L’Argentière-la-Bessée: Industrial heritage and the Durance

L’Argentière-la-Bessée combines industrial heritage with activities along the Durance and destinations in the Alpine surroundings. In the town centre, a walking tour leads to technical landmarks from the town’s history; other visitor experiences range from a guided underground tour to climbing and nature-themed attractions. You can plan your trip around the things that interest you most.

Industrial history and architecture

The Circuit du patrimoine technique et industriel was established in the town centre to showcase the town’s technical and industrial heritage. The 3 km loop includes twelve display features and several information panels. These include a self-supporting conduit along the Durance. The route links several stops in a manageable circuit.

Another testament to the town’s industrial history is the Tour des Hermes. The company of Gilbert Planche, which operated the aluminium plant in L’Argentière-la-Bessée, built the tower in 1922. It rang to tell factory workers the time and help them avoid being late. The Sentier thématique du Pays des Ecrins also follows the town’s industrial past. Information panels line the route, and a mobile audio guide is available to download. Check in advance whether the audio guide is available.

At the Mine d’argent du Fournel, a one-hour guided underground tour takes you through 600 metres of medieval and 19th-century mine workings. Check the visit details before travelling. The Chapelle Saint-Jean is the last surviving architectural testament to the Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem in the Hautes-Alpes; check local visitor information in advance.

The Statue d’Edward Whymper depicts the mountaineer who climbed the Barre des Écrins in 1864 alongside several high-mountain guides. It was erected to mark the centenary of the Bureau des Guides des Écrins and can be seen year-round.

Activities along the Durance

The Voie verte connects the town centre with the Plan d’eau, runs along the Durance and crosses the Sablonnières commercial area. If you plan to use the route, check its current condition and access in advance. The Plan d’eau is a place to relax by the water, fish and practise white-water sports such as canoeing and kayaking.

The Stade d’eau vive de l’Argentière-La-Bessée is at the start of a 35 km navigable stretch of the Durance that reaches Embrun. Together with the activities at the Plan d’eau, this makes the river an important consideration when planning your trip. River conditions can vary; take the current situation into account when planning an activity on the water.

Climbing and Alpine nature

The Les Collets climbing crag is a beginner area with just under thirty routes, mostly graded 4 and 5. The Via Ferrata de l’Horloge starts near the local climbing routes. For the return, you can take a descent secured with steel cables or a path to the car park. Check current conditions before setting out.

Near L’Argentière-la-Bessée, the Réserve des chardons bleus can be reached via the GR 54. In the upper Fournel valley, the nationally protected and Natura 2000-designated Alpine sea holly (Eryngium alpinum) covers 40 hectares. An educational trail in the reserve uses information panels to explain high-mountain habitats and how alpine plants adapt. These themes offer a different way to discover the region from its industrial heritage.

Discover more destinations: La Grave, Savournon, La Bâtie-Vieille, Dévoluy, Manteyer, Freissinières, Laye, La Freissinouse

For the broader travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.