La Roche-de-Rame

La Roche de Rame used to be a feudal village and had a flourishing past. Today you will be amazed by the beauty of its lake.

An original and relaxing stop for your adventures in the Écrins.

La Roche de Rame is the most southerly village of the Pays des Écrins. It comprises several hamlets on the left bank of the Durance.

Located midway between the Écrins National Park to the north and the Queyras Regional Park to the south, it provides a pleasant setting for visitors to the Pays des Écrins.

The lake (of glacial origin) in La Roche de Rame is one of the village’s landmarks and is a popular summer spot for swimming and water activities.

It is also the starting point for many trails and circuits for trail running, mountain biking or hiking, of course. You will therefore be able to set off from the heights of the village for the most amazing hikes: to the Ascension Lake, the Escur Lake and the emerald-coloured Lauzet Lake.

The Pra Reboul stream marks the border of the territory with the Guillestre area and is a delight for canyoning enthusiasts due to its impressive waterfalls of which the highest measures 38 m.

With flourishing heritage from the Roman period, La Roche de Rame then became a rich and powerful medieval town. With the exception of the 15th century Saint Laurent Church, there is little evidence of this glorious past that was destroyed by floods.

You are bound to pass through this village, don’t hesitate to venture higher to admire the incredible view of the Écrins massif and the magnificent Durance Valley.

History and heritage in La Roche de Rame

In ancient times, there was already talk of Rama which was confirmed when archaeological excavations uncovered a necropolis along with many objects. The village only adopted the name of La Roche de Rame in the 19th century. It further expanded along the left bank of the Durance up to the Pra Reboul stream where the waterfalls now attract canyoning enthusiasts.

The lake, which is roughly 200 m long is of glacial origin and in summer is a delight for children and adults alike.

All around, there are several running, hiking and mountain biking trails as well as various climbing sites. During your excursions, you will be able to admire the amazing splendour of the Ascension Lake or the Néal Lake.

Starting from La Roche de Rame, walkers cross several small hamlets with traditional, well-restored houses, to stroll along the trails that might lead them to the wonderful mountain lakes in calming green scenery, gorgeous landscapes, incomparable calm and with astonishing views!

Jan Novak

La Roche de Rame, from Roman town to village of lakes

"... From the Roman occupation, Rame, a strong medieval fortress, extended its dominance across the entire land. The princely family that took the name of the Roman town reigned supreme over the decree that included L’Argentière and the Freissinières Valley. But the elements got the better of the town’s feudal pride. In the year 1200, combined flooding of the Durance and the Byaisse Rivers and relentless rain would not obey the orders of the powerful Seigneur Dragonet de Rame. The Pallon glacial cross cliff gave way. The Allouviers Lake that filled the Freissinières plain was thrust down into the valley …’

(Extract from a document on Roche de Rame)

When following the main road from Gap to Briançon, you have arrived in the Pays des Écrins when you reach the village of Pra Reboul, which is part of La Roche de Rame, which has more than 650 inhabitants and is staggered between the altitudes of 930 m and 2,800 m.

La Roche de Rame was previously called La Roche de Briançon and was dependent on the Rame family stronghold. The Durance and the Byaisse rivers frequently burst their banks and the great flood mentioned above, that almost entirely destroyed the village of Rame, led to the foundation of a new village on the rock near to the small glacial lake, where weeping willows had taken root. In 1444, the village on the rock became a parish and Rame was definitively abandoned. Glorious ancient Rame lies forever in the stream where a few stones are barely enough to appreciate the luxury of what was a princely town.

The Saint Laurent Church is a striking architectural feature and is marvellously well maintained. The doorway is surrounded by stone cladding decorated with sculpted chamois and ibex heads along with mountain flowers. Inside, magnificent paintings of the lives of Saint Pancrace, Saint Catherine and Saint Hippolyte were revealed in 1979, and it would seem they date back to the 16th century.