Rando trail – n°6 Blue – La vallée de l’Eau d’Olle

Oisans Trail Station Route no. 6 - Villard Reculas Trail centre

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Departure/Arrival: Villard Reculas
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
Distance: 25 km
Max. altitude: 1700 m
Mix. altitude: 736 m
Height gain: 1640 m

ROUTE
Turn right out of the Tourist Office and then first left onto the road to Allemond, before heading off down onto a path leading to the Fontaine de l'Ours. The descent is very tricky with some slippery roots, so take care. Also keep an eye out for the signs, as half-way down, you need to turn left and go up a few metres before reaching the valley floor. Take the path to the right through the hamlet of La Voute, before running alongside and then crossing the Eau d'Olle river on a footbridge that is typical of local mountain paths. It's a good photo stop!
Run through Allemond, where there are fountains for filling up with water and then leave the road for a lovely single track off to the right through the trees. Once at the Verney dam, run right round the lake and turn right into the hydroelectric power plant area and under a water pipe (photo stop!). The run through Oz village is short, but it's your last opportunity for a break before tackling the climb up to Le Bessey (careful crossing the road) and the lower part of Oz Station. The section between Le Bessey and Oz Station features the typical paved paths of the region.
The path back to Villard Reculas runs alongside the mountain via Beau Clos, the Beau Clos ridge and the Lac du Langeret. The Chemin des Vaches then takes you back to the Tourist Office.

THE ADDED BONUS: Hydroelectricity - "White coal"
To learn more about hydroelectricity and the Grand'Maison dam, visit the Hydrelec museum in Vaujany.