Attractions and Places To See around Auris - Top 20

Auris is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. You can visit the Lake Lauvitel, the largest lake in the Ecrins National Park, offering a beautiful hike through forests. Explore the Piégut Spruce Forest, known as the highest spruce forest in southern Europe, or the La Rochette Plateau, a protected peat bog with unique flora and views of Alpe d'Huez and the Grandes Rousses peaks. The Valgaudemar Valley is also nearby, offering picturesque natural beauty.

For breathtaking panoramas, the Alpe d'Huez Climb offers iconic views, especially from its 21 hairpin bends. The La Rochette Plateau also provides splendid vistas of Alpe d'Huez and the Grandes Rousses peaks. Additionally, the hike to Lake Lauvitel rewards you with magnificent alpine scenery.

Yes, Auris offers a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels. You can find easy routes like the 'Col de Maronne loop via Les Sûres' or 'Descent from the Sures cable car'. For moderate hikes, consider the 'Maronne Pass – View of the two Alps loop from Auris en Oisans' or 'Gorges de la Sarenne – Maronne Pass loop from Auris'. For more options and detailed routes, check out the Hiking around Auris guide.

Auris is a prime location for cycling enthusiasts. The legendary Alpe d'Huez Climb is a must-do, known for its challenging ascent and historical significance in the Tour de France. For a more relaxed, car-free experience, the Voie Verte de l'Oisans follows the Romanche river, offering splendid panoramas. You can find more cycling routes, including difficult ones like 'Alpe d'Huez climb – Huez village loop', in the Cycling around Auris guide.

Auris-en-Oisans is known as a family-friendly destination. The Voie Verte de l'Oisans is a great option for families, offering a safe and scenic cycle path along the Romanche river. Many easy hiking trails are also suitable for families. During winter, the Auris-en-Oisans resort provides access to the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski area, which caters to all skill levels.

Beyond its natural beauty, Auris and its surroundings offer glimpses into local history and culture. You can explore the ten traditional hamlets of Auris-en-Oisans, which retain their authentic charm. Look out for historic oratories and fountains scattered throughout the landscape. The ancient 'Chemin du Facteur' and 'Chemin de la Cheminée' trails offer insight into the journeys of local 'Aurienchons'. Nearby, La Grave is recognized as one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages', and the Château de Vizille, with its associated park, is a significant historical site.

The best time to visit Auris depends on your preferred activities. For hiking, cycling, and exploring natural features like Lake Lauvitel or the Piégut Spruce Forest, the summer months (June to September) offer pleasant weather. For skiing and other winter sports, the season typically runs from December to April, with Auris-en-Oisans providing direct access to the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski area.

Auris is a popular winter destination, primarily known for skiing and snowboarding. Auris-en-Oisans is directly linked to the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski area, one of Europe's largest. Nearby, you can also access the renowned ski resorts of Alpe d'Huez and Les Deux-Alpes, offering extensive slopes and winter sports facilities.

Yes, several nearby towns host markets where you can experience local culture and find regional products. Le Bourg-d'Oisans, about 5 km away, has a market on Saturdays. La Grave, approximately 17 km away, hosts a market on Thursdays. Other markets can be found in La Mure on Mondays and Vizille on Tuesdays.

Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse natural landscapes, from high-altitude forests to serene lakes like Lake Lauvitel. The challenging cycling routes, especially the iconic Alpe d'Huez Climb, are highly appreciated by the cycling community. The family-friendly trails, such as the Voie Verte de l'Oisans, also receive positive feedback for their accessibility and scenic views. The area's appeal lies in its blend of adventure, natural beauty, and opportunities for both strenuous activity and relaxed exploration.

Yes, the region around Auris offers excellent opportunities for gravel biking. You can explore routes like the 'Lac du Chambon and its dam – Col de Sarenne loop from Le Bourg-d'Oisans' or the 'Alpe d'Huez Climb – Magnificent valley views loop from Huez'. These routes often combine challenging climbs with scenic descents and varied terrain. For more detailed gravel biking routes, refer to the Gravel biking around Auris guide.

Yes, there are a couple of remarkable gardens worth visiting. The Jardin alpin du Lautaret, an alpine garden, is located about 19 km from Auris. Additionally, the Parc du château de Vizille, approximately 25 km away, offers beautiful grounds to explore alongside the historic château.