la grave tourism

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Hautes-Alpes

Nestling in a very special natural setting at the foot of the Meije massif, the pretty mountain village of La Grave has preserved all its character: steep, narrow streets, stone houses and, at the top of the village, two religious buildings, Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church and Pénitents Blancs chapel. Walking around this unspoiled village is a real pleasure.

The Glaciers de la Meije cable car departing from La Grave takes visitors up to the Girose glacier at an altitude of 3,200 metres. From the top there is a fantastic panoramic view over the surrounding mountains, plus the possibility of visiting an ice cave in the summer period.

Additional information La Grave

Located at 1500 m altitude on a rocky promontory overlooking the valley and ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, the village of La Grave was surrounded by a fortified wall that has now completely disappeared. The village has kept a tight urban fabric as evidenced by the many alleys called "trabuc" connecting the houses between them. The church, listed as a Historic Monument, was built from the eleventh century, and is related to Romanesque art called "Lombard". It forms with the chapel Penitents, the cure and the cemetery a beautiful set against the backdrop of the Glaciers de la Meije.

La Grave is located below small hamlets: Terraces, Chazelet, Ventelon and Hières. From there, various beautiful hikes are available from June. A flora of altitude, cows reveling in a new grass, and herds of hundreds of sheep are waiting for you on the trail.

The Pays de la Meije also offers you to relive its history through its traditional bread festivals. You can participate in the production of "boiled bread" in Villar-d'Arène in autumn or "black bread" in Chazelet in August.

In the village, do not miss the cheeses and cured meats: a marvel for your taste buds. You will find other local products as well as handicrafts following the route of the "Route of Know-How", for more info do not hesitate to go to the Tourist Office of Meije!

Things to see and do

• Village of La Grave and its church Notre-Dame de l'Assomption .
• The cable cars of the Glaciers de la Meije transport you to 3200 m of altitude, at the foot of the glacier of the Girose. This vertical trip will offer you a breathtaking view. Ice cave and spectacular panorama at the top. Starting point for glacier walks and hikes and great mountaineering routes. Hiking at the station of 2400 m. Freeride mountain bike. World famous site for freeride skiing in winter.
• The Ecrins National Park.
• The Lautaret Garden: Every year, from June to September, nearly 25,000 visitors discover in a grandiose setting 2,000 mountain plant species, a unique conservatory of the diversity of the mountain flora of the world. The richness of the plant collections and the landscaping perfectly integrated into the landscape make this botanical garden of altitude one of the most beautiful in Europe. Dogs are forbidden in the garden.
• Activities in the canton: climbing, rafting, via ferrata, hiking, mountain biking / freeride mountain biking, glacier hiking, mountaineering, paragliding.
• The major passes of the Tour de France: the Lautaret pass and the Galibier pass.
• In winter: freeride skiing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, skating, snowkiting, ice climbing, snowshoeing.
• The Emparis plateau and its lakes that reflect the summit of the Meije and the glaciers (Lac Lérié, Lac Noir).
• The panorama on the north slope of the Meije, the glaciers and all the Romanche valley.
• Hiking Lake Goléon (2438 m), Lombard Pass... a wonder!
• La Grave is also a village stage of the GR54 "Tour de l'Oisans", a very popular hiking trail.
• For children, climbing from 4 years, commented on the Glacier from 6 years, many activities are offered by the Ecrins National Park.

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

• In June: The Grav'Y Cimes, workshops of mountaineering techniques.
• In July :
• The Rencontres de la Haute Romanche.
• Festival of bread in Ventelon.
• Villar d'Arêne in celebration - games and traditions.
• Heritage Wednesdays.
• In July-August:
• Olivier Messiaen Festival, contemporary music.
• The first Sunday of August: the hunting party and the bread festival in Villar-d'Arêne.
• In August: Feast of Chazelet bread.
• August 14: Make the mountain! At La Grave.
• August 15th: Feast of the guides to La Grave.
• In August: Tour of Emparis Plateau, mountain bike and pedestrian race at Chazelet.
• End of August: Cattle Fair at Chazelet.
• In September: Ultra Raid of the Meije. Rando - Raid - MTB Marathon on 3 courses: Elite Ultra course, Ultra Rando course and day hike.
• In October-November: Manufacture of black bread in Ventelon, Chazelet and Villar d'Arène.
• From 20 to 28 july 2024
• Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, Place de l'Église
• The Festival Messiaen have the pleasure to return for a new year in Pays de la Meije, with news honored invites : T.Murail, M.Lévinas, H.Dufourt, R.Tessier and ensemble L'Itinéraire.

Detailed information

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

• Briançon , walled city, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
• Classified Valley of the Clarée and massive Cerces.
• By bike: the 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez and the Izoard pass .
• The Great Baths of Monêtier.
• The route of the Grandes Alpes.

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

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La Grave is located on the border of the Isère and Hautes-Alpes regions, and is 10 km below the Col du Lautaret , which is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. La Meije , dominating over the village to the south, is part of the reason for why it’s considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. It’s quite spectacular!

La Grave, and its five hamlets (Les Fréaux, Le Chazelet, Les Terrasses, Ventelon and Les Hières), are dotted all along the sloping stretch on the edge of the heart of Écrins National Park .

There are no ski lifts spoiling the scenery in La Grave , but rather the Glaciers de la Meije cable cars and a few button lifts. There’s no luxury accommodation, but rather comfortable hotels . There isn’t a massive holiday village, but rather family houses and a few gites. There’s no shopping centre, but rather traditional local shops .

Snowboard hors piste à La Grave – La Meije ©B. Hodson

Ski touring on the Emparis plateau ©Nicolas Fragiacomo

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In Winter…

Skiing is for those in the know . Off-piste skiing, which is for experienced skiers only, is world-renowned here. Skiing is also possible in the village resort of Le Chazelet  – tucked away on a southern flank, with easily accessible slopes. Families love it here!

and In summer!

This mountaineering hotspot is renowned for its numerous itineraries, featuring the most famous one of all: the climb to the Grand Pic de la Meije , 3,982 m above ground. Visitors also come to ice climb , to use the Via Ferrata (in Fréaux), to hike in Écrins National Park (GR50 and GR54), to mountain bike from Lautaret to the Plateau d’Emparis, or to take on the freeride area in La Meije.

What to see and Do

La Grave: One of the Most beautiful villages in France

Take a detour on your way between the Alpes du Nord and the Alpes du Sud to see just why La Grave was awarded this label. It’s worth the trip! There’s the concentrated settlement, which is typical of the Oisans region, the Romano-Lombard style church, a unique cemetery, all with the majestic La Meije serving as a backdrop. Even the school playground seems like something from a dream once you’ve seen the view schoolchildren have all year round. It’s so easy to lose oneself among the ancient alleys and lanes, constantly turning round around to take another look at the breathtaking landscape. You can’t go to La Grave without stopping to take a look.

THE European hotspot for off-piste skiing!

La Grave is known around the world for its off-piste, ungroomed skiing area. It’s just one cable car ride away! Once you’re at the bottom of the glacier, you’ll find high-quality untouched snow, thanks to its northern exposure. It’s a real treat for skiers! All types of skiers love to ski and compete on these remarkable slopes during the Derby de La Meije, which is 2150 m drop with no defined route!

Do you fancy hiking in the foothills of glaciers?

How can you visit La Grave without going for a hike? This is the ideal playground for hikers, with all the diversity in terrain and atmospheres that you can only find in the mountains. To the north, look towards La Meije and Écrins National Park for itineraries that will take you to peaks and glaciers . To the south, hike to the Massif des Grandes Rousses , with its expanses of floral Alpine pastures , its easily accessible lakes, and its lush, green valleys .

Find out about La Grave and Villar d'Arène

Official Website

Office de Tourisme des Hautes Vallées - La Grave Information Office

38 route des Grands Cols 05320 La Grave

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• Things to do
• Sports in the Southern Alps

La Grave-La Meije, a mythical summit

Not far from Serre-Chevalier, to the north of the Barre des Ecrins, the summit of La Grave-La Meije is something everyone finds fabulous. Famous skiing runs, a number of hiking trails and unusual adventures in the ice caves, La Grave-La Meije is just brimming over with activities for all mountain lovers.

La Grave- La Meije, who are you?

A unique summit.

Heaven for skiers and hikers, the exceptional natural area of La Grave-la Meije welcomes you in the Massif des Écrins. Take to the heights and enjoy the panoramic view at the top from an altitude of 3,983 metres. Located just a stone’s throw from the charming village of La Grave, there are several activities to choose from. Those who love skiing and thrills will find all they need in the valleys around La Grave-la Meije. And for even more thrills, try a mountaineering outing or an off-piste skiing session with the famous Glaciers de la Meije cable car (respecting safety conditions, of course).

• Exceptional natural area of La Grave-la Meije

  Voir cette publication sur Instagram   Une publication partagée par La Grave La Meije Tourisme (@lagravetourisme)

The mountains for all

Beginner or seasoned mountaineer.

The mountains are generous and welcome you with open arms, whatever your level. Take the Glaciers de la Meije cable car , touch the peaks and enjoy the incredible view over the valleys. From beginner level to extreme difficulty, you’ll be sure to find a route to suit your level and your wishes. For the more intrepid, head for the North faces, but the itinerary Enfetchore is nevertheless accessible to all to reach Brèche de la Meije and the Refuge du Promontoire. After this adrenalin rush, you’ll appreciate a picnic break in the grass beside the Lac du Puy Vachier, or even a dizzyingly high meal in the panoramic restaurant perched at 3,200 metres. In winter, let yourself be tempted by an ice-fall climb with the Bureau des Guides de la Grave : perfect spots for an introduction to the sport, understanding the equipment and perfecting one’s style!

• Glaciers de la Meije cable car
• Bureau des Guides de la Grave

Discovering the glaciers

Get up high to see the peaks.

Seracs, crevasses, hanging glaciers … these wonders of nature are to be found near the mythical summit of La Grave-La Meije, and you’d better believe it, they’re well worth the effort! Take the trail from the little lake which goes to Brèche Pacave and the Vallons de la Meije to get a good view of the glaciers . A bit higher up, just next to the peaks of La Meije, you’ll have a wonderful view of the crevasses and seracs. Cast your gaze over the horizon where the majestic summits are silhouetted against the sky. From the Mont Blanc to the Grandes Jorasses, the Vanoise and Mont Thabor, you’re sure to get your fill of beauty. Our top 3 climbs: Col des Ruillans at 3,211 metres, Pic du Mas de La Grave at 3,667 metres and even a bit higher the summit of Râteau Ouest at 3,769 metres.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par La Grave La Meije Tourisme (@lagravetourisme)

Exploring an ice-cave in summer

An adventure in the depths of the mountain.

Have you ever seen an ice-cave? Head for the Glacier de la Girose and the Glacier du Mont de Lans which together make up the biggest ice cap in France over an area of more than 6 km. Take a guided tour of this exceptional ice-cave. On the menu: a walk on the glacier in the morning and exploring an ice-cave in the afternoon. Other outings are offered such as discovering the glacier with a mountain guide who will take you to the best spots to see crevasses and seracs. And to make it all last just that bit longer, do an ice hike to Col de la Lauze, a perfect opportunity for learning the basics of glacier walking.

• Walk on the glacier

Paradise for skiers in winter

You’re free to slide.

The vast ski area of La Grave-La Meije is a dream place for both beginners and seasoned skiers. Forget the runs and try freeride skiing! From the top of the La Girose ski lift at 3,600 metres and the river below at 1,450 metres, each descent is a new adventure and each break a moment of wonder. The mountains are in their natural state, here there are no groomed, secure runs, just follow the well-marked itineraries. And thanks to the cable car, you can be at the top in just 30 minutes. One of the most prestigious decents in Europe is to be found in the ski area, with a non-stop elevation of 2,150 metres.

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Meet Katherine LaGrave (Medill '11)

Taking accountability in sustainable travel.

As the topic of sustainability gains traction, more and more people are contemplating the environmental impacts of traveling. Many current traveling practices are considered unsustainable, yet Northwestern alum Katherine LaGrave explores accountability in travel and what it looks like to make sustainable decisions when visiting new destinations.

LaGrave is currently the deputy editor for  AFAR  magazine ,  which is one of the platforms at AFAR, the world’s leading travel media brand that values cultural immersion and exploration in global diversity. At AFAR, LaGrave manages digital features, helps set print issues themes, and works on long-term planning for the website and magazine. Her work prioritizes providing information for readers on how to make sustainable decisions to help the environment in the locations and people they visit as they travel and discussing taking accountability for the planet.

LaGrave earned her master of science in journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications in 2011, where she focused on magazine writing and editing with a concentration on health and science writing. Here, she refined her skills and explored different methods of storytelling and communicating a message to people beyond solely written word and expanded her understanding of what it means to interact with a story.

LaGrave especially found a source of inspiration from man-on-the-street reporting, a technique that she honed during her time at Medill, which involves researching a subject by asking impromptu questions to the public by initiating conversations around the neighborhood. “I think that’s where a lot of my story ideas have come from… just talking to people and building a network. Northwestern definitely helped give me tools for that,” she says.

“I think there’s a tendency, especially coming out of journalism school, to be like a Swiss Army knife and… just do everything. That’s good, certainly to have that skill. But it’s harder to distinguish yourself if you don’t focus on something specific.”— Katherine LaGrave (Medill '11)

For people longing to pursue a similar career path, LaGrave suggests focusing on specific interests and actively pursuing them. “If you find something interesting, chances are other people will,” she says. “I think there’s a tendency, especially coming out of journalism school, to be like a Swiss Army knife and… just do everything. That’s good, certainly to have that skill. But it’s harder to distinguish yourself if you don’t focus on something specific.”

During her time at AFAR, the company reorganized as a public benefit company responsible to all stakeholders for how its operations benefit the public good. LaGrave has also worked on the publication’s Travel Vanguard, which celebrates people working to make the travel industry more sustainable. It celebrates people working in sustainability in an effort to make the travel industry more sustainable. AFAR has also joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, an international accreditation body for sustainable tourism certification, Impact Travel Alliance, a global nonprofit, and is a signatory for the  Future of Tourism  coalition.

To maximize the impact of AFAR’s efforts in sustainability, LaGrave knows her audience well and keeps audience analytics in mind when addressing readers. “Our readers have an average household income of more than $350,000, and 90% of them make a decision after reading a story,” she says. “We know that our readers are fine to spend more on things that are sustainable, so it’s in our benefit to communicate that and show them how to make better decisions.” In the travel industry, people tend to spend thousands of dollars on trips, and LaGrave recognizes the significance of guiding this money towards more sustainable travel choices.

LaGrave is optimistic about the future of sustainable travel. She believes that even the pandemic, which has restricted traveling around the world, has provided an opportunity for reflection and reckoning both on the roles of travel companies and travelers alike. As more travelers recognize the impacts of topics such as carbon offsets and air travel, they can reflect these values in the travel experiences they want to have, and companies can strive to meet these demands.

LaGrave finds encouragement in this change, and states that working at AFAR has helped her reconsider what travel journalism is and its expanding potential. “A travel story is about sustainability, politics, and economics. It’s really upending the belief of what a travel story and travel experiences can be. I think that’s exciting.”

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Preparing your ski tour

Winter touring is not risk free. You must take into account the weather and the avalanche risk and choose a route that suits your skill level, your physical condition, your knowledge of the mountains as well as the snow conditions. Do not hesitate to explore with a mountain guide or a ski instructor.

What equipment do you need on a ski tour ? How do you prepare your ski tour ? Here you will find the advice of the mountain professionals of the Hautes Vallées  - La Grave, la Clarée and l’Izoard.

The pros' advice

Ski touring or split board touring with a guide or a ski instructor

Ski touring demands a good understanding of the winter mountains, the capacity to estimate risks related to the terrain and to identify avalanche risk zones. If you have little or no experience when it comes to navigating the winter mountain environment, it is highly recommended to go ski touring with a mountain professional. Mountain guides and ski instructors can guide you on your ski tour. You can join a public group or hire a guide or ski instructor for a private group. Both the mountain guides and the ski instructors organise outings at all levels, from beginner to expert. You can go on a half-day introduction tour, on a day tour on skis or on a splitboard, or you can go on a multiday trek on some of the most beautiful routes of the Ecrins, Oisans and Hautes-Alpes. The mountain guides of La Grave also organise outings where you will learn how to prepare your ski tour, how choose a good route and how to use the security equipment. You can also practise avalanche rescue with the ski patrol at the La Grave cable car or follow an avalanche course with mountain professionals.

Half-day ski touring

La Grave, Le Chazelet, Col du Lautaret, ...., La Grave

SKI TOURING INITIATION PACK - DIFFICULTY: 1/5 Willing to try something other than marked slopes ? It is the perfect place to jump into wildness and to taste the sweet flavor of fresh…

online booking

Ski touring with mountain guides

Bureau des Guides, La Grave

Touring on skis or snowboard is a unique experience where you access to runs far from the crowds. Single to multiple day tours, easy or difficult, everyone can find a tour suiting his/her…

Book a mountain guide freeride ski, snowboard, in La Grave with Snowlegend

Chalet SnowLegend, La Grave

Snowlegend freeride mountain guides have been guiding ski, snowboard, ski touring and split-board trips in La Grave since 1993. Our Uiagm mountain guides will take you securely where the…

Splitboard touring with Snowlegend

Go touring just like the skiers with a splitboard, a snowboard that splits in two for uphill climbing. The splitboard means going back to the origins of snowboarding, the very reason why…

Rent ski touring equipment

You can rent ski touring equipment and avalanche security equipment in La Grave, Villar d’Arène or Chazelet.

Where to rent ski touring gear

Ski touring holidays

Ski touring holidays with La Grave Xpérience

Rn 1091 place du téléphérique, La Grave

Set off on a ski tour or high-mountain ski raid around La Grave, in the Ecrins or Oisans massifs. We offer all-inclusive stays of 2 to 5 days in the massif, for beginners, experienced or…

Freeride and off-piste skiing holidays with La Grave Xpérience

This weekend, accompanied by a mountain guide, we invite you to discover the joys and thrills of freeriding on the Vallons de la Meije cable car at La Grave, between Oisans and Ecrins. …

Premier raid au Pays de la Meije « Entre Goléon et Pic du Mas de La Grave ».

Les Hières, La Grave

It was the construction of two new refuges above La Grave, the Goléon refuge and the Pic du Mas de La Grave refuge, that led to the emergence of this looped route between the hamlets of Les…

SKI TOURING INTRODUCTION ROUTES

Two new waymarked winter touring routes give beginner ski tourers a choice between the Pontet Lake and the Aiguillon Ridge, both offering stunning views of the Ecrins Massif and the Romanche Valley. The Pontet Lake route is level 1 and the Aiguillon Ridge route is level 2. Both start from Villar d’Arène, opposite the Hôtel Les Agneaux. Free access.

The routes are marked by orange range poles during the winter season, but they are not secured. A security commission decides whether to open the routes or not, depending on the snow conditions. Please respect their descision, On the information board at the start of the routes, you will find advice on how to prepare your ski tour. There is also an avalanche beacon check point. On the information board at the arrival on the Aiguillon Ridge you will find advice for the descent. 

You can get information on the current snow conditions at the Mountain Guides Office (+33 (0)4 76 79 90 21, [email protected] ).  They also organise ski touring training days where you learn about the snow pack, avalanche rescue, how to follow and set a track, risk management.

As these routes are not secured, you go on your own responsibility. On the information board at the start of the routes, you will find advice on how to prepare your tour :

Download the information board

TOUR OF LA MEIJE ON SKIS

The legendary Tour of la Meije is a ski mountaineering classic you should not miss out on. It is an alpine ski tour that demands a very good level of proficiency both in skiing and ski mountaineering as well as a very good physical condition. The high route goes around an iconic peak at the heart of the Ecrins Massif. It will take you over high passes with breathtaking views, over numerous glaciers and down unforgettable hills. The huts that are perched up high provide a unique chance to admire the sun rising and setting over the great Alpine summits.

Practical info: Ski touring towards La Meije

The Tour of la Meije can be done on skis in 3 to 6 days, starting from Arsine - Villar d’Arène or La Bérarde. It crosses 5 high mountain passes with a total of close to 5000 m (16 400 ft) uphill. It is possible to do a short version in two days, starting from the top station of the La Grave cable car.

The hut keepers in the Ecrins Massif created a website which gives you all the practical information you need to plan your ski tour around la Meije and on the Haute Route des Ecrins. Remember to check the current conditions by calling the mountain huts, mountain guides’ offices and by consulting the weather and avalanche forecasts. Don’t hesitate to hire a mountain guide to accompany you on this very demanding route.

Prepare your Tour of la Meije

MIND THE WILD ANIMALS

During your ski tour, remember that wild animals such as chamois, ptarmigans and black grouse need to be left  in peace most especially in the winter. Their survival hangs by a thread when snow is deep and food rare. Below you will find the advice of the Ecrins National Park on how to avoid disturbing them.