Les Gorges de Sarenne - hike from La Garde-en-Oisans

This itinerary covers part of the legendary GR 54, which crosses the Oisans and Écrins regions. The route begins with a visit to the charming village of La Garde-en-Oisans.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Start: turn 16 of the Alpe d'Huez climb, parking lot in front of the church
Difference in altitude: 627 m
Round trip duration: 7h
Return distance: 17km
Level: medium

MAP AND TOPO
IGN TOP 25 3335 ET - Bourg d'Oisans - Alpe d'Huez
Topo guide OBP n°2 (Oisans au Bout des Pieds) trails 270 + 274+265+252 (not complete)

ITINERARY
The route through La Garde-en-Oisans is all uphill through the beautiful Maronne forest. It's a climb, welcome to Oisans! After the hamlet of Rosay, a haven of peace, you'll be rewarded with a short meadow crossing before descending a steep, bucolic path to the Sarenne gorges. The rest of the way is along the fishermen's path... Bucolic, we tell you!
A great day out and back, after a cool picnic by the old mill.

• Any local information or tips on the itinerary (e.g. possibility of making a loop with...
  loop with... Or another detour to vary the itinerary)

THINGS TO SEE ON THE ROUTE
Saint-Pierre church and its sundial

• The old Sarenne mill
• Roman bridge
• the Sarenne torrent
  Rosai chapel: the side window features a stained-glass window with three doves, created by Arcabas, a French painter and sculptor renowned in France and abroad, among other places, for his important output in the field of contemporary sacred art.

INTERESTING FACTS
-The inhabitants of La Garde are called gardillons and are one of the most vertical communes in France.

• The commune is served by the T75 bus line linking Le Bourg-d'Oisans to l'Alpe d'Huez.

INTERESTING FACTS

• Just before reaching the Pont du Gua, you'll find the start of the Pierre Ronde via ferrata on your right. At the top you'll arrive on the route de Sarenne, not far from the Brandes archaeological site.