The Hautes-Alpes is a department French of the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The Hautes-Alpes is a department whose territory is entirely located in mountain areas. Hautes-Alpes is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790. It consists of the southeast of the former province of Dauphiné and the north of Provence.
Tourism is the main activity of the department. The Ecrins massif, with in particular the Vallouise valley, or the Queyras, protected respectively within the Ecrins national park and the Queyras regional natural park, are privileged sites for mountaineering and high and medium mountain hiking. Many other natural spaces in the department are classified as Natura 2000 zones, nature reserves (example: the peaks of Combeynot national nature reserve), etc. The regional natural park of Baronnies Provençales, which the Hautes-Alpes shares with the Drôme, also offers possibilities for tourism in the middle mountains (climbing in Orpierre, free flight, hiking) in the western part of the department. The Durance, its main tributaries and other torrents offer many possibilities for rafting or kayaking enthusiasts. The towns of Tallard and Saint-Crépin with their airfields attract gliding pilots as well as parachutists.
In winter, attendance is divided between medium and large ski resorts, such as Serre Chevalier with an alpine area of 250 km or Vars,Risoul, Montgenèvre, Puy-Saint-Vincent, Orcières-Merlette, SuperDévoluy les Orres and La Joue du Loup, and many others of more modest size reduced to one or more villages (Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, Céüze, Réallon, Ancelle, Saint-Michel-de-Chaillol and Laye), as well as an internationally renowned off-piste ski area at La Grave – La Meije, and the summer between frequentation of the peaks (hiking or horseback riding, mountaineering), white water sports on certain rivers, activities on the shores of Lake Serre-Ponçon (all nautical and aquatic activities), etc.
Geography
The Hautes-Alpes is a department located in the Northern Alps (Vercors) and in the Southern Alps, framed by the departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Drôme, Isère and Savoie as well as by Italy. It only includes five agglomerations which can be truly qualified as cities: Gap (prefecture), Briançon (sub-prefecture), Embrun (formerly sub-prefecture, until 1926), Laragne and Veynes.
It is a very mountainous department, the highest on average in France (the highest average altitude, more than a third of the surface exceeds 2,000 m). The altitude varies from 470 m in the town of Ribiers in Buëch to 4,102 m (Barre des Ecrins). It is also the department with the highest road network, with an average altitude of around 1,000 m. There is also the highest town hall in France, Saint-Véran, a village at an altitude of 2,042 m. Gap is the highest prefecture in France (740 m) front of Mende in Lozère, and Briançon (1,326 m) is one of the highest towns in the European Union.
The department includes many rivers including the Durance, Drac, Buëch, Clarée, Guil, Guisane, Séveraisse, Haute- Romanche. In addition, it has a vast lake of 3000 ha, the lake of Serre-Ponçon, with a central municipality: Savines-le-Lac.
The Hautes-Alpes includes several natural regions: Briançonnais, Pays des Ecrins, Bochaine (or the country of Buëch), Champsaur, Dévoluy, Embrunais, Gapençais, Guillestrois, Queyras, Valgaudemar with a part of the Baronnies including Laragnais and Serrois – Rosanais.
Cities
Briançonnais
With Serre Chevalier the most famous, Montgenèvre the doyenne or the mythical area of La Grave-La Meije, three of the largest areas in France, the Briançonnais is a territory resolutely turned towards winter sports and mountain activities. summer. Its fame, the territory also derives from its heritage. Briançon is labeled City and Country of Art and History, its Vauban fortifications are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town is remarkable in every way with the collegiate church and the gargoyle, as is the Geo-Parc des Alpes Cottiennes and the Alpine Botanical Garden. The Briançonnais is conducive to roaming: the proximity to Italy, the Grand Cols of Galibier, Lautaret, L’Échelle or Izoard, just like the Valley of Clarée, wild and unspoiled. Recognized for the quality of its air and its climatism, the Guisane valley has several well-being establishments such as the Grands Bains de Monêtier, where naturally hot spring water flows, and Durancia in Montgenèvre, which stand alongside two recent biotope lakes.
Ecrins
The Barre des Ecrins with its 4,102 meters above sea level is the highest point in the Hautes-Alpes. Local history is steeped in the exploits of pioneer mountaineers. Vallouise and Ailefroide are high places in the mountains, the second French mountaineering site, just after Chamonix. A grandiose environment which naturally led to the creation of the Ecrins National Park in 1973, the largest of the French national parks. If the peaks make the region famous, the Pays des Ecrins also has two resorts. Puy Saint-Vincent, surrounded by high peaks and Pelvoux-Vallouise made up of a succession of hamlets. When the snow melts, running water takes over on the Durance at l’Argentière-la-Bessée. Beautiful reconversion for a city with an industrial and mining past, a past to discover by visiting the Fournel silver mines, the Claux hydroelectric museum or the villages of these high valleys.
Guillestrois
Between Ecrins and Queyras, on the Route des Grandes Alpes, the Guillestrois harbors treasures. Perched on a steep rock between Guil and Durance, the Vauban stronghold of Mont-Dauphin has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. It dominates several remarkable sites such as the Petrifying Fountain in Réotier, a natural geological curiosity or the rotunda of the shot of Phazy from which naturally warm water gushes out. Vars and Risoul are the tourist heart of the Guillestrois. These two resorts known for their common ski area of La Forêt Blanche(185 kilometers of tiered tracks from 1,650 to 2,750 meters in altitude) and the many major events they organize (Kilometer Launched, Tour de France), are among the most attractive in the Southern Alps. As for the chief town of Guillestre, it comes alive throughout the year and presents some great initiatives such as the Consom’acteurs workshops, the electrically assisted bicycle or the Potes de Marmottes festival which have earned it the Destination Touristique d ‘Excellency. Le Guillestrois also has an aerodrome at Saint-Crépin.
Queyras
In 1977, Queyras became a regional natural park. It is true that the landscape and heritage value of this gem of the Hautes-Alpes is inestimable. At an altitude of 2,040 meters, Saint-Véran is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Tradition is everywhere there. Log cabins, larch wood fountains, sundials where they say “Roosters peck the stars”, give a unique character to the highest town in France which becomes a village resort in winter like seven other of its neighbors: Abriès, Aiguilles, Arvieux, Ceillac, Château-Ville-Vieille, Molines and Ristolas. Hikes to high-altitude lakes and refuges, roaming on the Route des Grandes Alpes via the surprising gorges of Guil and the mythical passes of Izoard and Agnel, visit of the Fort de Château-Queyras built on a glacial lock, discovery of the craft center where wooden toys and sculpted objects reflect local traditions, astronomy at the Château-Renard observatory at 2,936 meters, the Queyras has character.
Serre-Ponçon
Between wild coves and turquoise water, the Serre-Ponçon lake is a sea in the mountains. Who would have thought that the dam erected in the middle of the 20th century to regulate the Durance, would allow the emergence of one of the flagship tourist destinations of the Hautes-Alpes? All water sports are practiced there. At the mouth of the lake, Embrun is an obligatory stage. Nicknamed the Nice of the Alps for the mildness of its climate, Embrun benefits from the City and Country of Art and History label thanks to a remarkable cultural heritage such as the Notre-Dame du Réal cathedral, one of the richest treasures of sacred art. For enthusiasts, the visits will be completed by a passage to the abbey of Boscodon, a masterpiece of Romanesque art or at the church of Savines-le-Lac which, like its bridge, is labeled as a 20th century heritage. Serre-Ponçon also has three ski resorts: Réallon, Crévoux and Les Orres. Les Orres, which strengthens its ski area, has greatly diversified its activities in winter and summer.
Gapençais
With its pastel-colored facades, its pedestrian and shopping streets, Gap, Hautes-Alpes prefecture, combines modernity and quality of life. Its geographical position places it at the crossroads of major routes such as the Route Napoléon. As for going out, Gap has remarkable facilities: the Alp Aréna ice rink, La Passerelle national stage, Le Quattro center. Home to the Tour de France or the Monte-Carlo Rally, Gap honors the recently awarded title of the most sporting city in France. Nature lovers meet at the Domaine de Charance, a veritable green setting housing the National Alpine Botanical Conservatory or in Gap-Bayard, an eighteen-hole golf course in summer giving way to cross-country ski trails in winter.
Further south, under the watchful eye of Céüze ski resort and world-famous climbing site with its cliff of more than 130 m, is Tallardwith its 14th – 16th century medieval castle, listed as a historical monument, and its aerodrome. The latter, the leading European leisure aviation activity center, combines industrial aeronautical activities, leisure activities and training. Here, as along the Avance valley, between orchards (the Golden apple characteristic of the region has a Red Label) and vineyards bordering the Durance, all outdoor activities find their place. The Gapençais is also Notre-Dame du Laus, a major place of pilgrimage.
Champsaur – Valgaudemar
If the Valgaudemar is turned towards the high mountain with peaks around 3,500 meters in altitude (Olan and Gioberney for the best known), the Champsaur is made up of agricultural areas called bocage. Agriculture punctuates the seasons and there are many local festivals, as are the culinary specialties of tourtons and donkey ears. The Champsaur is first and foremost its ski resorts: Orcières Merlette 1850, the largest which has been transformed in recent years and has great ambitions and the village resorts of Laye, Ancelle, Chaillol, Saint-Léger-les- Larch and Serre-Eyraud; it is also many outdoor activities in summer and a lake in Saint-Bonnet. Valgaudemar is mountaineering and hiking in the heart of the Ecrins National Park, where glaciers dominate the village of Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, the Gioberney refuge and the famous Bridal Veil. This territory is crossed by the famous Route Napoléon.
Devoluy
This massif impresses with the light and the beauty of the landscapes. Pic de Bure (one of the most important astronomical observatories in the world is installed there), Obiou, Grand Ferrand and Faraud dominate large wilderness and agricultural land. In Le Dévoluy, tourism and agriculture are one. SuperDévoluy, the remarkably equipped integrated resort and La Joue du Loup with its many chalets and beautiful residences, offer in winter a ski area of 100 kilometers of slopes which culminate at 2,500 meters, all the activities in the summer and overlook about thirty hamlets. Le Dévoluyis also home to natural treasures, the most spectacular of which are certainly the chouroums, these natural cavities suitable for speleology, and the resurgences of the Gillardes. The curious will take advantage of the visit to discover the improbable Pellafol canal dug in the rock and will stop at Saint-Disdier. There is a jewel of Romanesque architecture: Mère-Église. Roaming enthusiasts will take the road leading to Col du Noyer. The Refuge Napoléon, at the top, offers a view over the grove of the neighboring Champsaur valley.
Buëch
South of the Hautes-Alpes, the gentle mountains of Buëch reveal their secrets. The Regional Natural Park of Baronnies Provençales is a major asset. Here apple and pear orchards and lavender fields reign supreme. The perched villages have character: Serres, Rosans or l’Épine are the flowers of the Provence of the mountains and the arts and crafts. In summer, refreshing water points are omnipresent, from the gorges of the Méouge, to the lakes of Iscles in Veynes or La Germanette in Serres. We indulge in many outdoor activities such as climbing on the world famous cliffs of Orpierre, free flight on the mountain of Chabre, aeronautics on the aerodromes of Chevalet and Bâtie-Montsaléon, without forgetting mountain biking or hiking. In winter, when the snow is inviting, it is pleasant to walk on snowshoes and take advantage of the immediate proximity of the Dévoluy ski resorts. Finally, the Buëch enjoys an extremely pure sky: the Moydans astronomical observatory is the perfect illustration.
Destinations
Gap
With its pastel-hued facades, shopping streets and mountain landscapes, Gap, Hautes-Alpes prefecture, has managed to combine modernity and quality of life. Its ideal geographical position places it at the crossroads of major tourist routes such as the Route Napoléon, which crosses the Champsaur department in the south of Gapençais. As for outings, Gap is equipped with great facilities for both sporting and cultural aspects with the Alp’Aréna ice rink, the La Passerelle theater and the Quattro hall. Land of international events such as the Tour de France or the Monte-Carlo Rally, Gap honors the title of “France’s sportiest city”, awarded in 2013. Nature lovers, for their part, meet at the Domaine de Charance, a true green setting for the city housing the National Alpine Botanical Conservatory or at Gap-Bayard, an 18-hole golf course in summer giving way in winter to cross-country ski trails.
Briançon – Mont-Dauphin
An engineer to the King, Vauban was tasked at the age of 34 with supervising the fortifications of the Kingdom. As such, among the 160 strongholds that he built or restored, three of them are in the Hautes-Alpes: Château-Queyras, Mont-Dauphin and Briançon. The last two have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. In Briançon, Vauban, constrained by the terrain, could not follow any pre-established system. He conceived a staggering of urban defenses vertically and recommended the creation of a belt of forts to strengthen the defense of the city. In Mont-Dauphin, the installation on a plateau allowed the creation of any parts of a stronghold, remarkably preserved. The visit of these major sites allows to understand a part of the genius of Vauban, particularly spectacular in these mountain sites. It is also the occasion to discover two cities: Briançon and Mont-Dauphin particularly beautiful and alive.
Serre-Ponçon Lake – Durance
More than a river, the Durance is a force of nature. Taking its source at an altitude of 2,300 meters, in Montgenèvre, it then unwinds its waves over 302 kilometers to finally flow into the Rhône. Controlled by man over the years, in particular by the construction of the Serre-Ponçon dam, it is today the vital artery of the entire department. An undeniable economic asset thanks to its hydroelectric production, its irrigation network for agricultural lands such as orchards, but also an invaluable tourist asset, whether it is the many whitewater sites or the lake. Its equipped beaches in Embrun, Crots, Savines-le-Lac, Chorges or Rousset, its wild coves, its 80 kilometers of shores and its environment make Serre-Ponçon a real ” sea in the mountains “. The excellent aerological and climatic conditions of the place make it the ideal spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, not to mention boating, kayaking or fishing.
Vallouise – Valgaudemar – La Meije
The history of Vallouise is steeped in the exploits of pioneer mountaineers: since the ascent of Pelvoux (3,943 meters) in 1828 and the conquest of Barre des Ecrins (4,102 meters) in 1864, the countless peaks of the massif have have ceased to be coveted. Ailefroide can be proud of being ranked second French mountaineering site just after Chamonix, the Pré de Madame Carle is known to all. Its neighbor, Valgaudemar, a wild and unspoiled valley with jagged peaks, is sumptuous. It is also at the heart of the Ecrins National Park. The guides supervise major mountain races such as the Rouies (3,589 m) or the Cime du Vallon (3,406 m) and contemplatives will appreciate the glaciers and waterfalls of the Voile de la Mariée from the Refuge du Gioberney. In the north of the department, crossing all the alpine levels, the cable cars of the La Meije glaciers make it easy to experience the unique high mountain experience. Transported to an altitude of 3,200 meters in 40 minutes from the village of La Grave.
Tallard
Located south of Gap in the town of Tallard, sheltered from the prevailing winds and a few hundred meters from the exit of the A51 motorway, the main Hautes-Alpes aerodrome combines, all year round, industrial and tourism. A center of activities of incredible vitality as evidenced by the new Polyaéro training center. Tallard is the leading European center for leisure aviation activity. Specialists and the curious can practice the full range of aerial activities there: parachuting, paragliding, microlight, gliding (glider), plane, helicopter, hot-air balloon, autogyro, etc. Many international teams and champions come to train there and regularly host competitions. The Hautes-Alpes has four aerodromes: Tallard, Saint-Crépin, Le Chevalet in Aspres-sur-Buëch and Bâtie-Montsaléon; a department which enjoys great notoriety in the world of aeronautics because of the exceptional natural setting, aerology and generous weather with more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
Our Lady of Laus
According to tradition, it is above the village of Saint-Étienne-le-Laus that the Virgin Mary made her first appearance with the shepherdess Benoîte Rencurel, in May 1664. During the following apparitions, the Virgin requested the construction a church and a house for priests, in the hamlet of Laus, in order to attract Christians wishing to live a path of conversion. Benoîte died at the age of 71, recognized by all as a saint for the fervor of her prayer, her patience and her gentleness in welcoming pilgrims and her obedience to the Church. The Sanctuary has today become the spiritual center of the diocese of Gap, a place of rest and meditation, whose official recognition of Marian apparitions by the Church was proclaimed on May 4, 2008. Our Lady of Laus is today hui one of the main places of pilgrimage in France, a place which invites to discover the rich cultural heritage of the Hautes-Alpes along the Via Alta as in Boscodon or Embrun.
Bure
The Pic du Bure, the highest point in Dévoluy, has many surprises in store. On the foothills of the wide plateau, hide enormous antennas that point to the sky, observe the universe and explore the stars. This observatory of the Institute for Millimeter Radio Astronomy (IRAM) is one of the largest in the world. This impressive equipment, at the cutting edge of technology, testifies to the high quality of the sky. The “dark sky” as astronomers like it: no light pollution, low humidity and good weather. It is a whole valley, the valley of light, which plays the card of scientific tourism with many activities, events and installations open to the public such as the Observatoire des Baronnies Provençales. Le Buëch and Le Dévoluy do not have a monopoly on the quality of the sky. The Château-Renard observatory near Saint-Véran has just been completely rehabilitated. Le Queyras, where we say “The roosters peck the stars”.
Grandes Alpes Route
From Thonon-les-Bains to Menton, the legendary Grandes Alpes route stretches over 700 kilometers, allowing you to discover the valleys and passes that make the Alps so rich. The route enters the north via the Col du Galibier followed by the Lautaret, runs along the Guisane to the fortified town of Briançon. There, the route takes the Izoard pass via the impressive Casse Déserte to dive into the Queyras massif. The descent takes place through the village of Arvieux then ventures into the tortuous Gorges du Guil to Guillestre. For the last stage, the route runs along the Val d’Escreins nature reserve to the Col de Vars. The path continues in the Alpes de Haute-Provence, a neighboring department. By car, motorbike or cycling, this route often taken by the Tour de France and the Giro is one of the must-haves on sunny days.
Napoleon Route
The Napoleon Route follows the route taken in 1815 by the Emperor, who left the Island of Elba to reach the capital to regain power. 314 kilometers long, it is one of the most beautiful roads in France due to its daring layout and the diversity of the landscapes it crosses. In the Hautes-Alpes, the route (RN 85) enters through the Val de Durance, skirting the production of apples and pears, soaked in sunshine. In Tallard, a stopover is essential to visit the medieval castle or the airfield. Further on, the road arrives in the Hautes-Alpes prefecture, Gap, and takes the Col Bayard before switching to Champsaur with its agricultural landscapes. You can take a few side roads and visit the Refuges Napoléon at the Noyer or Manse passes, built much later by Napoleon III.
Historical and cultural heritage
There are several historical sites in the department such as the fortresses of Mont-Dauphin and Briançon, Fort Queyras, the castles of Montmaur, Picomtal and Tallard, archaeological sites such as the silver mines of Vallon du Fournel in l’Argentière -the-Bessée, many historical monuments of religious heritage, such as the Abbey of Our Lady Boscodon the XII century or even the priory of Saint-André-de-Rosans, several cathedrals including Notre Dame and -Saint-Arnoux de Gap and the old oneNotre-Dame d’Embrun cathedral, typical mountain villages like Saint-Véran, Névache or Dormillouse, a hamlet accessible only on foot in the central area of the Ecrins national park. Certain peculiarities of the built heritage may depend on the valleys in which it is located. The Hautes-Alpes also has many sundials and frescoes, some of which are centuries old.
Heritage tourism
The department has a cultural heritage that varies according to geographic location. Its built heritage is particularly recognized through the fortified sites of Briançon, Château-Queyras or Mont-Dauphin, which Vauban has developed. This heritage is also enriched by the castles of Montmaur, Tallard and Picomtal classified Historical Monuments. Visits are offered there as well as shows, concerts and other activities. The different valleys have an attraction that can be specific to them, such as Queyras or the Clarée valley.
Various festivals take place in the department, such as the contemporary music festival Messiaen in the Pays de La Meije.
Certain natural sites are accompanied by places or routes with a cultural vocation, such as the Maisons du Parc national des Ecrins. Natural spaces are places where the visitor can observe the geomorphology, geology, fauna, flora… This is the case in the Ecrins National Park, for example. Some sites offer particular natural geological formations, such as the “Salle de bal des demoiselles cappées ” in Théus, due to erosion, or Mont Chenaillet which includes rocks from an ancient ocean floor, including a piece was climbed on the Alpine peaks during the formation of this massif.
Other places offer visitors cultural and scientific elements, such as the Botanical Garden of the Col du Lautaret or the Château de Charance near Gap and its domain labeled “Remarkable Garden”, where rose gardens adorn the surroundings and the terraces overlooking the Gapençais.
Wall frescoes and sundials
The Hautes-Alpes department is famous for the quality and number of murals including frescoes and sundials, some of which are many centuries old. While most of the frescoes are found in religious buildings in the north of the department, to the south in the Buëch valley, the Château de Montmaur presents a set of frescoes dating from the end of the 16th century but also from the 17th and 18th centuries and which adorn in the form of friezes in another, several tens of meters long, the large ceremonial rooms.
Culinary specialties
This department has many culinary specialties, such as tourtons and ravioli from Champsaur, donkey ears, crouzets from the Ubaye valley, boiled bread from Villar-d’Arêne, or tart des Alpes. Hunting and fishing provide game and freshwater fish. Several cheeses are typical of certain valleys in the department, such as blue from Queyras or tome du Champsaur. The wormwood, a household using an herb liqueur of the same name. The farmers of this department produce wines, including Hautes-Alpes.
Film shooting
The department has hosted several film shoots.
Cultural Tourism
The nooks and crannies of the Hautes-Alpes, after the passage of big names such as Vauban or Napoleon, form a real breeding ground for culture. Between plains and summits, many religious buildings or strongholds hide at the bottom of the valley or are displayed on a rock. Among the most remarkable: Briançon, Mont-Dauphin, Embrun, Boscodon, Notre-Dame du Laus, Château de Montmaur, medieval Château de Tallard, etc. A route runs along a major part of this cultural heritage, the Via Alta. Also to discover, the Departmental Museum of Gap, the Geo-park of the Cotian Alps, the Alpine Botanical Garden of Lautaret, the Botanical Conservatory of Charance, the national stage of La Passerelle in Gap or the astronomical observatories of Queyras and Buëch. The agenda of cultural and scientific events or shows is particularly rich.
Traditions
At an altitude of 2,040 meters, Saint-Véran is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Tradition is everywhere there. Log cabins, larch wood fountains, sundials where they say “Roosters peck the stars”, give a unique character to the highest town in France. La Grave is also one of the most beautiful villages in France. The architecture of Buëch is radically different, the villages of Serres, Rosans or Orpierre are all the scent of mountain Provence. Houses, fountains, common ovens, religious buildings, the mountain heritage will seduce you, as will the great cultural sites. Among the most remarkable: Gap, Briançon, Mont-Dauphin, Embrun, Boscodon, Notre-Dame du Laus, Château de Montmaur, Château de Tallard, etc. Whether they come from legends, local memories or historical facts, the Hautes-Alpes is full of traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Gastronomy
In Buëch and Gapençais, the mild climate brings a Provençal note allowing Mediterranean-type productions such as lavender, lime or thyme. In the Durance valley, arboriculture has developed and numerous apple and pear orchards cover the valleys. The vine with Mollard, an endemic grape variety, holds its place. Finally, from Dévoluy to Champsaur via Queyras and Briançonnais, sheep, goat, cattle and pig farms are widely established. The Apples of the Alps of Haute-Durance and the Lamb of Sisteron enjoy the status of Protected Geographical Indications and Red Labels. These healthy products, promoted by the Hautes-Alpes Naturellement regional brand. The main recipes are: Tourtons from Champsaur, donkey ears from Valgaudemar, Seille de Veynes, trout from Châteauroux les Alpes, honey desserts, etc.
Hydrotherapy
The Grands Bains du Monêtier in Serre-Chevalier draws naturally hot spring water at 44°, cooled to 37°, beneficial since the dawn of time. The thermal baths of the Grands Bains have become the benchmark in the Alps. Nearby, two biotope lakes have been recently built. Naturally hot bath also at Plan de Phazy near Guillestre. In Montgenèvre, the Durancia aquatic center opened at the foot of the slopes in February 2015. This beautiful facility offers a balneo-play area, a wellness area and a spa. These facilities are a reminder that climate control is one of the attractions of the Briançonnais and has earned it the installation of a casino in Briançon, a rare installation in the mountains. Other spaces will soon open in Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur, Embrun and many accommodations are equipped with spas. In summer, the lake of Serre-Ponçon, the gorges of Méouge, the bodies of water of Veynes or Serres in the Buëch are refreshing.
Natural heritage
Natural parks, Natura 2000 zones, high mountains, apple orchards, pear orchards and lavender fields, large passes, rushing rivers, waterfalls, lakes… the Hautes-Alpes department contains natural treasures and is a unique playground for its diversity and its wild character. Prestigious flowers such as blue thistle, rhododendron, gentian, edelweiss or orange lily can be discovered around the bend of the paths while marmots, ibex, mouflons and chamois roam the cliffs and pastures. For the more curious, a visit to the Alpine Botanical Garden of Lautaret is a must. Among the most beautiful in Europe, its 4,500 m² of rock gardens contain more than 2,000 species of plants. The National Alpine Botanical Conservatory of Charance in Gap is also a must.
Natural Parks
The Hautes-Alpes has three natural parks. Nothing less. The happy realization of an ambitious challenge: to develop the economy of the territory with full respect for the environment and mountain tradition.
Ecrins National Park
Created in 1973, it is the largest and best known of the French Parks. Dominated by the Barre des Ecrins, the highest point in the Hautes-Alpes (4,102 meters), it largely covers the Hautes-Alpes department, which has 5 Maisons du Parc: Briançonnais, Vallouise, Embrunais, Champsaur and Valgaudemar.
Queyras Regional Natural Park
It was founded in 1977 on a small area of 65 km². The Queyras stands out for the charm of its villages with atypical architecture which, once the first snowflakes have fallen, turn into family ski resorts.
Regional Natural Park of Baronnies Provençales
The latest regional park, it is located on the borders of two large regions, two-thirds in Rhône-Alpes and a third in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in the surprising Pays du Buëch.
Sports tourism
The department offers a variety of sports possibilities, many of which are surrounded by nature, depending on the season of the year: hiking, white water sports, road cycling, mountain biking, free flight, winter sports, etc.
Ski
By its geographical location in the heart of the Alpine arc, the Hautes-Alpes department has something to satisfy all mountain desires. The high altitude gives it abundant snow; the proximity to the south provides it with generous sunshine. The Hautes-Alpes has 9 major ski resorts: Serre Chevalier, Montgenèvre, Puy Saint-Vincent, Vars-Risoul La Forêt Blanche, Les Orres, Orcières Merlette 1850 and SuperDévoluy – La Joue du Loup to which is added a worldwide freeride spot, La Grave – La Meije, accessible from the La Meije glaciers cable car. A multitude of village resorts with natural charm is also scattered over the regions of Haute-Romanche (Villar d’Arène and Le Chazelet), Ecrins (Pelvoux-Vallouise), Queyras (Abriès, Saint Véran, Molines, Aiguilles, Ceillac, Ristolas, Arvieux), Serre-Ponçon (Réallon and Crévoux), Champsaur (Ancelle, Chaillol, Laye, Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes and Serre-Eyraud) and Gapençais (Céüze). Between authentic atmospheres and high-performance equipment, alternate gentle slopes ideal for families and steeper slopes for experienced skiers.
Nordic Activities
Nordic skiing is certainly the best way to discover the generous nature offered by the Hautes-Alpes. The department has 1,000 kilometers of marked trails spanning 22 well-known marked sites under the Nordic Alpes du Sud label. Among the best known: the wild Vallée de la Clarée, the Gap-Bayard area and the Queyras, one of the largest Nordic sites in France. Cross-country skiing, hiking or snowshoeing are all activities to practice in the resort as in the valley. To be consumed in complete freedom or accompanied by a mountain professional. As for the escapes in the company of sled dogs, it is the adventure of the Far North. These dog teams surprise with their docility and energy. A baptism in sled dogs in the Hautes-Alpes is an unforgettable experience.
Bike
Galibier, Izoard… the Hautes-Alpes are proud of their legendary passes. The department has 25, the most prestigious are taken by the famous Route des Grandes Alpes. These places conducive to cycling have passed into posterity thanks to the Tour de France. 12 loops and 21 climbs have been specially designed for cyclists, the Shared Routes. In July and August, some of these passes are dedicated to cyclists on the occasion of the reserved Cols operation. As for mountain bikers, they are spoiled for choice: mountain biking sites labeled the French Cycling Federation, the Grande Traversée des Hautes-Alpes (350 kilometers of trails from La Grave to Laragne), the many accessible Bike Parks. in ski lifts in summer, and a multitude of major events.
Hikes
With 1,800 kilometers of Grandes Randonnée routes, 5,000 kilometers of Small Hikes, and a good dozen Tours de Pays, the Hautes-Alpes is undeniably a paradise for lovers of walks, hiking or trekking. Crossing the regional natural parks of Queyras and Baronnies Provençales, the Ecrins national park, nine territories between lavender fields or orchards and glaciers, the Hautes-Alpes trails are varied and offer a fabulous natural diversity. Discover alone or with guides and companions in the mountains. At the end of a walk or to take a break, enjoy the refuges where seasoned mountaineers and hikers exchange and dream together. There are 45 in the department. Some are easily accessible like Gioberney, others are legendary like the recently renovated Eagle.
Mountaineering
With less than 300 inhabitants, Orpierre (Buëch) is known around the world. At the foot of a large rocky cirque, the cliffs reaching up to 1,200 meters in altitude are breathtaking. Further north, near Gap, in Sigoyer on the territory of Tallard-Barcillonnette, the cliff of Céüze also enjoys great notoriety among climbing practitioners. The hardest routes in the world run alongside a via-ferrata. There are many climbing routes throughout the department, as are via ferrata and international events. The Mondial d’Escalade de Briançon or the Ice Climbing des Ecrins are the most emblematic. Higher, past 3000 meters of altitude, it is the ice which reigns supreme. Shell with bluish and metallic reflections, it forms a strange universe with laces and striking subtleties. Accompanied by a mountain guide, the ascent can begin on the Ecrins, Valgaudemar or La Meije glaciers. The Barre des Ecrins, the highest summit of the Hautes-Alpes, culminates at 4,102 meters above sea level.
Boating
In the Hautes-Alpes, thanks to its mountains which form fantastic reservoirs, water abounds. Durance, Guil, Guisane, Drac, nearly 2,000 kilometers of rivers cross the department, 500 of which are navigable for white water sports such as rafting, kayaking, hot dog or white water swimming. The Argentière-la-Bessée whitewater stadium, located on the Durance, is a benchmark in Europe, as is the astonishing wave of Rabiou. The south of the department is not to be outdone, it also benefits from the assets of the Durance with superb canoe-kayak courses. The Serre-Ponçon lake brings its nautical touch. The excellent aerological and climatic conditions of the place make it the ideal spot for kite-surfing and windsurfing, not to mention boating, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Finally, mountain lakes such as Pétarel or Lauzon, fed by water from glaciers and melting snow, are an invitation to hiking, fishing or lazing around.
Air Sports
Due to its exceptional climatic and aerological conditions, as well as the richness of its reliefs, the Hautes-Alpes is an ideal place for aerial activities. In total, there are 330 flying days per year, four aerodromes (Tallard, Saint-Crépin, le Chevalet in Aspres-sur-Buëch and La Bâtie-Monsaléon) and more than twenty free flight practice sites, some of which are internationally renowned. such as the Montagne de Chabre near Laragne. Tallard aerodrome is recognized as the leading European center for aerial leisure activities, thanks to its exceptional aerology. Indeed, all air-related activities are practiced there. First flight in a glider, paragliding flight, microlight or gyroplane, hot-air balloon ride, tandem free fall jump, helicopter flight, piloting course, the choice is vast. Internationally renowned, the aerodrome welcomes many users as well as major events, especially parachuting. Guided tours of the aerodrome are also offered to the public.
Golf
When not covered with a snowpack, the two Hautes-Alpes golf courses, Gap-Bayard and Montgenèvre, are synonymous with good air, breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and pretty golf courses. Adjacent to the Italian golf course at Clavière, Montgenèvre offers an international 18-hole course. This mountain golf course is located at the foot of the slopes, the start of hole number one is in the heart of the village. The Gap-Bayard golf course also has an 18-hole course. Accessible for all levels of play, this course is both technical and varied. At each hole, a different panorama of the mountains of the Ecrins National Park or the hills of the Val de Durance. Probably one of the most beautiful mountain golf courses in France.
Fishing
The Hautes-Alpes are also very popular with fishermen: torrents, rivers, high-altitude lakes or even Serre-Ponçon, offer great catches to cast and fly fishermen.