La Meije

In a magnificent setting, the majestic Queen Meije and her sparkling glaciers
overlook the villages of La Grave and Villar d'Arène from an altitude of 3 983m.
La Meije is an emblem of the Alps and renowned for mountaineering..

In the summer it is a recreation park for all your adventures (hiking, rock-climbing, paragliding, rafting…)
In this mountainous region, hikers can see signs of country life at each turn of their path; tiered terraces, sheepfolds of stone nestling in the hollow of the pastures, herds of cows and sheep, and traditional architecture.
Facing the glistening glaciers of the Meije, discover the heritage of the hamlets and villages and the Plateau d'Emparis which is the perfect site for hiking. You will discover an exceptionally rich and varied flora

La Grave, an unique place…a jewel for the Messiaen Festival at the Pays de la Meije.

La Grave is the ideal place to celebrate his memory for his centennial,
because Olivier Messiaen stayed there quite frequently, hiking its steep paths, writing pages and pages in his book notes, searching and finding inspiration while contemplating these magnificent landscapes for several of his greatest pieces, wishing their performance in the open air.
The place’s closeness with the mountains makes it :

A place in the middle of the mountains
Nothing spoils the landscape. The homes are well integrated with their slate roofs grouped together around the cemetery and the Roman church. The terrace’s farming roses up to Les Hières and Ventelon’s striking hamlets.
Higher, there are the Plateau d’Emparis high pastures which are La Meije mountain’s panoramic viewpoint. Olivier Messiaen would slowly go up those slopes, then like a landscapist, sit down by the Chazelet oratory to transcribe meticulously the “Chocard des Alpes” shouts.
  
An exceptional place
Everything is difficult because of the steep terrain. The villages hang on the south side with gullies or avalanches threatening to wipe out everything on their way. During winter, the north side is for skiers, thanks to the Meije cable car, and reserved to the off piste skiers. The routes that go to the peaks are dangerous. Everything is exceptional