Heritage orientation course: the hamlets of Auris
Before your visit
In the summer, you may pass through alpine pastures where cattle graze. If you cross fences, use the cattle gates (green plastic and metal structures) and be sure to close the electric gates behind you.
Set out to explore the hamlets and uncover their secrets through this heritage orienteering course. Hike through a setting that combines nature and culture while learning how to read a map, navigate, and find checkpoints.
Discover part of the Aurienchon heritage in a fun and active way with this route through the heart of the hamlets. Follow your map—which you can pick up at the Tourist Office—and keep your eyes peeled for the markers dotted along the trail. A tree, a railing, a sign... What will be the next thing you find?
Take the opportunity to look up, turn your head, and look around; and you’ll discover features typical of mountain villages, such as steeply pitched roofs, balconies called “pels” that were used for drying wood, round or triangular gable openings used to ventilate the hayloft, and communal washhouses.
Take the time to admire the panoramic views of the Écrins, the mountain range south of the Grandes Rousses where the town of Auris-en-Oisans is located. Several picnic tables and benches are located along the route, ready to welcome you for a break. Upon your return to the hamlet of Les Cours, the Auberge de la Forêt will be happy to welcome you to its shaded terrace in the heart of the village for a hot or cold drink.
Route details
From the Cours parking lot, head toward the center of the hamlet via Rue du Pisaille. Walk past the Notre-Dame-des-Anges Chapel before heading down toward the Auberge de la Forêt and turning onto Rue Clos des Bettoux. Follow this street out of the village, then follow the trail toward Les Châtains. You’ll arrive at Le Petit Châtain. Head toward the Grand Châtain; when you reach the junction with the path to the chapel, turn right. Follow the trail; you’ll pass by the Notre-Dame-de-Pitié de la Ville Chapel. At the “Notre-Dame-de-Pitié” sign, follow the signs for La Balme until you reach the hamlet. Explore the hamlet before heading toward the hamlet of So’cougne, a rocky promontory overlooking the Romanche River. At the sign for Le Coin, head up toward Le Plancet. You’ll come to a hairpin curve on a paved road. Follow the road uphill to your right; this will take you to the hamlet of Les Certs. From the hamlet of Les Certs, head toward Les Cours via the sunken path. You’ll pass through Mairie-Église before reaching the Les Cours parking lot, where you started. Don’t forget to follow your map to find the trail markers.
Pets welcome
Parking nearby
Opening
From 01/05 to 31/10 daily.
The periods during which the trails are accessible vary from year to year depending on snow cover and weather conditions. In addition, trail conditions can change rapidly after a weather event and are not checked daily. If you encounter a damaged or dangerous section, turn back and report it to the tourist office.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
More details
Mobility disability
Not accessible
Tips
Keep in mind: part of the trail is exposed. You may be caught off guard by the sun, wind, or rain. Be sure to check the weather forecast before setting out on your hike.
Discover more
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Adult orienteering course: discover the resort of Auris
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Elevation 130m
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Orienteering course for children: playful discovery of the Auris resort
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Elevation 60m
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Auberge de la forêt
Place: Auris-en-Oisans
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Anne Mangin
Place: Auris-en-Oisans
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Le tour des hameaux - Hiking from Les Cours
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Elevation 280m
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Heritage Orientation Trail - Besse-en-Oisans
Place: Besse-en-Oisans
Go there
Latitude : 45.05045
Longitude : 6.083062
Height : 1370
Hameau Les Cours
38142 Auris-en-Oisans
Go there
Start from the parking lot at the entrance to the hamlet of Les Cours. The hamlet is accessible on foot (a 3-km round-trip route with 200 m of total elevation gain and loss) or a 6-minute drive from the Auris-en-Oisans resort. From Le Freney d’Oisans, head toward the Auris resort via the D211A. Just before the resort, turn right toward Les Cours onto Rue Dessus l’Eglise.
Information updated on 28/08/2026
by Oisans Tourisme
