What to do in the Hautes-Alpes?
What to do in the Hautes-Alpes?
The Hautes-Alpes is a department that has no shortage of natural and historical riches and places to visit. Mountains, forests, natural parks, historical sites, museums… many memorable places are accessible in the region. Here are some ideas of things to do, and places to discover during a stay in the Hautes-Alpes.
Briançon and the Cité Vauban
The city of Briançon is well known for the works of Vauban which can be visited there, such as the Fort des Salettes, the Fort Randouillet or the Asfeld bridge.
The upper town of Briançon, also called Cité Vauban, dominates the whole of the town from its position at an altitude of more than 1,300 m. This historic fortified city dating from Roman times was erected from the 5th century to resist barbarian invasions, then was largely modified by Vauban in the 17th century.
The picturesque alleys of the city testify to the rich historical past of the city. Several memorable places are to be discovered in the heart of the Cité Vauban, such as the Governor's garden located at the foot of the ramparts. The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, a Baroque-style church listed as a historical monument, has one of the most beautiful sundials in the region on one of its towers.
The domain of Charance
Lovers of ballads and hikes in the mountains will be seduced by a visit to the Domaine de Charance. Located just 4 kilometers from the center of Gap, and protected from the wind by the Charance mountain, this site erected at more than 1000 meters above sea level overlooks the Val de Durance. This unique natural place is ideal for a family outing full of surprises along the squirrel trail. The most motivated can set off to conquer the peak of Charance, 1852 m high, and discover one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Gapençais basin and its typical landscape of the region.
This area is also the seat of the botanical conservatory, and is home to the Écrins National Park. In front of the Château de Charance, a 4-level terraced garden allows you to discover all the diversity of wild plants in the Hautes-Alpes region. More than 600 varieties of old roses can also be admired there.
The regional natural park of Queyras
Located in the northeast of the Hautes-Alpes, the Parc du Queyras is a regional natural park which is home to around ten municipalities in the Cottian Alps and the Escreins massif. With its area of 65,000 hectares, this park is the ideal place for nature lovers, who can discover all the richness of the region's fauna and flora. At the bend of forests, valleys and mountain lakes, it is possible to admire certain animal species, such as chamois and partridges.
In addition to some magnificent small villages, such as Saint-Véran, this park is also home to many historic buildings and monuments, such as chapels or fountains, and Fort Querays, a 13th century castle remodeled by Vauban.
It is one of my favorite places in the Hautes-Alpes and you will find many holiday clubs in the Alps around. You will be able to discover the region very easily.
The mines of the Vallon d'Argent de Fournel
These mines, which were exploited for nearly 1000 years, and in which many miners were still working at the beginning of the 20th century, have long enabled the entire region to experience prosperity.
The galleries are now accessible to visitors, and it is possible to discover the daily life of the miners of the time during a guided tour. Two entire levels of the mines have been fitted out to accommodate tourists, who can explore the engine room, the explosives galleries or the blasting site.
Very close to the mines, in the Saint-Jean castle, a museum dedicated to the mines and their history is also accessible, to learn even more about the life of the miners of the Vallon d'Argent de Fournel.
The lake of Serre-Ponçon
This artificial lake, created in 1959 thanks to the construction of a dam on the Durance, is a must during a stay in the Hautes-Alpes. The presence of this lake with an area of nearly 30 km² creates a particularly astonishing contrast in this mountain landscape.
Everything is provided to satisfy lovers of nautical activities, who can indulge in kayaking, windsurfing, or kite surfing. The beaches and coves are also perfect for quietly enjoying the exceptional setting of the region, and spending a moment of relaxation. You will find more information on the official website of Serre-Ponçon.
Very close to the lake, the small town of Saint-Vincent-les-Forts, fortified by Vauban, offers an exceptional view of the lake.
Skiing in the Hautes-Alpes
Of course, skiing is one of the most popular activities during a stay in the Hautes-Alpes. The department is home to more than twenty ski resorts, some of which are very famous such as Serre Chevalier, Puy-Saint-Vincent or Montgenèvre.
In addition to the very popular areas, it is possible to find in the Hautes-Alpes more discreet areas, and about fifteen village resorts, with an authentic atmosphere and ideal for a family stay. The more adventurous will not be left out, and can reach the resort of Grave, renowned worldwide for its off-piste routes.
The highest department in France has a total of more than 1,200 kilometers of slopes, all located between 1,200 and 1,900 meters above sea level. The region's sunshine and snow cover make it the ideal place for downhill skiing.
