Heritage and culture

Piégut Spruce Forest

Bordering the resort, the Piégut Forest is the highest spruce forest in southern Europe, at an altitude of between 1,400 and 1,764 metres. Classified in 1973 for seed harvesting, this 46-hectare forest is mainly home to spruce trees, but also fir trees, Scots pines, larch trees and a few deciduous trees that colour the landscape in autumn. It is also home to a rare and protected plant, symbolising the site’s botanical richness.
The forest plays an essential role: it protects roads and hamlets from erosion and avalanches, supports forestry activity, is home to a variety of wildlife (roe deer, foxes, badgers, mountain birds and even the occasional chamois) and is a popular hiking destination in all seasons.

Pastoralism

Pastoralism is an ancient tradition in Auris-en-Oisans, perpetuated by shepherd Baptiste. Every summer, from May to September, he drives more than 2,000 sheep from the La Crau plain around the Montagne de l’Homme. Much more than just feeding the flocks, pastoralism maintains the soil, limits scrub encroachment, preserves sensitive environments and prepares the areas that will become ski slopes in winter. In the mountains, every element of the landscape contributes to the fragile balance of the ecosystem: wolves regulate herbivore populations and promote biodiversity, while patou dogs watch over the flocks, ensuring harmonious coexistence between pastoralism and wildlife.

History of Auris-en-Oisans

The first traces of Auris-en-Oisans date back to ancient times, as the village is located near the Roman road between Turin and Vienne. Until the 19th century, agriculture dominated in Auris, with the cultivation of rye, wheat, beetroot and cabbage, as well as pastures for hay. The inhabitants lived off a diverse economy, with carpenters, blacksmiths, shoemakers and peddlers selling plants and light objects throughout France. From the 19th century onwards, rural depopulation affected the village. By 1968, Auris had only 144 inhabitants and a single farmer. In the 1970s, the creation of the Auris resort ‘Les Orgières’ with its first tourist accommodation marked the beginning of a new era for the commune. The ecomuseum located in the hamlet of Les Cours traces this history.

Traditions and culture

Every year, the people of Auris perpetuate the traditions that punctuate life in Auris.
In the hamlet of Cluy, shepherds bring their flocks up to the mountains from May to September. Since 1755, on the third Sunday in July, locals and visitors gather for the Blessing of the Flocks: after mass at the chapel, everyone heads to the sheep park to sing and share a special moment, which is now more convivial than religious. Today, the Aurienchons association works to restore, maintain and promote this heritage, and every summer organises a festival in the hamlets with local dishes and a festive atmosphere.
A few weeks later, the August Festival also brings the town to life with a craft market, car boot sale, entertainment, traditional meals and a public dance.

Les Cueillettes de Maline*

Marie-Aline grows vegetables, condiments and aromatic plants, which she transforms into flavourful homemade products. Available at local markets and shops, her delicious creations are sure to delight your taste buds.

*Maline’s harvest