In the commune of St Christophe en Oisans, in the heart of the Pays des Écrins, the hamlet of La Bérarde, at 1720 meters, is the ideal starting point for numerous hikes through the sumptuous Oisans landscapes. The hamlet is reached via a picturesque little road, which gives it an end-of-the-world feel at the foot of the mountains. The asphalt doesn’t venture any further, giving way to trails, to the delight of every hiker. Put on your hiking boots and set off to discover the surrounding peaks. Between glaciers and high-mountain lakes, sometimes on an easy route, sometimes on a steep slope, your exploration on foot will involve a steep gradient. The ascent then takes you to some of the most beautiful spots in the Écrins National Park. Choose your slope and set off to climb the peaks of the mountains on a pretty mountain trail in the Hautes-Alpes near Col du Lautaret and Mont de Lans, with the highest point of the nature reserve in the background: the Barre des Écrins!
La Bérarde-en-Oisansa picturesque village set to the rhythm of winter in Isère
Adventure and tradition
La Bérarde-en-Oisans is surrounded by high peaks between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level. It’s the starting point for several races in the Massif des Écrins, including La Meije and Les Bans. This is part of the appeal of this small Isère town, a mecca for winter mountaineering.
The village is also characterized by its relative isolation in winter, when the road is closed after Champhorent. However, until 2009, the hamlet of La Bérarde was still inhabited all year round. In the 1990s, life was organized between mountaineering and farming during the summer months, while winter was devoted to school.
Even today, many residents remain attached to their village. These courageous men and women make their way to La Bérarde-en-Oisans on foot, sometimes on snowshoes or skis. Ski touring makes the most of the peaceful winter setting of this Isère hamlet.
Adventurers have long been interested in the massif’s wild valleys and highest peaks. As early as the 19th century, local residents accompanied the first mountaineers on their treks. With the creation of the road in 1921, more and more tourists took an interest in La Bérarde. This led to profound transformations: thatched roofs gave way to tin roofs, agriculture was gradually abandoned until it disappeared completely in the middle of the 20th century, and the old inns that housed mountaineers at the end of the 19th century were transformed or disappeared…
Modernizing La Bérarde-en-Oisansthrough tourism
Mountaineering remains one of the most popular activities for visitors to La Bérarde-en-Oisans. Throughout the year, many adventurers climb every ridge, crest and peak, including the mythical high mountain of La Meije. But the democratization of the site is also leading to its diversification. The creation of the Ecrins National Park in 1973 gave the Isère hamlet a new lease of life, and the commune of Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans boasts an exceptional natural heritage.
La Bérarde is no longer just a playground for sports enthusiasts, but now also a delight for contemplative types. Tourists marvel at every valley, enjoying breathtaking snow-covered panoramas of the Meije, Écrins and Dibona peaks. The commune alone covers the entire upper Vénéon valley, which forms the heart of the Écrins massif, equivalent to a fifth of the national park’s surface area. To make the most of this timeless place, consider staying a few days in the region to explore it more serenely. Our 5-star À La Rencontre du Soleil campsite has all the comforts you need for a restful night’s sleep after your long walks. Our top-of-the-range open-air hotel is just 33 km from La Bérarde, and boasts a water park with indoor heated pool, a delightful way to unwind after a good hike in the Rockies!