Places to visit

Find out about the history, culture and wildlife of Orcieres and the valley of the Drac Noir 'en famille'. Learn about the alpine culture of the Hautes Alpes and the traditional trades practiced by generations of local people. Discover the mountain wildlife - marmottes, chamois, ibex and all the animals who live in the alpine pastures.

There are 350 species of vertebrate animals in the Ecrins National Park (half of the borough of Orcieres is situated in the park). The chamois (a mountain antelope) is one of the most famous. It is not uncommon to see them on the mountainside if you are patient and discreet. The golden eagle with it's majestic flight, high in the sky knows how precious natural space is and is a perfect indicator of the state of the environment...

And don't forget the marmottes, emblematic of the alpine pastures and abundant, they can be seen hiding out amongst the rocks on most walks, providing fond memories for the youngest of walkers. There is a particularly strong population on the plateau de Charnière, in Prapic.