Besse en Oisans

Traditional village

The decor of this traditional Alpine village has changed little over the past century, with squat and sloping houses, separated only by narrow streets. This small town in Isère attracts many visitors, summer and winter, who walk the Emparis plateau, the Mas de la Grave peak or the Salse peaks.

The Emparis plateau and the PDIPR trails

Sports enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors cannot resist the urge to explore this site. If it attracts many visitors, it is primarily because it is the largest mountain pasture in Isère, with an area of ​​2,900 hectares. But we also come here to enjoy a panorama of exceptional beauty over the surrounding landscapes. It is from this point of view that one can in particular contemplate the Arves needles, which constitute the dominant summit of the eponymous massif, and the Meije, located on the northwest edge of the Ecrins massif. The Emparis plateau attracts hikers and equestrian hikers, especially as the site has shelters. Some visitors also go there to learn paragliding.
When you spend a few days in Besse-en-Oisans, you inevitably hear about the PDIPR, or departmental plan for walking and hiking routes. This plan aims, among other things, to preserve the heritage of rural paths and paths, the sustainability and continuity of the routes, or even the promotion of hiking and walking. This translates concretely into the identification of marked routes and paths (pedestrian, equestrian and mountain biking), and also involves monitoring and securing the paths in question.
If we tell you about it, it is because Besse-en-Oisans is the starting point for several trails that allow you to reach Savoy or the Hautes-Alpes. Several thematic trails linked to heritage also allow you to discover the surroundings of the mountain village. This is the perfect opportunity to make a detour to the Maison des Alpages, an eco-museum registered with the Bâtiments de France.

The Alpine House

The Departmental House of Alpine Pastures is located in the heart of Besse-en-Oisans. It is a place for sharing the culture and the discovery of Oisans. It is the right place to learn more about the history that links pastoralism and Haut-Oisans. The promotion of pastoral activity is one of the main functions of the Maison des Alpages. High mountain pastures are of great historical and cultural importance since this activity has been going on since the 16th century. Pastoral activity is at the same time an important economic lever, at the local and departmental level.
The Maison des Alpages is also responsible for promoting local products, bringing together local and tourist customers through various events ... It is also the reliable information point for the Ecrins National Park.