beginners: dedicated areas, wide, safe runs for safe learning. Intermediates: varied itineraries, long descents and progressive slopes. Experts: technical trails, steep ascents and challenging sectors to push yourself. The ski area links five complementary resorts, offering a diversity of atmospheres and panoramas to discover throughout your stay: Alpe d'Huez: the beating heart of the resort, with direct access to the main sectors and services. Auris-en-Oisans: family atmosphere and soothing surroundings. Oz 3300: authenticity, quick access to the high peaks and Pic Blanc. Vaujany: mountain charm, modernity and family-friendly facilities. Villard-Reculas: natural skiing, intimate area and exceptional panoramas. The resort's assets 3,330 m altitude Pic Blanc, Sarenne glacier and breathtaking panoramic views. 250 km of runs - 111 trails A complete universe for all levels. A snow guarantee 67 lifts, 1,053 snow guns and 27 snow ploughs. 300 days of sunshine a year South-facing for bright skiing. Iconic slopes & easy access to the summits The resort is home to some legendary runs, including : La Sarenne, Europe's longest black run (16 km). The Tunnel, a unique technical challenge after its emblematic underground passage. Thanks to a modern network of lifts, access to the summits is fluid, fast and comfortable. The resort continues to evolve with Altitude 3300, a major project to optimize the high-altitude experience. More than just skiing: experiences to live At Alpe d'Huez, you can discover the mountain in all its forms: Sensations: Mountain Kart, rail tobogganing, fun zones and Snowparks. Nature: dog sledding, snowshoeing, Nordic itineraries. Family: beginners' areas, snow play areas, adapted courses. A multitude of activities designed to vary the pleasures and share unique moments, both on and off the slopes.

131 rue du Pic Blanc 38750 Alpe d'Huez
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Cross-Country Ski Domain in Auris-en-Oisans
1.8 km

Cross-Country Ski Domain in Auris-en-Oisans

Situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters, the small Aurienchon Nordic ski area offers a friendly experience, away from the crowds, while enjoying exceptional panoramic views of the high peaks, including the Meije. The Auris-en-Oisans Nordic ski area is divided into 2 sectors, for 2 ambiances: → COL DE MARONNE / ROCHETTE SECTOR This sector comprises 2 runs. - A round trip from the resort to the Col de Maronne. Types of use: cross-country skiing (classic and skating) and snowshoeing. - An 8 km loop, called the Loop de la Rochette, starting from the resort. Types of activity: cross-country skiing (classic and skating), snowshoeing and dog sledding. Atmosphere: vast expanses of snow face the Alpe d'Huez resort and the peaks of the Grandes Rousses massif, including the Pic Blanc. Then the view opens out onto the Taillefer massif, and finally the Écrins. A little piece of Alaska in the Alps. Reminder: snowshoe hikers, please respect the dedicated areas. Cross-country trails are strictly reserved for skiers, who must be given priority (so that they can keep up their skiing pace). → PIÉGUT FOREST SECTOR Consisting of a single 4 km run, this trail starts at the resort. Type of activity: snowshoeing. Atmosphere: the trail winds its way through one of Europe's tallest and most beautiful spruce forests. The play of light between the snow-laden branches, the animal tracks and the peaks revealed along the way will transport you to the far north. A must-see in Auris-en-Oisans! Reminder: snowshoe hikers, please respect the designated areas. Priority must be given to skiers (so that they can keep their own pace).

38142 Auris-en-Oisans
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Alpe d'Huez Museum of History and Archaeology
264 m

Alpe d'Huez Museum of History and Archaeology

Classified as a "Musée de France" since 2003 and associated with the archaeological site at Bandes-en-Oisans, the Musée d'histoire et d'archéologie de l'Alpe d'Huez traces the long history of the village of Huez and its alpine pastures, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Having been awarded the "Musée de France" label by the French Ministry of Culture in 2003, the museum has been presenting visitors with two new displays since December 2022, including the permanent exhibitions "Le spectacle de la montagne" and "Brandes et la ruée vers l'argent des XIIe et XIIIe siècles". There's also a space dedicated to the Second World War, with the exhibition "Eté 1944. Le Maquis de l'Oisans". 3 PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS: "LE SPECTACLE DE LA MONTAGNE", "BRANDES ET LA RUEE VERS L'ARGENT DES XIIE ET XIIIE SIECLES", "ETE 1944. LE MAQUIS DE L'OISANS". THE MOUNTAIN SHOW This long-term exhibition presents the transformation of the "Vieil Alpe" mountain chalets into hotels, forming an internationally-renowned high-altitude tourist resort from the 1980s onwards. Featuring 4 chronological "kiosks" (or immersive cubes), richly illustrated with photographs retracing the periods 1923-1939, 1945-1973, 1974-1989, 1990-2022, this chronology reveals to the curious the spectacular evolution of Alpe d'Huez through its pioneers (the Moulin, Chaix, Chalvin and Collomb families, personalities such as M. Rajon, J. Pomagalski, J. Paganon etc.), the heyday of the Alpe d'Huez resort and the transformation of the Alpe d'Huez into a world-renowned tourist resort.), the heyday of the traditional family-run hotel business from the 1930s to the 1960s, sporting events such as the Tour de France cycling race (which arrived in Alpe d'Huez in 1952 with Fausto Coppi's victory, followed by Dutch, Spanish, French and English victories in the decades that followed), new snow-related activities such as snowboarding in the 1980s, summer skiing on Sarenne in the 1960s, and ever-increasing events such as the Tomorrowland Winter electronic music festival (since 2019). In addition, the urban theme and the resort's multi-faceted architectural development are highlighted in the exhibition by the possibility of manipulating a touch table (historical and 3D models of the resort's neighborhoods) and an interactive terminal highlighting several players in this boom, which in some respects resembles a real city. The built heritage of Alpe d'Huez (hotels, ski lifts, public buildings, Rif Nel, "international" style buildings, neo-Savoyard chalets, etc.) is depicted, as are future real estate projects. Finally, films from the Institut National de l'Audiovisuel (leisure activities in the 1950s, the role of developers in the 1970s, the inauguration of the Pic Blanc bobsleigh run and cable car in the 1960s and 70s, and the bobsleigh competition at the Grenoble Olympic Games in February 1968) attract the attention of adults and children alike. NEW The history of the Tour de France cycling race will be depicted on 15 explanatory panels on the Museum's belvedere (July-August), in collaboration with the Musée National du Sport in Nice. BRANDES AND THE RUE TO MONEY IN THE 12th AND 13th CENTURIES Looking around Alpe d'Huez today, who would believe that in the Middle Ages, a human community of mining specialists, women and children settled on the Brandes plateau, at the foot of the Saint-Nicolas rock, to extract silver ore from the mountain's subsoil at an altitude of over 1,800m? And yet, from the 12th to the 14th centuries, these inhabitants of the mining village of Brandes (the highest in Europe for this period) lived there year-round, despite the difficult climatic conditions from November to April. This technical history (pre-industrial development of Western Europe and nascent metallurgy) and human history were revealed by archaeological digs carried out since 1977 by archaeologist Marie-Christine Bailly-Maître, her teams of scientists and volunteer students. The discoveries made during these excavations (mining techniques, production of the silver dust that is Brandes' finished product for making the coins of the dauphin - lord of the Dauphiné - religious practices and daily life, construction of an original shell-keep watchtower) led to the creation of the "Maison du Patrimoine" in 1982, which became the "Musée d'Huez et de l'Oisans" and then, in 2023, the "Musée d'histoire et d'archéologie de l'Alpe d'Huez". Since 2012, the museum has been housed in the AgorAlp (the former Palais des Sports et des Congrès de l'Alpe d'Huez, on the 1st floor). A new scenography presenting the archaeological collection can be seen, contextualizing the artefacts found above and below ground with models and photographs. NEW Guided tours of the Archéo-site" are offered by the Museum on Friday mornings during the summer; the afternoon is devoted to a medieval snack (registration required at the Museum or by calling 04 76 11 21 74). SUMMER 1944. THE OISANS MAQUIS Let's not forget the extraordinary adventure of the Oisans Maquis during the Second World War. If the mountains seem to be an unspoilt area, sometimes tragic, often heroic events took place in the Massif des Grandes Rousses, and in Oisans more generally. Alpe d'Huez was home to a military hospital run by the Forces Françaises de l'Intérieur (FFI), first in Huez and then in the Signal chalet, an annex of the Grand Hôtel. "Faced with the advance of the German army and its desire to control the Oisans (following the capture of the Vercors in July), doctor and surgeon Tissot ordered the evacuation of the wounded under his care in mid-August 1944. This marked the start of a slow and difficult ascent for the sick, some of whom were in critical condition, and for the hospital staff, up to the heights of the Alpette and the slopes of the Grandes Rousses. They received welcome help from the crew of a Boeing B-24 Liberator, "11 Americans who fell from the sky" (an expression coined by Pierre Montaz, himself a member of the French Resistance): the crash of their bomber over the commune of Prunières near Gap prompted them to cross the Oisans at the end of July 1944. They provided invaluable support to the FFI withdrawal. Protecting the wounded from the military hospital as they climbed to higher ground, the armed Oisans maquisards engaged in a fierce battle on the heights of the Alpette against a division of German Alpine fighters. They emerged victorious on August 14, 1944, with no loss of life. Relive this landmark event in mountain Resistance history through richly illustrated educational panels and objects from the collections of the Musée de l'Alpe d'Huez and the Association des Amis et Anciens Descendants du Maquis de l'Oisans. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBITIONS "Visite-flash": discover the museum's objects in a different way! Three objects will be observed and placed in their historical context. Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:00 pm - FREE - July and August, from July 8 onwards CULTURAL EVENTS The Museum's Nocturnes (FREE, upon registration and starting at 8pm) are organized once a month during the summer season; discover the history of the Tour de France cycling race and its strong link with Alpe d'Huez through a partnership between Alpe d'Huez and the Musée National du Sport in Nice (Nocturne on Tuesday, July 21, on the Museum's belvedere). For further information, call 04 76 11 21 74 or e-mail accueil.musee@mairie-alpedhuez.fr GUIDED TOURS => Guided tour of Pic Blanc and its exceptional panorama at 3330m altitude A guide will cover a wide range of topics: the 3-star Michelin Green Guide panorama, the history of the resort and skiing, information on geology, landscape, fauna, flora, glaciers, the history of the Alpe d'Huez resort... No walking, maximum 20 people per visit (access by Pic Blanc cable car). Every Monday and Wednesday morning, from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. How to get there: meet in front of the Pic Blanc gondola ticket office (formerly DMC, at the top of the resort, 1850m above sea level, after the Pistes traffic circle on the right; payment at the ticket office and meeting in the same room with guide Frédérik Tane). Tour prices: please contact SATA (04 76 80 30 30). Information and registration required at Musée de l'Alpe d'Huez: 04 76 11 21 74 or accueil.musee@mairie-alpedhuez.fr => During the summer season, other guided tours are offered by the Service culturel d'Huez, with registration at the Museum (places limited, by e-mail or telephone at accueil.musee@mairie-alpedhuez.fr -; 5€ or 3€; 04 76 11 21 74): Notre-Dame des Neiges church, Huez village and Sarenne mills, panoramic trail, Maquis de l'Oisans historical hike, etc. THE MUSEUM'S FINE ART EXHIBITIONS In the Salle Anne Auvergne (1st floor of the AgorAlp, opposite the Museum), take advantage of the room's spaciousness and refurbished lighting to discover exhibitions of watercolors, paintings, sculptures, engravings, digital works, photographs, etc. for the duration of a summer. FREE ENTRY; exhibition during August. WORKSHOPS WITH THE ARTIST for children and adults on the techniques exhibited; €5 or €3/person; information available at the Museum (on site or by calling 04 76 11 21 74).

AgorAlp 70 avenue de Brandes 1er étage 38750 Alpe d'Huez
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AgorAlp
277 m

AgorAlp

AgorAlp: The Alpe d'Huez Event, Cultural, and Sports Hub Located in the heart of the resort at an altitude of 1,860 meters, the AgorAlp is the resort’s true nerve center. This modern, multipurpose complex serves as a bridge between local life, culture, business tourism, and elite sports. A multifaceted cultural and event space: A varied cultural program: Throughout the season, the venue offers shows, film screenings, plays, stand-up comedy, and more—providing an ideal alternative and a high-quality complement to vacationers’ experiences (see program, available only during the season). The Museum of History and Archaeology: Located on the first floor, the resort’s museum offers a fascinating journey into local heritage. Through permanent exhibitions such as “The Spectacle of the Mountains” or the medieval history of the mining site “Brandes and the Silver Rush,” it offers an enriching and free cultural experience for the whole family. The Fine Arts Space: This temporary exhibition space showcases the work of regional and international artists (painters, sculptors, photographers). A fully equipped conference center: The facility is also designed to host seminars, trade shows, and conferences. Working or networking in this alpine setting adds real value to corporate events. An XXL sports complex (over 30 activities): Fitness and Wellness: The site features a weight training and cardio area, complemented by a fitness studio and aquafitness classes in the indoor pool. Racquet and team sports: Several courts are available for squash, badminton, and indoor tennis. Tournaments are organized during the season. Thrills and Skill: The complex features a climbing wall and a bouldering room, an archery and air-rifle shooting range, as well as the In’Vertigo suspended adventure course, where you can navigate 8 meters above the ground in complete safety. Escape Games: Put your brain to the test! For those who love action, AgorAlp features a particularly immersive escape game area. Designed like real movie sets, the rooms challenge you to solve puzzles as a team in under an hour. The added bonus? The scenarios are directly inspired by local history, such as the true story of the American airmen from 1944, the world of Europe’s highest mine (Mineshaft), or the frosty atmosphere of the 1968 Winter Olympics (Sortie de piste). Short “flash” sessions lasting 15–20 minutes in tents are also available for a quick and fun experience. Easily accessible in the heart of the resort (Avenue de Brandes), the complex allows both skiers and non-skiers to get there with ease. The resort offers multi-activity access passes, including the PREMIUM pass (with Leisure, Tonique, or Sports options), which cover most of these sports and recreational facilities during your stay.

70 Avenue de Brandes 38750 Alpe d'Huez
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Dans les rues d'Huez village
1.4 km

Dans les rues d'Huez village

Huez is the original village of the Alpe d'Huez ski resort. In the past, villagers used to go up to the plateau to live with their herds in summer. Today, Huez is appreciated for its charm and traditional atmosphere. Take a stroll through the village of Huez and you'll see a number of renovated old mountain farms, as well as the Huez "Château". In the center of the village of Huez, on an eminence, a fortified house still stands today, with a quadrangular main building served on four levels by a spiral staircase in a square turret. This fortified house, also known as the château, is completely absent from the texts. We don't know when it was built, the name of the family who owned it, or what assets and revenues were attached to it. The we do know is that Huez was the seat of an important mistralie (mistral: tax collector in the Middle Ages). The village has preserved its old washhouses: 2 date from 1733 and one from 1806. Built out of necessity, they are above all functional, with very simple architecture. All covered, they were originally built using local materials such as stone and slate. Until the early 20th century, laundry was done twice a year, in May and early autumn: sheets, linen shirts, towels and handkerchiefs, accumulated over six or seven months, were soaped and scrubbed, then placed in a vat and covered with a sheet filled with wood ash. Boiling water is repeatedly poured over the ashes. The next day, the women go to the washhouse with wooden paddles, brushes and soap. They carry special buckets made on site by Elie Arnol. Meeting at the washhouse, if only to fetch water, is a privileged moment of exchange between villagers.

Le village 38750 Huez
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Brandes Archaeological Site
1.5 km

Brandes Archaeological Site

Medieval archaeological site classified as Historic Monuments (since 1993). Village of silver miners, from the 12th to the 14th centuries. Free access with explanatory panels. Guided tours organized by the Cultural Service of the municipality of Huez. This is Europe's highest permanent medieval village (altitude 1800 m.) dating from the 11th-14th centuries. This occupation is linked to the exploitation of a silver mine. The exceptional archaeological site of Brandes includes the ruins of the former parish church of Saint-Nicolas, the fortification (or "shell keep") of the Dauphin's representative, the remains of the miners' village with its dwellings, and the area of the ore washing workshops (silver-lead sulfide). The lord of the Dauphiné owned part of this mining operation, which he used to make his own silver coins. The Brandes mines were exploited from the 11th century until their closure for technical reasons in 1339. The village community, open to the surrounding regions (as evidenced by coins found on the site from Vienne, Lyon, Provence, Burgundy etc.), numbered around 200 individuals, including women and children. The archaeological site has been listed as a Monument Historique since 1993. The Groupement d'Etude des Mines Anciennes (GEMA) scientifically promotes this unique site. Huez town council's cultural department offers guided tours twice a week during the summer. Meet at the signpost between the golf course and the tennis courts (Bergers district). This 1h30 tour can be complemented by a visit to the Musée d'Huez et de l'Oisans (Palais des Sports, 70 avenue de Brandes), where major artefacts (mining tools, coins, handicrafts, lighters, cutlery, belt buckles, chess pieces, etc.) from archaeological excavations are kept. These have been taking place regularly since 1977. The archaeological site also features educational panels to help visitors better understand the medieval layout of the mine "carreau" and the main activity that took place there, that of extracting silver ore from beneath the mountain. Climb up the Saint-Nicolas rock face to the Dauphin fortress for an exceptional 360° view of the Brandes plateau, the village of Huez and the Sarenne gorges. To the east of the archaeological site, you'll discover a rich natural environment, a wetland towards the Col de Sarenne. After the Brandes archaeological site, visit the Alpe d'Huez Museum of History and Archaeology (AgorAlp - 1st floor, 70 avenue de Brandes).

Site de Brandes. RDV devant le panneau du musée situé entre le golf et les terrains de tennis 38750 Alpe d'Huez
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Refuge des Sources (non garded hut)
11 km

Refuge des Sources (non garded hut)

Located at 2,268 m, this small unguarded refuge with no water, electricity or toilet is a call to adventure! Facing due south, it is located in the Écrins National Park, on the path leading to the Rochail summit. PRESENTATION Perched at an altitude of 2,268 meters, the Refuge des Sources is a small, unguarded 20 m² hut nestled in the Ecrins National Park, in the commune of Villard-Notre-Dame. Approximately 3 hours' walk from the village, it overlooks the Vallon torrent and offers a breathtaking view of the Oisans. This communal refuge, with its rustic authenticity, is an ideal stopover for backpackers or mountain lovers in search of adventure. CAPACITY AND FACILITIES Rustic in character, this small communal hut offers the most rudimentary comforts. It comprises 6 mattresses, blankets, a table and benches. Capacity: 6 people Equipment available: 6 mattresses with blankets, a table, benches and stools, basic kitchen utensils. NO RUNNING WATER, ELECTRICITY OR TOILETS Note: the wood-burning stove is out of order and the use of fire is strictly forbidden inside. A guestbook is at your disposal. You can write about your race, your night, your experience! ACCESS Access to the refuge des Sources is on foot only. Length of ascent from Villard-Notre-Dame: approx. 3 h (allow 4 h with a loaded rucksack) Ascent from Villard-Notre-Dame: approx. 800 m Type of trail: typical Oisans mountain trail, with no switchbacks, requiring good physical condition. BOOKING ESSENTIAL: refugedessources.jimdofree.com/réservation/

38520 Villard-Notre-Dame
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Le Chamois - Guesthouse
12 km

Le Chamois - Guesthouse

Located at the top of a pass at 1371m above sea level, natural border between Oisans and Matheysine, surrounded by massifs renowned for their wild and majestic character, this large chalet in wood cladding will offer you all the comfort for an unforgettable stay . Le Chamois offers overnight stays, multi-night stays, or weekly bookings, with half board or full board options. The entire lodge can also be rented for exclusive use (self-management), for weekends or full weeks: - Self-management available year-round - Meals available only during summer and winter seasons Inside, the lodge proposes 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, comfortably accommodating up to 25 guests. The cozy living room, with its warm mountain-style decor, large windows opening onto nature, a wood-burning stove, and a spacious professional kitchen, creates the perfect setting for memorable, convivial moments. Outside, you'll find a large upper terrace facing west, with a stunning view of Le Pic de l’Armet, and a garden terrace facing south, overlooking the Écrins mountains, an ideal place to unwind and take in the vibrant seasonal colors, relax in a chair under the sun, play pétanque, or gather around the XXL barbecue with friends and family. Everything is set up to help you relax and enjoy your favorite outdoor activities: - Secure ski storage - Bike garage - Private parking, leave the car and enjoy your vacation! Free amenities include: - Indoor games, library, table football (foosball) - Pétanque court in the garden - Orienteering course (maps available at the lodge) - Hiking trails for all levels starting directly from the lodge In winter: enjoy ski touring, cross-country skiing, or downhill skiing. Marked snowshoe trails also start nearby.

6810 route du Grand Armet Col d'Ornon 38740 Chantelouve
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Refuge de la Pra
12 km

Refuge de la Pra

At 2100 meters, the refuge of La Pra, close to the many clear lakes of the Massif Belledonne, will delight anglers, hikers and families. La Pra is also a wonderful pasture where you can encounter marmots, wild sheep and ibex. The refuge is a stopover on the GR 738 from Chamrousse. The surrounding peaks are often accessible in summer, either on footpaths or "off-track" for those who prefer less frequented areas (Vaudaine, Doménon, Croix de Belledonne sectors), as soon as the snow has disappeared. You are entering a Natura 2000 protected area where swimming in rivers and lakes is strictly prohibited. From the Pré Raymond parking lot, take the forest road, then a path to the left (south-east). A few hairpin bends bring you to an almost level path leading out of the forest. Cross the stream before reaching the dam and Lac du Crozet. Follow the path along the lake and up the Vallon de Mercier to the Col de la Pra. At the col, turn right (south) and descend to the refuge, 5 minutes from the col de la Pra. From Chamrousse, from the parking lot at the foot of the Grande Aiguille, follow the GR de Pays, then pass between the lakes (GR 738). Climb slightly before descending into the combe de l'Echaillon. Turn left onto the path leading to the Oursière waterfalls, then right onto the path leading to Lac David. Climb up to Lac Léama, then on to Lac Longet and Lac Claret. Climb up to the refuge. From the Recoin de Chamrousse, take the GR 738 to Lac Robert. Then follow the same route as the Croix de Chamrousse.

38420 Revel
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾