Huez - Hiking from the resort of Auris-en-Oisans

A hike that combines history and breathtaking scenery, with the Sarenne Gorges serving as the central feature along the route between Auris and Huez.

MAP AND HIKING GUIDE
OBP Map/Hiking Guide Nos. 2 and 3: Trails 301, 260, 265, 251, 267, 339, and 253
IGN Top 25 Bourg-d’Oisans and l’Alpe d’Huez – 3335 ET

ITINERARY
Up to the Col de Maronne, you’ll follow a trail that climbs above Auris-en-Oisans, offering beautiful views of the resort as well as the Écrins Massif and the Muzelle.
Then, you’ll descend toward the small hamlet of Rosai with its pretty chapel (which is worth the short detour to reach), before continuing on until you reach the Sarenne River, which flows merrily down from the pass of the same name. Be careful—the path is rocky and requires your full attention!
The ancient Roman bridge spanning the river once connected Grenoble to Italy via the Col du Lautaret and the Romanche Valley.
Then, all you have to do is continue along the trail to the village of Huez and, if you wish, take the free ski lift that leads to Alpe d’Huez.

HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE ROUTE

• The hamlet of Rosai, with its well-maintained stone houses typical of the region and the 15th-century Chapel of the Holy Trinity.
• The Roman bridge, located along the route of the ancient “Roman road.”

GOOD TO KNOW:

• La Sarenne is “the longest black run in Europe.” In fact, the trail you’re taking is, in winter, the final stretch of this legendary ski run. It starts at Pic Blanc, at an altitude of 3,300 meters, where you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.

Behind the Sures ski lift, take the well-marked trail that climbs up to the Col de Maronne. At the pass, you’ll find yourself in a wide, open area where you can see the signs for the ski runs. Follow the one marked “Maronne.”
As you descend the trail, take the first path branching off to your right. At the start of this path, a second sign continues to point you toward “Huez,” and then two markers take over as you enter the mountain pasture. Follow the clearly marked trail as it descends gently.
You’ll come to another signpost indicating “Huez” or “Le Rosai.”
Once you reach the hamlet of Le Rosai, follow the signs for “Huez” or “Pont Romain” on your right. If you’d like to see the chapel, you’ll need to take a slight detour and then retrace your steps.
In the shade of the trees, a new sign will show you the way forward, and you’ll continue descending to the Pont Romain. Caution: this section of the trail is technical—rocky and strewn with stones—so stay alert!
Cross the Sarenne River and turn left until you reach a marker and a sign pointing to “Huez.”
At the intersection with the forest trail, take the path that climbs slightly to the right of the junction until you reach the village of Huez.

If you’d like to take the ski lifts up to Alpe d’Huez, cross the main street and continue straight ahead. You’ll see them shortly. Continue along the same road; the stairs and elevator providing access are located beneath the building.

On the way back, follow the same route in the opposite direction.