Tour of the Oisans: The GR54. Kev Reynolds

The Tour of the Oisans on the GR54 is a challenging two-week trek around the Ecrins National Park (southeast of Grenoble) in France, one of the most visually spectacular regions in all the Alps. Beginning in Bourg d'Oisans, the route folows a clockwise direction, and in the course of 10-13 days it covers 176km and climbs more than 12,800m to cross a series of challenging cols that separate deep and enchanting valleys. The scenery is spectacular and ever varied, and with charming villages and hamlets to visit on the way, the trekker's experience is both rich and rewarding. Accommodation is in valley hotels or gîtes, or in mountain refuges set in idyllic locations. The route is divided into 10 stages, but with suggestions for a 13-day itinerary and alternative stages are also described. Full accommodation details are given along with background information on how to get there, what to take, mountain safety, and notes on the flora and fauna of the region. All illustrated with colour sketch maps and photographs.