Our guide
Do you dream of discovering a wonderful environment, offering alpine and water sports, cultural discoveries, and ecology? Then the Hautes-Alpes are for you! Located in the southeastern part of France, this department is the highest in the country, with its legendary Barre des Écrins (4,102 m).
When it comes to nature, the Hautes-Alpes have embraced ecology: renewable energy, pioneering organic farming... Here, nature reigns supreme. You can feast your eyes on the Écrins National Park, the second most popular mountaineering destination in France, discover the silver mines of Le Fournel, or enjoy the spectacular panoramas of the Queyras Regional Natural Park. Not to mention the Dévoluy massif, a luminous gem with the Pic de Bure observatory.
In terms of sports, you won't be left out, with renowned ski resorts (such as Serre Chevalier, Orcières-Merlette, etc.), mountaineering in the Écrins National Park, whitewater sports on the Durance River, hiking and cycling in the Queyras Regional Natural Park, snowy excursions in the resort of Les Orres, and water sports at Lake Serre-Ponçon, the "sea in the mountains." Not to mention the prefecture of Gap and its dynamic sports offerings: rock climbing in Céüze, skydiving in Tallard, etc.
Culturally, you can also enjoy the Vauban fortress in Briançon (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and taste the local tourtons!
In short, whether you come for the beautiful landscapes, outdoor sports, or cultural richness, you'll love the relaxed lifestyle of the Hautes-Alpes.
