Venosc is a traditional mountain village built entirely of stone and wood at an altitude of 960 meters in the Isère department, near Oz en Oisans. This small Isère town attracts many visitors with its authentic, rustic setting. Famous craft stores where leather, silk and wood are worked, and where local products can be tasted, also contribute to its reputation. People also flock here because the village lies at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park, and is a good starting point for many outdoor activities. Since January 1, 2017, Venosc is, along with Mont-de-Lans, one of the two communes déléguées forming the new commune of Les Deux-Alpes. Its high mountain location makes it a popular destination for vacation rentals and winter sports in the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region.
Activitiesin Venosc
In all seasons
As mentioned above, in summer and winter Venosc is the starting point for a wide range of outdoor activities. Tourists can take advantage of the many activities on offer at Les 2 Alpes, such as downhill mountain biking. With its kilometers of downhill slopes and numerous lifts (ski lifts, chairlifts, etc.), it’s also the ideal place for those who want to ski! So if you’re looking for a skiing vacation, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in this large ski area.
Head for the snowpark if you’re a freestyle enthusiast, the ski school if you’re a beginner, and the many equipment rental stores if you’d rather try your hand at cross-country skiing, tobogganing or snowshoeing! As usual, we recommend that all skiers and snowboarders take care when going off-piste, as snow conditions can cause avalanches at any time on these unmarked trails. Holidaymakers can also choose from a range of activities on the banks of the Vénéon or at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park. Whether you’re looking for rafting on the turquoise waters of the Vénéon or donkey trekking along its banks, there’s no reason to miss out.
Many also opt for hiking in the heart of the national park. In winter, the ski resort is easily reached by gondola. Ski joëring and donkey sleigh rides are just some of the activities on offer in the Venosc area. Enjoy views of the Massif des Ecrins, stroll through the Vallée Blanche and immortalize the Glacier Blanc!
To the originsof Venosc
Since ancient times, nomadic tribes living mainly from hunting have occupied the entire Vénéon valley. It was these same communities that mapped out the present-day trail to the 2 Alpes plateau. Sedentary societies began to organize themselves in Venosc between the 13th and 15th centuries.
The valley welcomed its first known visitors in the 17th century. They’re not tourists yet, but scientists who’ve come to study the mountains: engineers, topographers, botanists and geologists. Flower peddling became one of the most lucrative activities in the 19th century, particularly in Venosc. While farming is still the main activity, the villagers, who know the valley like the back of their hand, are also involved in tourism and act as guides.
Tourism expanded considerably in the 20th century as mountaineering took off. It was at this time that the resort of Les 2 Alpes was built and hotels and campsites began to appear.
Since 1972, visitors have been able to easily reach Les 2 Alpes from Venosc by cable car. The creation of the Ecrins National Park in 1973 raised the profile of this wild valley, with tourists flocking to admire its unspoilt landscapes.