La Grave and the Meije
La Grave, France
A mountain hamlet on the road to the Col du Lautaret, facing the glaciated north face of La Meije across the valley. Pull over at the viewpoints on the road for photos and bring a jacket.
La Grave lies at around 1,500 m in the upper Romanche valley and is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". The Meije rises above the village to 3,983 m. The stone houses are linked by narrow lanes known as "trabucs". La Grave and nearby Villar d'Arène (1,650 m) were historic starting points for major mountain climbs.
The "Glaciers de la Meije" cable car climbs to 3,200 m and offers close views of the peaks. Both villages lie on the edge of the Écrins National Park. In 2021 La Grave joined six other villages of the Écrins massif in an initiative of "mountaineering villages" modelled on the Austrian Bergsteigerdörfer.
- Nearest town
- La Grave, France
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 45.0447, 6.3069
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Cold, short days in December–March. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Col du Galibier (2,642 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Go round via the Maurienne and Fréjus valleys.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Le GravelotteCampsite1 km from La Grave and the MeijeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowers
- Camping Municipal d'ArsineCampsite5 km from La Grave and the MeijeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Aire de camping car - Les 2 alpesMotorhome stopover15 km from La Grave and the Meije · 28 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Camping des Deux GlaciersCampsite17 km from La Grave and the MeijeTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping de FontcouverteCampsite19 km from La Grave and the Meije · 80 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Aire de services et stationnement camping-cars VaujanyMotorhome stopover22 km from La Grave and the Meije · 10 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is La Grave and the Meije?
La Grave and the Meije is in La Grave, France, at GPS 45.0447, 6.3069. It is about 17 km from Valloire.
Can you camp near La Grave and the Meije?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping de la Meije, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near La Grave and the Meije?
Places worth a stop nearby: Col du Galibier (8 km), Alpe d’Huez hairpins (19 km), Col de la Croix de Fer (22 km) and Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard (43 km).
When is the best time to visit La Grave and the Meije?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)