The 8 things to do in La Grave

Want to visit the National Park of Writers? Discover what are the best in La Grave!

Nestled between Grenoble and Briançon, La Grave is known for its ski area full of powder. But don’t get me wrong: it’s also a top destination for summer tourism and many must-sees are to visit in La Grave.

Here we come to freshen up, relax and even enjoy ourselves! Enjoy hiking on paths lined with gentianes, edelweiss and other genepis and defrost your camera: you may have the chance to immortalize a marmotte, a bouquetin or an adventurous chamois!

But it's a dream of chattering: find out immediately what the 8 best things to see and do in La Grave.

1. The village and its religious heritage

Visiting La Grave is first of all to go to the discovery of the town. Let yourself be guided by the desires and enjoy the picturesque side of the 17th century stone houses. Built in shale blocks and supporting slate roofs, their anthracite hue blends perfectly into the alpine setting.

Then go up the trabucs (the name given to the little streets of the village) to find you at the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. The oldest monument in the canton was founded in the 11th century.

With its Romano-Lombard style, it perfectly embodies one of the styles prevailing in Southern Europe in the medieval era. Don't miss making a detour by the Chapel of the White Pénitents, dating from the 17th century.

2. The market of La Grave

On Thursday morning, treat yourself and go to meet merchants on the market stalls! In winter, it takes place on the place of the cable car and excentres at the exit of the village when the beautiful days point their nose.

From local agricultural producers to small craftsmen making with passion bags and other accessories, you'll take the mirettes! A must-see at La Grave by which you will necessarily pass during your stay.

3. Les glaciers de la Meije

If we had to elect a single must-see at La Grave, it would be glaciers. The cable car leading to the foot of the Girose Glacier in about 30 minutes makes this ideal family trip.

Admire spectacular views from where you can even see the Mont Blanc before taking a break at the altitude restaurant. The most skilful can even approach the crevasses of the glacier, under the benevolent eye of a mountain professional.

As long as you are on the glacier heights, don't miss the ice cave, to do absolutely at La Grave. A team of sculptors works every day to show on the walls of the glacier delightful decorations and frozen characters. A visit for the least fairytale you will remember for a long time!

4. L’Oratoire du Chazelet

The perch of the Oratory of Chazelet, located in the hamlet of the same name, is surely one of the most famous things to see in La Grave. Located in the Col des Portes, it is a platform built above the void where a breathtaking view of the entire valley is revealed.

No panic: it gives vertigo, but everything is thought out for your safety and that of the youngest.

5. The bread oven of the Chazelet

A stay in high mountains is also an opportunity to discover the traditions inherent in the territory. The Grave is no exception to the rule, since it still celebrates the Feast of the Bread twice a year, since the 15th century.

On this occasion, the villagers produce black bread based on rye flour, a very heavy bread that cooked for seven hours in the communal oven. Ancient craftsmanship and local customs are passionate about you? Do not hesitate to register this visit to La Grave on your “ to do list »

6. A rafting descent

On the Romanche , the No Limit Rafting activity club offers sports descents of the river. For about 5 kilometers, this beautiful wild course is accessible to all provided you know how to swim. To do without waiting at La Grave if you are not cold in your eyes!

7. A hike around La Grave

The surroundings of the village are breathtakingly beautiful. By visiting La Grave, it is not possible to make the impasse on a hike in the area. Browse the flowery meadows at the foot of the Oisans reliefs that will lead you to the Emparis Plateau, a site classified as accessible by the GR34 .

Once you're up there, you'll find a beautiful view over the glaciers. You will also find a mountain lake, Lake Lerié, which will offer you the luxury of a fresh swim or a picnic on the waterfront. A colorful day in perspective!

8. The canyon of the Ga

Just below the village, canyoning lovers will give themselves to joy! In a wild setting, the canyon of the Ga, also known as the stunt of the pocelle, offers a sumptuous view of the glacier of La Meije.

This rather accessible descent lasts about 4 hours and has important reminders to the cascades. An original activity to do in La Grave!

How to get to La Grave?

By car

We're not going to lie: whether it's with your personal vehicle or rental, it's better to be vehiculated to get to La Grave. Departure from the city of Grenoble – located 80 kilometers from La Grave – you will have to follow the D1091 department in the direction of Briançon.

From Gap – 120 kilometers from La Grave- you will have to take the N94 National towards Briançon and then deviate from the D1091 Department leading to Grenoble by the Col du Lautaret. Good road!

By bus

It is possible to get to La Grave by bus by the line linking Gap to Briançon. At the start of one of these two cities, you will have to climb to the regional express line No. 35.

Where to stay in La Grave?

The Grave being a small village, the offer of tourist accommodation is not as developed as in a large city. However, it is a destination so appreciated by French and international travelers that you can still make your choice among about thirty cottages, holiday cottages or holiday homes.

By looking out a hotel comparison , you will find your little nesting that will face the Mountain. What a joy to wake up with this magnificent panorama!

You are now bent to visit La Grave: by car!