Duration
6 am
Difficulty
Very difficult
Distance
14 km
Vertical rise
750m elevation gain
Departure
Tourist Information Centre
L'Ouillon
a walk between the sky and the mountain pastures
Information about the route
The Ouillon walk: a 360° panoramic viewin the heart of the mountain pastures of La Toussuire
A must-do hike in the hills above Les Sybelles
Fancy getting up high and discovering one of the most beautiful panoramic views in La Toussuire? The Ouillon walk takes you through the vast mountain pastures of the Sybelles ski area, amongst grassy ridges, iconic peaks and spectacular scenery. Suitable for experienced walkers, this route offers a chance to immerse yourself in the mountains, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, herds grazing in the summer pastures and the Alpine massifs.
To make the most of this hike, set off early, between 7 am and 8 am. At this time of day, the mountains are coming to life in a peaceful atmosphere: marmots, chamois and birds are easier to spot. Don’t forget your binoculars!
The route
The route starts at the Tourist Office, heading towards Rue Blanche. At the Airelles roundabout, head towards the ski pass office and follow the road past the Marolay restaurant, then continue onto the piste towards Bellard.
Further up, at the junction, turn right towards the Col du Marolay. Please be careful: this track is also used by 4x4s and mountain bikes. Carry on to the summit of the Col du Marolay (2,004 m) — and there, a well-deserved reward awaits: a lovely view opens up over the Belledonne massif.
Then take the ridge path on your left (the Foehn mountain restaurant, on the right, is closed in summer) towards Bellard. This is a narrow path, lined with sheep pens where Patou dogs are kept: keep your distance and follow the instructions.
At the top of the ridge, continue to the left as far as the Carlines mountain restaurant (also closed in summer), then head towards the Ouillon as far as the hamlet of Plan de la Guerre — a developed site, perfect for a well-deserved picnic break.
Then carry on to the tip of the Ouillon: brace yourself, as the 360° panorama awaiting you there will stay with you for a long time! Retrace your steps back to Plan de la Guerre, then turn right towards the Croix de Coin Cavour to begin the descent back to the resort.
The path then plunges down towards the Vallée Perdue, the favourite haunt of chamois and marmots — keep your eyes peeled! At the bottom, cross the little stream and join the balcony trail, where a large herd of cows grazes peacefully: with a bit of luck, you might even witness the milking at the end of the day. The return to the resort is via the Route des Champions, your head full of memories.
Highlights of the walk
The Col duMarolay (2,004 m)
As you climb, the landscape gradually changes. The forests give way to vast mountain pastures and the horizon opens up to reveal the surrounding peaks. Situated at an altitude of 2,004 metres, the Col du Marolay is one of the first major stages of the hike and offers a magnificent view of the Belledonne massif.
This pass is the ideal spot to take a short break and enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains. In summer, the high-altitude meadows are adorned with numerous alpine flowers, whilst herds come to graze in a quintessentially mountainous setting. If you take the time to look around, you might be lucky enough to spot a few marmots or see a bird of prey gliding over the ridges.
From the pass, the trail continues towards the Bellard ridges, where the views become even more spectacular. You’ll then pass from a lush green valley to a ridge line offering increasingly unobstructed views of the Alpine massifs.
The Col du Marolay thus marks a real turning point in the hike: it is from here that the high-altitude adventure begins, amidst wide-open spaces, mountain pastures and breathtaking scenery, with the Pointe de l’Ouillon gradually coming into view on the horizon.
The ridges ofBellard
As you reach the Bellard ridges, the landscape gradually opens up to reveal a vast panorama. With every step, the peaks of the Maurienne are revealed and, when the sky is clear, the view stretches all the way to Mont Blanc. This high-altitude stretch, flanked by mountain meadows, is one of the highlights of the hike.
Take the time to stop for a few moments to admire the scenery, breathe in the fresh mountain air and capture this exceptional view.
The War Plana breath of fresh air against the backdrop of the peaks
Le Plan de la Guerre is an unmissable stop on the hike, ideal for taking a break before reaching the Pointe de l’Ouillon. Nestled in the heart of the mountain pastures, this vast plateau offers a soothing panorama of the surrounding mountains and invites you to make the most of the great outdoors.
Here you’ll find the Snowpy Mountain area, easily recognisable by the majestic white rabbit at its centre. It’s a spot designed for taking a break in an exceptional setting. Picnic tables are available for you to share a lunch high in the mountains, whilst large wooden deckchairs invite you to settle down comfortably, take in the scenery or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation with the peaks before you.
The Plan de la Guerre owes its name to Commander François de Bonne de Lesdiguières, commander of the Dauphiné army in the 17th century. This area was once a strategic passage between the Dauphiné and Piedmont.
The Point ofthe Ouillon
Reaching the Pointe de l’Ouillon marks the highest point of the hike. A true natural vantage point, this summit offers an exceptional 360° panorama of the Alps and amply rewards the effort put in throughout the route.
From the Ouillon, the view takes in the majestic Aiguilles d’Arves, the Belledonne massif, the many peaks of the Maurienne and the vast Sybelles ski area. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc, silhouetted on the horizon.
The Pointe de l’Ouillon holds a very special place: it forms the central link between the resorts of Les Sybelles. In winter, skiers and snowboarders gather here before setting off for the various slopes of the ski area. In summer, this iconic spot becomes a favourite meeting place for hikers, families and lovers of the great outdoors.
Perched in the heart of one of Europe’s largest grassy mountain ranges, the Ouillon invites you to take your time. Sit back for a few moments to take in the scenery, admire the rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see, and capture this unique panorama. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful viewpoints in La Toussuire and the Sybelles, a must-see for anyone wishing to discover the mountains in all their splendour.
The Lost Valleya wild, unspoilt setting in the heart of the mountain pastures
After taking in the exceptional views from the Pointe de l’Ouillon, the return route invites you to discover another side of the mountain with the Vallée Perdue. More secluded and unspoilt, this part of the route offers a different atmosphere, with narrow paths, high-altitude meadows and landscapes shaped by nature.
Here, the mountain reveals its gentle side. As you make your way down, you’ll walk through wild landscapes where streams and small mountain brooks bring a sense of coolness and serenity. The murmur of the water, which sometimes accompanies your steps, the sections alongside rivers and the damp areas of the mountain pasture create a particularly pleasant atmosphere, ideal for taking the time to observe the natural world around you.
The Lost Valley is also a true haven for wildlife. With a little patience and discretion, you may be able to spot marmots basking on the sunny slopes or catch a glimpse of chamois moving nimbly across the surrounding hillsides.
This descent offers the chance to discover the richness of the mountains in summer. The meadows are carpeted with alpine flowers, streams wind their way through the pastures, and herds of cattle add to the authentic atmosphere of the pastoral landscapes. Here, every detail serves as a reminder that the mountains are a living space, where nature and traditional activities have coexisted since time immemorial.
As you reach the valley, you’ll gradually come across signs of pastoral life, with herds of cows on the mountain pastures. Depending on the time of day, you may even witness the cows being milked at the end of the day – a simple, authentic moment that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of mountain herders.
The Lost Valley lives up to its name: it offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a wilder and more contemplative stretch that perfectly complements this hike amidst sweeping panoramas, wildlife sightings and an immersion in alpine life.
