Huez is the original village of the Alpe d’Huez resort. Its architectural history, the Brandes archaeological site and the wetlands of the Plateau de Roche Noire offer different ways to explore the destination. When planning your trip, you can focus on village history, mining or nature, rather than trying to fit every theme into a fixed itinerary.
Village History in Its Buildings
The Church of Saint-Ferréol dates from the 11th century and was first mentioned in 1058. It is open daily throughout the year; check the access arrangements before visiting. The Church of Sainte-Anne was built in the heart of the village at the end of the 19th century. The historic washhouses are also part of the village landscape: covered washhouses have been preserved, two dating from 1733 and another from 1806. Here, you can see different periods of construction and uses side by side. On a rise in the village center, there is also a fortified house known as the “Château.” The churches, washhouses and fortified house offer distinct architectural points of reference: religious architecture, historic everyday infrastructure and a fortified building.
Brandes: Mining History and Archaeological Site
From the 12th to the 14th century, Brandes was a village inhabited by silver miners. The archaeological site was designated a “Monument historique” in 1993 and extends for almost a kilometer. It includes homes, religious and civic structures, and work areas for crushing, grinding and washing the ore. These different areas reveal Brandes as both a settlement and a place of work: in addition to homes, the site includes religious and civic structures and several stages of ore processing. Guided tours for the public are offered during the summer season; groups can take part by reservation. Check the current summer program before planning your visit. Reservations are required for groups.
Discover the Museum and Landscape
The “Argenteria de Brandis” exhibition at the Musée d'histoire et d'archéologie de l'Alpe d'Huez uses information panels, exhibits and models to introduce the daily lives of miners and their families. It covers ore sorting and washing as well as crafts, religion and leisure. In this way, it complements the focus on Brandes with insights into family life alongside ore processing. The museum has held the designation “Musée de France” since September 17, 2003.
The Plateau de Roche Noire ZNIEFF area lies within the municipalities of Huez and Oz. It includes about fifty peat bogs, marshes and small bodies of water, as well as a diverse range of plant life. Its wildlife is also varied: the area is home to a diverse amphibian population, while its waters contain a population of Arctic char. The wetlands and the specific animal groups mentioned here offer a different focus from the historic buildings and mining history. If you choose your trip by theme, the plant life and waterscapes here provide a contrast to the archaeology.
Explore the Village and Surroundings on Foot
The “Parcours d'orientation patrimoine - Huez Village” cultural orienteering trail starts beside the Huez Express parking lot in Huez. It winds through the village lanes and introduces visitors to the local heritage, the “d'Huizats” and the Sarenne gorges. Check the starting point before setting off. Another walk, “Visite du village d'Huez et des Moulins de Sarenne,” links the flower-filled village lanes with the remains of watermills. The walks have different focuses: the orienteering trail centers on local heritage and the Sarenne, while the other walk links the village with the mill remains. You can choose between a route with several cultural points of interest and a walk that brings together village lanes and watermills.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: L-Alpe D-Huez, Gières, Lavars, Montcarra, Tignieu-Jameyzieu, Saint-Christophe-En-Oisans, Uriage-Les-Bains, Le Freney-Dʼoisans
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