Discover the Hautes Alpes

The Hautes-Alpes, a department nestled in the heart of the French Alps, offers a breathtaking diversity of landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to verdant valleys. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will love the region's well-preserved natural parks, renowned ski resorts and picturesque villages. With its rich cultural and historical heritage, the Hautes-Alpes invites you to discover emblematic sites such as the citadel of Briançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the Lac de Serre-Ponçona veritable inland sea of water sports. Whether you're looking for a sporting getaway, a cultural immersion or a relaxing break, the Hautes-Alpes promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of authentic, unspoilt nature.

From La Grave to Serre Chevalier: a breathtaking itinerary in the Hautes Alpes at the foot of the Ecrins mountains

La Grave, one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages", is a haven for mountain lovers. Nestled at an altitude of 1,500 metres, this hamlet retains an authentic atmosphere thanks to its stone houses, cobbled streets and Romanesque church of Saint-André. A visit to the high-altitude hamlet of Le Chazelet on the way to the Emparis plateau reinforces this feeling of authenticity and a pause in time. But above all, La Grave is famous for its position at the foot of the Meije massif.

The Meije massif, nicknamed the "Queen Meije", is one of the most emblematic peaks in the Alps, culminating at 3,984 meters. Its glaciers and vertiginous ridges attract mountaineers in search of technical challenges and off-piste skiers from all over the world. Itineraries such as the Vallée Blanche de la Meije or the descent of the Girose glacier are unforgettable experiences.

The Glaciers de la Meije cable car, a true technical feat, provides rapid access to the heights of the mountain. At an altitude of over 3,200 metres, the panoramic terraces offer spectacular views of the glaciers, the surrounding peaks and, on a clear day, as far as Mont Blanc. In summer, the ropeway becomes the starting point for numerous high-altitude hikes, allowing you to explore glacial landscapes and discover unique alpine flora and fauna.

Leaving La Grave on the D1091, the road winds through breathtaking scenery towards the Col du Lautaret. At an altitude of 2,058 metres, this pass is a natural gateway between the Oisans and Guisane valleys. It is renowned for its panoramic views of the Écrins massif and for its alpine garden, where over 2,000 species of alpine plants are carefully preserved. A break at the pass is ideal for admiring these botanical wonders and contemplating the view before continuing on to Serre Chevalier.

Descending from the pass, you enter the Guisane valley, which stretches from Briançon to Monêtier-les-Bains, the heart of the famous resort of Serre Chevalier. With over 250 kilometers of ski runs, Serre Chevalier is one of Europe's largest ski areas. Ski enthusiasts will find a wide range of itineraries to suit all levels, from larch forests to high-altitude areas offering top-quality snow.

In addition to skiing, Serre Chevalier offers a wide range of activities: paragliding, snowmobiling, ice climbing and even outdoor Nordic baths for a relaxing experience in the heart of winter. The Grands Bains du Monêtier, with their naturally warm thermal waters, invite you to relax after a day on the slopes.

In summer, the Guisane valley becomes a veritable paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. Marked trails, such as the Cristol lakes circuit or the one leading to the Col de Granon, reveal spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Cyclists, meanwhile, enjoy the legendary climbs of the Tour de France, including the nearby Col du Galibier.

The village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains, with its mountain atmosphere and rich heritage, is also well worth a visit. Its ancient churches, traditional chalets and local markets reflect the authenticity of this unspoilt valley.

The route from La Grave to Serre Chevalier is much more than just a journey: it's an immersion in grandiose Alpine landscapes and an encounter with mountain history and culture. It's an unforgettable experience in the Hautes-Alpes.

The High Valleys around Briançon

Briançon, perched at an altitude of 1,326 meters, is the highest town in France. Its status as a strategic crossroads between France and Italy has shaped its history and architecture. The fortifications designed by Vauban in the XVIIᵉ century, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, illustrate the ingenuity of military architecture adapted to the mountainous terrain. Among these structures, the Pont d'Asfeld, an impressive arched structure thrown over the Durance, bears witness to the audacity of the engineers of the time.

The Cité Vauban, the historic heart of Briançon, is enchanting with its narrow streets, colorful houses and ancient fountains. Sundials adorn many facades, a reminder of the importance of sunshine in this Alpine region. Churches such as the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas reflect mountain Baroque art. The ramparts offer panoramic walks with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The surrounding valleys of the Clarée, Guisane and Durance rivers, which make up the Briançonnais region are havens of unspoilt nature. The Clarée valley, classified as a natural site, is renowned for its idyllic landscapes, high-altitude lakes and hiking trails accessible to all levels. In winter, it's the ideal terrain for Nordic ski touring, offering varied itineraries through snow-covered landscapes.

Névache, a charming village in the Clarée valley, boasts traditional architecture with stone houses and lauze roofs. Névache, which has been awarded the "Station Village des Alpes du Sud" label, is made up of several hamlets, each with its own character. The village is animated all year round by traditions and events, such as the transhumance in June and the village festival in August, offering visitors an authentic immersion in local life.

Montgenèvre, on the Italian border, is one of France's oldest ski resorts. With its wooden chalets and warm atmosphere, it offers an ideal setting for winter sports and summer activities. The ski area, linked to the Italian Milky Way, offers a wide variety of slopes for all levels. In summer, hiking trails and golf courses attract outdoor enthusiasts.

The area around Briançon is also rich in climbing sites, with cliffs equipped for all levels, and Nordic ski trails, offering kilometers of groomed runs in the heart of unspoilt Alpine landscapes. Heritage enthusiasts can visit the many forts and military structures dotted around the region, bearing witness to the strategic history of this border area.

In short, Briançon and its surrounding valleys offer a unique combination of historical heritage, natural riches and outdoor activities, making this region a must-see destination for travelers in search of authenticity and a change of scenery.

Vallouise and Pelvoux, the Hautes Alpes in the heart of the Ecrins mountains

Vallouise, nestled in the heart of the Ecrins National Park, is an unspoilt valley of natural beauty and authenticity. The village of Vallouise, with its stone houses adorned with sundials and lauze roofs, reflects traditional Alpine architecture. The picturesque alleyways invite you to stroll, while local craftsmen perpetuate age-old skills, offering visitors a living insight into the region's cultural heritage.

Dominating the valley, the Pelvoux massif rises to 3,946 meters, making it one of the most emblematic peaks in the French Alps. The massif is a mecca for mountaineers, attracting climbers from all over the world to challenge its walls and glaciers. Routes such as the "voie normale du Pelvoux" offer spectacular technical ascents, rewarded by breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks.

For hikers, Vallouise is crossed by the famous GR® 54, also known as the Tour de l'Oisans et des Écrins. Considered one of Europe's most demanding long-distance hiking trails, it stretches for some 189 kilometers and takes around a dozen days to complete around the Écrins massif. The scenery is highly varied, ranging from verdant forests to flower-filled alpine meadows and sparkling glaciers. Hikers cross high-altitude passes offering breathtaking views, and discover picturesque villages and hamlets that enrich the trekker's experience.

In winter, the valley is transformed into a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts. The village resort of Pelvoux-Vallouise, on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, is ideal for families and nature lovers. It offers a ski area on a human scale, with slopes adapted to all levels and a snow front ideal for learning to ski. Thrill-seekers can free-ride on secure off-piste itineraries.

The nearby resort of Puy-Saint-Vincent also offers a wide range of slopes and winter activities, guaranteeing a memorable experience for all ages. Both resorts, part of the Pays des Écrins, benefit from the quality snow cover and generous sunshine characteristic of the Southern Alps.

Vallouise is also the starting point for many other mountain activities, such as climbing, paragliding and mountain biking. Local guides offer excursions suitable for beginners and experts alike, enabling everyone to discover the region's natural riches in complete safety. Festivals and cultural events punctuate village life throughout the year, offering visitors a complete immersion in Alpine culture.

The Queyras

Le Queyrasa regional nature park nestled in the Hautes-Alpes, is a region where authenticity and heritage preservation are at the heart of daily life. Villages such as Saint-Véran and Abriès perfectly illustrate this harmony between man and nature.

Perched at an altitude of 2,042 meters, Saint-Véran is recognized as the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. Listed as one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages", the village's traditional wood and stone houses, adorned with flower-filled balconies and sundials, bear witness to ancestral know-how. The "fustes", houses built of larch logs, reflect typical Queyras architecture. Strolling through the narrow streets, visitors will discover wooden fountains, communal bread ovens and the richly decorated Saint-Véran church, all telling of the village's centuries-old history.

Located at the confluence of the Guil and Bouchet valleys, Abriès is a village that has preserved its old-world charm. The houses feature wooden facades and lauze roofs, typical of local architecture. Sundials, the work of local craftsmen, adorn the walls and serve as a reminder of the importance of the sun in this region of generous sunshine. The local people perpetuate traditional crafts such as woodcarving and wool textiles, offering visitors authentic, high-quality products.

The Queyras is a hiker's paradise, offering a multitude of marked trails suitable for all levels. The GR® 58, known as the Tour du Queyras, is an emblematic itinerary that allows you to discover the diversity of the landscape, from larch forests to verdant mountain pastures, via crystal-clear high-altitude lakes. The Malrif lakes, situated at over 2,500 meters above sea level, offer a breathtaking natural spectacle, reflecting the surrounding peaks in their crystal-clear waters. Panoramic passes, such as the Col Agnel, the third-highest road pass in the Alps, reveal breathtaking views of Mont Viso and the Alpine massifs.

Queyras craftsmen perpetuate skills handed down from generation to generation. Wood carving is particularly renowned, with the manufacture of finely decorated furniture, wooden toys and utilitarian objects combining aesthetics and functionality. The workshops are happy to open their doors to visitors, offering an immersion in local craftsmanship. Mountain cheeses such as bleu du Queyras and tomme are another regional pride. The farms offer tastings of authentic products made using traditional methods.

Queyras is also rich in religious heritage, with numerous chapels and churches adorned with Baroque altarpieces. Sundials, often accompanied by philosophical or poetic mottoes, are an original facet of local folk art. Museums and heritage houses, such as the Maison de l'Artisanat in Aiguilles, provide a better understanding of the history and traditions of this mountain region.

In short, the Queyras offers an immersive experience in a region where nature and culture intertwine harmoniously, making every visit an enriching discovery.

The Guillestrois, crossroads of the Hautes Alpes

Situated between the Queyras and Embrunais regions, the Guillestrois is a transitional region offering a diversity of landscapes, from majestic mountains to verdant valleys.

The town of Guillestre, perched at an altitude of 1,000 meters, is the vibrant heart of this region. Its medieval streets, lined with colorful facades, are an invitation to stroll. The ramparts, remnants of a defensive past, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The nearby stronghold of Mont-Dauphin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears witness to the region's strategic importance over the centuries.

The gorges du Guil, sculpted by millennia of erosion, are impressive for their depth and narrowness. This remarkable natural site is a favorite with white-water sports enthusiasts. The Guil torrent lends itself particularly well to activities such as rafting and kayaking, offering thrilling descents through wild landscapes. Routes adapted to different levels enable everyone to enjoy the experience in complete safety.

In winter, the resorts of Risoul and Vars, which together form the Forêt Blanche ski area, offer a vast playground for skiers and snowboarders. With over 180 kilometers of varied slopes, the area stretches from 1,650 to 2,750 meters above sea level, guaranteeing top-quality snow cover. The region's characteristic larch forests add a picturesque touch to the descents. Both resorts also offer après-ski activities, restaurants serving local specialities and events throughout the season, ensuring a friendly atmosphere for visitors.

Le Guillestrois is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding natural parks, such as the Parc naturel régional du Queyras and the Parc national des Écrins. Hiking trails, accessible in summer, reveal breathtaking panoramas of Alpine peaks, high-altitude lakes and alpine flora. Authentic villages, with their local markets, offer the chance to discover regional crafts and gastronomy, providing a complete immersion in Alpine culture.

The Gap region: Champsaur, Valgaudémar and Dévoluy

The area around Gap, prefecture of the Hautes-Alpes, is a mosaic of valleys, each offering unique landscapes and experiences.

Le Champsaur is characterized by its verdant bocages, rural hedgerows and hilltop villages that bear witness to rich agricultural activity. Trails wind through meadows and forests, offering family-friendly walks. Local culinary specialties, such as tourtons-fried thin pastry doughnuts stuffed with mashed potatoes, fresh tomme and sometimes onions-and oreilles d'âne-gratin of wild spinach and pastry-will delight gourmets.

Le Valgaudemara narrower, higher valley, offers spectacular scenery, with peaks approaching 3,500 meters, such as Olan and Gioberney. The route des cascades (waterfall route) offers breathtaking waterfalls, especially when the snow melts, making for a breathtaking natural spectacle. Hiking enthusiasts will find trails leading to breathtaking panoramas, while mountaineers can venture onto more technical routes.

Le Dévoluywith its unique karst landscapes, is an ideal playground for skiers and hikers. The resorts of Superdévoluy and La Joue du Loup offer a varied ski area, suitable for all levels, with modern infrastructures and a friendly atmosphere. In summer, hiking trails take you to remarkable geological formations, high plateaus and rich alpine flora. Outdoor activities such as climbing, mountain biking and paragliding are also popular.

These valleys, each with its own distinct character, contribute to the richness and diversity of Gap's surroundings, offering visitors a multitude of activities and discoveries in every season.

Embrun and Lac de Serre-Ponçon

Embrun, nicknamed the "Nice of the Alps" because of its sunny, temperate climate, is a charming town perched on an 80-metre-high pudding rock overlooking the Durance River.

This ancient archiepiscopal city has a rich architectural heritage and an exceptional natural setting.Embrun 's historic center is a veritable open-air history book. Among the emblematic buildings, the XIIᵉ century Notre-Dame du Réal cathedral impresses with its Romanesque architecture and sculpted details. The Maison des Chanonges, a medieval building from the XIIIᵉ century, bears witness to the town's historical importance. The cobbled streets, corbelled houses and ancient fountains invite you to stroll and discover.

Overlooking the Durance River, Embrun offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Serre-Ponçon. Lac de Serre-Ponçonone of Europe's largest man-made lakes. Outdoor activities abound: hiking, water sports, paragliding, offering visitors a wide range of leisure activities in all seasons.

Embrun is also renowned for its art of living and the charm of its old town.

In short, Embrun harmoniously combines its historical heritage, pleasant climate and exceptional natural environment, making it a popular destination for nature and history lovers.

You may also be interested in these articles: