Tour of the Oisans - self guided

This hike goes around the famous massif of the Oisans. From the plateau of Emparis, a balcony path over the Meije to the pass of Muzelle, you will at least cross on pass per day. You will discover the Agenaux, Pelvoux and the Ecrins, legendary summits.

The landscape is constantly renewed, where marmots, chamois, ibex, golden eagles and black grouse have chosen to live for the delight of hikers.

Highlights

- Beautiful landscapes, a wonderful look at nature and mountain, men and fragile villages that were built
- The pleasure of hiking in mountain without the weight of the bag

Day 1 Arrival in Besse en Oisans

small mountain village at 1550m height.

Day 2 Besse en Oisans - La Grave

Ascent and crossing of the plateau of Emparis (2365m) : one of the most beautiful plateaux in the Oisans, beautiful view over the Meije ! Descent to the village of La Grave, the capital of mountaineering, you will pass by the village of Chazelet. Diner and overnight in a cottage. 6h walk, + / - 900m.

Day 3 La Grave - Monetier les Bains

Short transfer to the Pont d’Arsine, 1667m.
Direction Le Casset (1550m) by the Pas d’Anna Falque, the sources of Romanche and the pass of Arsine (2340m). The panorama over the mountains of Agneux is beautiful, that culminates at 3664m and you will have the opportunity to meet plenty of marmots. A little tour by the glacier lake of Arsine, 2455m and descent among larches to the village of Casset, and to the village of Monétier les Bains. Diner and overnight in a cottage.
6h30 walk, +800m, -985m

Day 4 Monetier - Vallouise

Pass of Eychauda (2425m) or the pass of Grangettes (2684m), interesting alternative, wilder than the GR, it passes by a beautiful lake. The day continues with a long descent to the valley of Pelvoux and to the beautiful village of Vallouise, opened on the Ecrins, the Pelvoux and Bans. Diner and overnight in a cottage.
By the pass of Eychauda: 7 h walk, +100m, -1250m
By the pass of Grangettes and the lake of Eychauda: 7h45 walk, +1250m, -1485m (difficult)

Day 5 Vallouise - Champoléon

Transfer by bus (10km) to Entre les Aigues, and the stage continues to Champoléon to the beautiful cottage of Chaumette, 1790m, you will cross the pass of Aulp Martin (2761m). Diner and overnight in a cottage.
7h30 walk, +1150m, -970m.
You carry your belongings for the night, you will get the rest of your luggage on the evening of Day 6.

Day 6 Champoléon - Villard Loubière

You will cross 3 passes: La Valette, 2668m, Goiran, 2597m, Vallompierre, 2607m. A superb stage with beautiful views over the wild summits of Sirac 3441m, Chabournéou 3248m and Joselme 3458m. Descent by the refuge of Vallompierre on the shores of a
little lake, the hut of Surette and towards the valley of Valgaudemar. Short transfer to Villard Loubière. Diner and overnight in a cottage.
7h30 walk, +1200m, -1360m

Day 7 Villard Loubière - the Désert en Valjouffrey

Crossing of the pass of La Vaurze (2500m) with views over the Olan summit and the Pic des Souffles. The desert of Valjouffrey (1267m) is one of the wildest valleys in the Oisans. Even if it’s inhabited there are no more cottage in this valley, you will be transferred by
private bus to Valsenestre (13215m), a beautiful village with stone and wooden houses.
7h walk, +1450m, -1235m

Day 8 Valsenestre - Venosc

This is the last day but it’s also a beautiful one, you will cross the pass of Muzelle (2693m, open your eyes, eagles and ibex are not far!), panorama over the lake of Muzelle and descent to Venosc.
7h30 walk, + 1330m, -1670m