La Grave is one of only two communes in the Hautes-Alpes, with Saint-Véran, to belong to the label of “the most beautiful billages in France”. Located in the Écrins massif, at an altitude of 1,450 m, it embodies the typical mountain village with its preserved heritage.
This village-resort opens onto the summit of La Meije, which rises to an altitude of 3,984 m, making it the kingdom of off-piste skiing for years.
A breathtaking ride
La Grave is a village with picturesque architecture made up of houses dating from the 17th centurye century, built in blocks of schist or tuff and topped with slate or lauze roofs. Along the alleys of the village, we gradually arrive at its summit, dominated by the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church, a religious building from the 11the century in Roman-Lombard style. Its cemetery welcomes the castaways of the mountain, specifies the website of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Read also: Bonneval-sur-Arc, a small authentic ski resort located in one of the most beautiful villages in France
You can continue the visit to the different hamlets of La Grave, such as Hyères, Ventelon, Les Terrasses or even Le Chazelet, with their beautiful churches built from tuff blocks and their traditional bread ovens. In Chazelet, moreover, an observation platform installed at the Col des Portes allows you to admire a panoramic view of the entire valley, at an altitude of more than 1,800 m.
A must-see off-piste destination
Beyond the walks, La Grave is also known for its resort which attracts many skiers keen on off-piste every year. The La Grave – La Meije cable car allows them to go directly to an altitude of 3,200 m to enjoy the La Meije glaciers and the entire surrounding ski area, mainly off-piste. Every year in April, the village hosts an emblematic and international competition: the Derby de la Meije.
Read also: MAP. Discover the opening dates of the main ski resorts in the Alps
For less experienced winter sports enthusiasts, it is also possible to gently explore the surrounding area, particularly in the south of the valley, on the sites of Chazelet and Villar d’Arène. In summer, you can hike or go canyoning and rafting in the waters of the Romanche.
#Discovering #Grave #kingdom #offpiste #skiers #beautiful #village #France
