A lovely route that is emblematic of Oisans, featuring a narrow path, switchbacks and airy sections. The path follows the GR 50, linking Villard Reymond to Le Bourg d'Oisans, winding its way across the cliff overhanging Le Bourg d'Oisans.
About : The Postman’s Path
Route in the “MTB in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)
Departure : Villard Reymond - Col du Solude, 1680 m.
Arrival : Le Bourg-d'Oisans 720 m.
Length: 30 mins
Distance: 5 km
Highest point: 1 680 m
Lowest point: 720 m
Total height gain: 70 m
Total height loss: 970 m
Technique: 4/4
Endurance: 2/4
Map: Top 25 Bourg d'Oisans et l'Alpe d'Huez 3335 ET
ROUTE
> The path starts at the Col du Solude (1680 m) above Villard-Reymond and follows the GR 50 footpath. Keep your eyes open as at the top of the route, certain sections are separate for hikers and mountain-bikers, so make sure you follow the signs.
> Ride down 100 m from the Col on the road and take the path that carries straight on at the bend. This starts on a fast path, but you need to look out to the
right for a smaller path that winds between the trees. It’s a fun path, but you need to concentrate.
> Once back on the GR50, carry straight on to the path reserved for bikers, which gradually narrows until it becomes a series of switchbacks of varying technical difficulty. In all cases, BE CAREFUL as the cliff edge is never far away. There are no junctions, so no risk of getting lost.
> You arrive behind the Bourg-d’Oisans belvedere, which you go round to the right, following a small path as far as the road. This is in the «Ville Noire» district of Le Bourg-d’Oisans - turn left for the town centre.
En bref
0 h 30
J+ : 10 m
5 km
Level black - very hard
Map and GPX marking
The Postman’s Path
Villard-Reymond
Services
Activities
- Duration of the session: 30 minutes
Tours
- Average duration of the individual tour: 30 minutes
Opening
From 01/06 to 31/10.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Prices
Free access.
This service provider also offers
Location supplement
You can get to the Col du Solude from Bourg d'Oisans either by bike (around 2 hours) or by car (30 mins), if you have another car you can leave in Bourg d'Oisans.
2 routes:
- Via the road to Le Col d'Ornon (D526) then Villard-Reymond (D210)
- Via Villard-Notre-Dame (D219) then the 4WD track to the Col du Solude.