Ouille des Reys, Alpine summit in Savoie, France.
The Ouille des Reys rises to 2932 meters within the Vanoise massif and overlooks surrounding glaciers and mountain peaks. The terrain features a rocky ridge and alpine meadows that descend toward the lower valleys below.
Herders and early climbers have traveled through this region for centuries, using the high passes and peaks as part of their routes. Today's hiking paths developed from these old routes that once connected distant mountain villages through the high terrain.
The name refers to an old local word for royalty that reflects historical ties to the region's alpine communities. Visitors can observe this heritage through the maintained trails and mountain huts that connect different settlements across the high valleys.
The hike starts at the Pont de l'Oulietta parking area near Bonneval-sur-Arc and follows marked trails across alpine terrain. The ground can be slippery, so sturdy footwear and caution are important, especially during wet weather.
The ridge at Col des Reys requires careful footwork through narrow rock passages and natural splits in the stone. This section is brief but distinctive, offering an unexpected moment of exposed scrambling on an otherwise straightforward route.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.