Écrins National Park in Oisans

A natural jewel

The Ecrins National Park is above all an area where nature is protected, and the centre is only accessible on foot. 350 species of vertebrates live here, including the marmot, ibex and golden eagle, the emblem of the park. As for flowers and plants, 1800 kinds have been recorded.

A great place for exploration

With its 700 km of paths, the park is also the ideal setting for hiking and mountain biking, alone or with friends and family. There are many trails which take less than a day, enabling you to explore mountain villages, alpine meadows, lakes and waterfalls. People who prefer long hikes can try the great classic trails such as the Tour du Vieux Chaillol, the GR^®54 or a section of the Via Alpina. You can also go on hikes lasting several days as there are mountain refuges and lodges along the way.

Find a guide

For guidance, do not hesitate to contact the Park rangers and guides. You will find their contact details, as well as all sorts of very useful information, at the various Maisons du Parc (visitor centers).

Oisans mountain range

Legendary roads, typical little villages and unending ski runs… Let yourself be tempted by Oisans, the most "grandiose" of the massifs of Isère.

Oisans is a mountain with many faces. It’s demanding in places, with its steep, sinuous paths leading to legendary passes well know to cycling enthusiasts: Glandon (1 918 m), Télégraphe (1 568 m), Galibier (2 642 m) and La Croix de Fer (2 068 m).

Other parts are more accessible, with dozens of paths used by horse-riders and hikers. Stroll around one of the many villages, such as Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, Allemont or Villard-Reculas.

During the ski season

Oisans is the most alpine mountain of Isère, and is inseparable from the two main resorts it houses.

L'Alpe d'Huez and Les 2 Alpes offer incredible conditions that will put a gleam in the eye of any ski fanatic: the longest piste in Europe for L'Alpe d'Huez, the largest skiable glacier for Les 2 Alpes and more than 2 000 m of elevation in both cases!

But the massif of Oisans is also home to a multitude of village-resorts that will delight you with their quieter, authentic atmosphere. These are probably the best base camps from which to explore the wide open spaces of Oisans, starting with the Parc National des Écrins, or to experience novel mountain activities!

Be sure you open you eyes, the sceneries are stunning…