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ROUTE 1

Huez (1440m) – Le Rosay (1550m) – Bourg d'Oisans (720m)

Start	Huez (1440m)
Distance	8km
Total Ascent	126m
Total Descent	846m
Grade	3
Time	2½hrs
Location	Northeast of Bourg d'Oisans

Rising at a 2000m col east of Alpe d'Huez, the Vallon de Sarenne flows westward between dome-shaped mountains, some of which have been adopted by downhill skiers. Where the valley makes a kink to the south, the river has carved a profound gorge, above which a string of small villages and hamlets catch the sunshine among meadows on its east bank. This walk first descends into the gorge, then climbs out of it to visit four of these villages before tackling a steep cliff where fixed cables safeguard the way down and along a series of narrow ledges – a real sting in the tail at the end of the walk. Because of this unavoidable finish (an exciting section) a warning is given that it should not be attempted by anyone without a good head for heights, or confidence on exposed rocks.

Take the bus from Bourg d'Oisans to Huez, an attractive village set on a steep hillside just below Alpe d'Huez, some 9km from Bourg. From the bus stop walk back down the road for about 40m, then take a track cutting sharply back to the left, signed for the Gorge de Sarenne. Contouring along the gorge's wooded upper rim, after 10mins take a path sloping down to the right. When the path forks 2mins later, take the right branch and in a few paces you will come to the old stone-built Pont Romain (1424m).

Cross the bridge and climb the wooded south slope to gain a high point with a direct view across the gorge to Huez. After descending briefly, the path then continues to the head of the slope, crosses meadows and enters the charming hamlet of Le Rosay (1550m), where there's a tiny chapel, some pretty renovated stone houses, and a view of Bourg d'Oisans.

Walk through the hamlet and continue on a tarmac road to Maronne, beyond which you come to Le Châtelard (1448m) in which there's a restaurant, La Fôret de Maronne. Keep on the road below this village, turning a few bends until about 15mins from Le Châtelard, waymarks on a tree direct you down a series of wooden steps to a forest path which you then follow to the left. About 7mins later come to the road again at a hairpin bend. Do not go onto the road, but take the continuing path descending the wooded slope.

At a path junction by a wooden cross, take the lower route curving to the right. It's a mostly well-graded path that eventually brings you to the road again. Cross directly ahead, and in a few paces you will arrive beside the mairie of La Garde d'Oisans on the ledge of La Ville (1031m). Note the plaque on the wall of the mairie recalling the burning of the village in 1944 by occupying troops.

Turn left along the narrow road, and passing the village washplace, it eventually becomes a track leading to a house. Just before the house, take a narrow footpath descending among trees on the right. Twisting across grass slopes, among trees and over rocks, it soon provides a direct view of Bourg d'Oisans. Then you come to a series of rock slabs where the path is protected in places by lengths of fixed cable that offer a degree of support where the slabs are perhaps smooth from use, or outward sloping – caution required. The path is exposed here and there, with a campsite swimming pool directly below, suggesting that should you slip you will land among the swimmers!

Cascade de la Sarenne, Bourg d'Oisans

At the foot of the slabs note the lovely Cascade de la Sarenne on the right as you wander along a footpath to the main road. Turn left and follow this road to a roundabout, beyond which you cross the Romanche and soon enter Bourg d'Oisans.