Chemin du Facteur for Villard-Reymond – Hiking from Le Bourg-d’Oisans

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

Starting point: Le Bourg-d'Oisans - Cinema Parking Lot
Elevation gain: 1,190 m
Round-trip duration: 6 hrs 15 mins
Distance: 13.2 km
Difficulty: difficult

MAP AND HIKING GUIDE:
IGN Top 25 Map No. 3335 E (EAST)
OBP Map No. 1 - 652 653 641

ITINERARY
The hike begins near the parking lot next to the movie theater/Maison du Parc. Follow the signs toward Villard-Reymond. This is where the postman’s trail begins.
When you reach Le Merlon, DO NOT cross the stream; stay on the same path. On the embankment, go down the tire stairs and continue along the trail to the left. This is where the real climb begins. Throughout the climb, follow the signs toward Villard-Reymond and the yellow markings on the trees.

Once you reach the Col de Solude, enjoy the breathtaking view before descending toward the village of Villard-Reymond.

For the return trip, turn around and head back to the Col de Solude, and from there, continue toward the Col de St. Jean. When you reach the pass, you can start the descent immediately or hike up to Pré Gentil (15 minutes) to enjoy a superb 360-degree view.
For the descent, follow the sign toward Tête des Fromentières, then follow the sign toward Le Puy.
In Le Puy, turn right and head toward Le Merlon to return to the starting point.

HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE ROUTE
-Col de Solude, with a breathtaking view of Le Bourg-d’Oisans, the surrounding villages, and mountains.
-The village of Villard-Reymond.
-The “Ferme du Champ Perché” (RSF)

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
-Maison du Parc in Le Bourg-d’Oisans

GOOD TO KNOW:
The “postman’s trail”—a path between Le Bourg-d’Oisans and Villard-Reymond—was used by both locals and mail carriers, hence its name.
Villard-Reymond is the highest municipality in the Isère department and the second-highest village in France.
As part of the Écrins National Park, Villard-Reymond boasts unspoiled natural beauty and remarkable views of the Oisans mountain ranges.