From the smallest oratory alongside a hiking path to the largest European hydroelectric project, Oisans is filled with curiosities of all sizes to be explored during your visit.
The history of panoramic roads, the remains of the Roman road, dams, sundials, chapels, along with traditional villages and even lost villages, together make up a web of clues that will help you understand what makes this part of the Alps so special.
What is the origin of the word “Oisans”?
It comes from the Celts who first settled in the Romanche valley, more specifically the people of UCENNIS. The name given to the area at that time was therefore “Uissan”, which became “Visan” and then “Oisans” over time. The Romans, despite settling the region and leaving some landmarks (Roman road and Roman gateway), did not rename (or did not succeed in renaming) the region, even though many local names are of Roman and not Celtic origin.
The inhabitants of Oisans have kept a name that is close to the original, as they are now known as Uissans.
