Le tour des hameaux - Hiking from Les Cours
Discover the various hamlets of Auris-en-Oisans, the charm of the old stone buildings, and the traditional atmosphere of these mountain villages. A route that offers both sun and shade, set against a backdrop of Alpine panoramas and cultural heritage.
Hike through the villages in search of history and heritage. Meet the Aurienchonnes and Aurienchons, the residents of the town of Auris-en-Oisans. Take the time to look up, turn your head, or turn around to observe the architectural details of the houses.
In the hamlets, you may notice some features typical of mountain villages, such as steeply sloped roofs, balconies called “pels” that were used for drying wood, and round or triangular openings in the gables that helped ventilate the hayloft.
The hamlet of Les Cours is home to a small rural museum—with free admission—where you can explore many artifacts from days gone by during opening hours. Take note of a few sundials, evidence of the area’s abundant sunshine.
Several chapels dot the path. In the hamlet of Les Certs, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Chapel is notable for its wooden bell tower and for being maintained by volunteers from the local community.
In La Balme, admire the 400-year-old linden tree that stands next to the chapel. Also note the path known as “de la cheminée,” which was the only trail connecting Auris-en-Oisans to the Romanche Valley before the construction of the road known as “de la falaise.”
Along the way, take advantage of the occasional clearings among the trees to admire the panoramic view of the Écrins Massif. Facing due south and offering views of the peaks, you might just find yourself wanting to settle down in one of these hamlets!
To reward yourself for this hike through fields and villages, plan a well-deserved refreshing break on the quiet, shaded terrace of the Auberge de la Forêt.
Map references:
Map / OBP Topo Guide No. 3 (available at the tourist office) trails 302 + 303 + 304 + 308 + 307
IGN Top 25 Bourg d’Oisans and l’Alpe d’Huez 3335 ET
Route details
From the Cours parking lot, head toward the center of the hamlet via Rue du Pisaille. Pass by 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 Le Grand Châtain, and 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 toward La Balme until you reach the hamlet. After the Saint-Antoine Chapel, you’ll find a directional sign. Follow the signs for the hamlet of Le Cert, then Le Cert – Center and Le Cert – East. After exploring the hamlet, head first toward Auris Station and Les Cours, then toward Les Cours – Parking Lot. You’ll need to cross the road and walk along it for about 100 meters to reach the trail that will take you to the parking lot, your starting and ending point.
Pets welcome
Parking nearby
Opening
From 15/05 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 section of the trail that is in poor condition or dangerous, turn back and report it to the tourist office upon your return.
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
Go there
Latitude : 45.05059
Longitude : 6.083168
Height : 1367
1 Parking des Cours
38142 Auris-en-Oisans
Go there
The trail starts at the parking lot in the hamlet of Les Cours. The hamlet is accessible on foot from the Auris-en-Oisans resort (a 3-kilometer round-trip hike with 200 meters of elevation gain and loss) or a 6-minute drive away.
Information updated on 28/08/2026
by Oisans Tourisme
