Villard Reculas discovery trail

Nestled at the gateway to the Oisans region, around 1 hour from Grenoble, Villard-Reculas is a charming mountain village of around 60 inhabitants. In the immediate vicinity of Alpe d'Huez and its vast ski area, it offers an authentic, unspoilt setting.

Through this discovery trail, the village and its inhabitants invite you to explore their environment, a blend of nature, traditions and pastoral life. A walk accessible to all, ideal for getting to know the animals and activities that are emblematic of the area.

Itinerary :

The trail starts along the slope road, in the direction of the ski lift. Look for the first signpost - a small hiker - on your left.

At the end of the road, continue straight ahead towards the forest, leaving the elevator on your right and the sheds on your left. At the entrance to the woods, the first sign ("The forest") marks the start of the educational trail.

The path then goes deeper into the forest and gradually climbs up five switchbacks. This shady, refreshing section requires a little vigilance: the terrain can be steep and slippery at times.

After this climb, the path becomes gentler and leads to the beautiful alpine pasture of Villard-Reculas. You'll pass above the Bergerie restaurant, under the Villarais chairlift, before reaching the small Langaret lake. If you're lucky, you'll spot marmots and flocks of sheep.

The panorama is remarkable: you'll see the Belledonne, Taillefer, Grand Galbert and Grand Renaud ranges, as well as the Écrins massif.

Continue above Langaret. Directional signs indicate a number of alternatives, notably towards Alpe d'Huez (panoramic trail no. 242) or the Signal d'Huez (2,100 m).

For a shorter itinerary, a path on your right takes you straight back down to the village via the mountain pastures and the Sarrazins canal.

Alternatively, continue through the mountain pastures: the path descends, crosses the Pas de la Confession road - the emblematic route linking Huez to Villard-Reculas - then continues below, through meadows grazed by goats.

Finally, follow the narrow road past the goat farm and the charming Saint-Antoine chapel. The path then climbs back up through the old village to reach your starting point in front of the tourist office.

In the presence of herds, be sure to behave properly around guard dogs. For further information, please consult the Pasto Kezako application and its interactive Map Patou map.