For those who love old stone buildings, stone roofs, cobbled side-streets and typical mountain architecture, Oisans has all the authenticity of a land of sharing and traditions. Let your curiosity take you on a journey of discovery, as you wander along the paths of the charming villages of Oisans!
Le Freney d’Oisans
If you take the "Route des Grands Cols" (Great Mountain Pass Road) after climbing the "Rampe des Commères" (Gossip’s ramp) and taking a few corbelled bends, you will reach the village of Freney d’Oisans. Take your time to stroll through the village and meet the locals, who are very welcoming. You can also see its numerous hamlets, facing south, with houses arranged on a terrace overlooking lake Chambon and the Meije glaciers.
La Garde en Oisans - Maronne
The incline and setting of La Garde en Oisans, historic village that can be traced back to the Middle ages, make it an exceptional European location for all bicycle lovers.
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Mizoën
Mizoën, an enchanting village of a thousand flowers, is the gateway into the Ferrand Valley. It prides itself on its marvellous view over lake Chambon below.
Mont de Lans
Top of the slopes 3 600 m.
An alternative mountain picture! In Mont de Lans, the gateway to the international resort of the 2 Alpes, you can rediscover peaceful traditional village life close to the largest skiable glacier in Europe, in winter and summer alike. (Direct connection by ski lift and shuttle bus free of charge).
Clavans en Haut Oisans
The commune of Clavans comprises two villages just 2 kilometres apart: Clavans le Haut (Upper Clavans) and Clavans le Bas (Lower Clavans) and the Perron hamlet. Bread making ovens, fountains and piazettas are the cultural and architectural traditions to be seen in every street. Chamois are often sighted from Clavans le Haut in the surrounding scree.
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Oulles
In the little village of Oulles on the side of the mountain, you can enjoy a marvellous view over the plain of Bourg d’Oisans and the Grandes Rousses mountains.
St Christophe en Oisans - La Bérarde
In the land of Pierre Gaspard, the winner of the Meije, the mythical summit that stands at 3 982 metres high, mountaineering isn’t a legend, it’s everyday life. In the hamlet of La Bérarde in the heart of the Ecrins National Park, hikers find themselves side by side with mountaineers.
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Besse en Oisans
Besse en Oisans is the epitome of a village with authentic local character. All the houses in this charming little village are covered in Oisans stone and wood. Its special architectural style has been well preserved, making it a unique place to visit in Oisans.
Villard Notre Dame
A narrow and windy scenic route leads to the village. You will be rewarded straight away by an unforgettable view over the mountains in the Vénéon valley.
Villard Reymond
Surrounded by mountains forming an open circle around the village, there is no place better than Villard Reymond for getting your strength back. It boasts a magnificent setting where life goes on as peaceful as ever. From the mountain of Prégentil overlooking the village, admire the view down onto the plain of Bourg d’Oisans, the Grandes Rousses and Ecrins mountains.
Villar d’Arène
A typical authentic village of the Haute Romanche valley, Villar d’Arène has kept its traditions intact. "Boiled bread" making remains a festival not to be missed.
Venosc
In the winter, Venosc is a rare compromise: charm, peace, the authenticity of a true mountain village and an internationally famous skiing area: the 2 Alpes (8 mins. away via cable car). In the summer, this cottage industry village is a gateway to the wild Oisans, on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, a paradise for hikers and mountaineers.
