Venosc

Traditional village

Venosc is a traditional mountain village made of stone and wood at an altitude of 960 meters. This small town in Isère seduces many visitors with its authentic and rustic setting. Its famous shops of craftsmen where leather, silk or wood are worked and where local products are tasted also contribute to its reputation. We also hurry because the village is at the gates of the Ecrins National Park and it is a good starting point for many outdoor activities. Since January 1, 2017, Venosc is, with Mont-de-Lans, one of the two delegated municipalities forming the new municipality of Deux-Alpes.

Activities at Venosc

As pointed out a few lines above, Venosc is, summer and winter, a starting point for the practice of many outdoor activities. Tourists can especially enjoy the many activities on the side of the 2 Alpes resort, such as mountain biking for example. Vacationers can also choose from several activities that take place on the banks of the Vénéon or at the gates of the Ecrins National Park. Whether you want to raft on the turquoise waters of the Vénéon or donkey treks on its banks, you are not without it. Many also opt for hiking in the heart of the national park. In winter, you can easily reach the ski resort by cable car. Ski joëring and sleigh ride with donkeys are part of the programs offered in the vicinity of Venosc.

The origins of Venosc

From ancient times, nomadic tribes living mainly on hunting occupied the entire Vénéon valley. These same communities have traced the current path that leads to the plateau of 2 Alpes. Sedentary societies began to organize sustainably in Venosc between the 13th and 15th centuries.
The valley welcomes the first known visitors from the 17th century. They are not tourists yet, but scientists who have come to study the mountains: engineers, topographers, botanists and geologists. Flower peddling became one of the most lucrative activities during the 19th century, especially in Venosc. If agricultural activities remain predominant, the inhabitants of the village, who know the fingertips of the valley, are also involved in tourism and serve as guides.
The valley welcomes its first visitors from the 17th century. They are not yet tourists but rather scientists who have come to study the mountains: engineers, topographers, botanists and geologists. Flower peddling became one of the most lucrative activities in the 19th century, especially in Venosc. If agricultural activities remain predominant, the inhabitants of the village will also become more and more involved in tourism.
Tourism activities expanded considerably in the 20th century as mountaineering experienced a major boom. It was during this time that the resort of Les 2 Alpes was built and hotels and campsites appeared.
Since 1972, visitors have been able to easily reach the 2 Alps from Venosc by cable car. The creation in 1973 of the Ecrins National Park offers more visibility to this wild valley, tourists coming in numbers to admire its preserved landscapes.