Ornon

Historic site and monument

Ornon sits just below the mountain pass of the same name (marking the natural boundary between Oisans and the Valbonnais), in a lovely site featuring a wide variety of scenery, from woods to the Taillefer plateau.

A whole mosaic of crops and vegetable gardens surround the mountain hamlets, which are full of heritage charm. The peace and quiet are enchanting, while being close to Bourg d'Oisans and the Oisans ski resorts.
The main village in the Lignarre valley, Ornon stretches along the torrent in several hamlets. Its territory stretches over 2000m of vertical drop, from the Lignarre at Clot de Barme to the summit of Taillefer.
The Col d'Ornon was once a much-frequented pass... in ancient times. It linked the Drac valley to the Lautaret and Montgenèvre passes, avoiding Lake Saint-Laurent (now the Bourg d'Oisans plain) and the Romanche gorges.
The prehistoric path, passing through Ornon, Venosc, Mont-de-Lans, Le Freney d'Oisans and La Grave, then became a Roman road. Roman tombs dating from the Late Empire (3rd and 4th centuries AD) have also been found.
At the pass, the small downhill ski station, for all levels, and the Nordic ski area, in the forest, offer the chance to enjoy winter sports away from the crowds.

For information when the town hall is closed, contact the Bourg d'Oisans tourist office.