Sentier des Oratoires (small loop) - Hiking from Besse-en-Oisans

Discover the oratories of Besse-en-Oisans! Cross the mountain pastures and enjoy a unique panorama of the Grandes Rousses before reaching the charming little hamlet of Bonnefin!
A leaflet is available from the Tourist Office!

An oratory is a small building dedicated to the worship of a saint represented by a statuette, a cross or a simple plaque.
In the Oisans region, oratories, chapels and crosses represent a remarkable heritage.
These edifices, of which there are many in the commune of Besse, were built mainly by local residents in the 19th century.
Their origins can be traced back to the harsh living conditions of Besse's inhabitants, due to the vagaries of the climate and epidemics such as the plague.
These places of devotion were erected in various locations to invoke divine protection. As places of prayer or thanksgiving, peasants made offerings in the hope of receiving the protection of the saint to whom the place was dedicated.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Parking : Parking Sainte-Anne at the entrance to the village (altitude: 1530m)
Departure point: Rue principale de Besse en Oisans, on the left just after the Tourist Office (yellow and green signs).
Difference in altitude: 450 m
Duration (loop): 2h30
Distance (loop): 5.8 km
Level : Medium

ITINERARY
Park at the entrance to the village of Besse-en-Oisans. Be aware that the Saint-Antoine oratory is further down the road, so you can stop on the way if you wish.
Enter the village and immediately after the tourist office, on your left, take the small cobbled lane (calade).
The path first passes in front of the Notre-Dame des 7 douleurs chapel. Then, on a steep path that crosses the road several times, continue to the Cuchet springs (300m D+). Turn right to visit the Saint-Jean-Baptiste oratory and then Notre-Dame de Cuchet at the old hamlet of Cuchet. You'll have a clear view of the village of Besse-en-Oisans.
Make a U-turn, then at the crossroads with the path coming from the springs, continue straight on to catch up with the track. Then take the path along the ridge (you won't be on the ridge, but beside it). Caution: do not leave the path). If you follow the ridge, you may be lucky enough to see the birds of prey in flight.
Once you've reached the Saint-Sébastien oratory, the highest point of the hike (1934m), you'll be able to admire a panoramic view of the Ferrand Valley and the glaciers of the Grandes Rousses! To go back down, take the trail towards the Oratoire Saint-François-Régis.
Your route then reaches the hamlet of Bonnefin and its pretty chapel. Cross the hamlet and join the track leading back down to Besse-en-Oisans. You will then pass the Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Europe oratories before reaching the village.

THINGS TO SEE ALONG THE WAY
Notre-Dame des 7 douleurs chapel
Saint-Sébastien oratory
Bonnefin hamlet and chapel
Various oratories and crosses along the way

THINGS TO SEE NEARBY

• The discovery trail: Before the Saint-François-Régis oratory, you can turn left to get back on the Grande Boucle du Sentier des Oratoire, passing through a section of the discovery trail! Explanatory panels have been set up all along this trail to help you learn more about Bessat and mountain heritage!

• La Maison départementale des Alpages de Besse: this museum talks about pastoral life, the shepherd's trade, working with herding dogs, the natural wealth of the Ferrand Valley's mountain pastures and the Besse of yesteryear.

TO KNOW

• The Vallée du Ferrand Tourist Office in Besse-en-Oisans provides a leaflet and map showing all the oratories and chapels in the village. The itinerary described here does not follow the exact numbering of the leaflet, but it will help you follow our explanations.

Yellow PDIPR signs.

IGN Top 25 map n°3335ET