Nestled in the southern Alps, the Hautes-Alpes department is a veritable paradise for mountain lovers. With more than a third of its surface area above 2,000 m, it offers breathtaking scenery and a variety of activities to suit all tastes. Although sparsely populated, the department has managed to make the most of its authentic, unspoilt Alpine environment, attracting many tourists in the process. In winter, alpine skiing and ski touring are the main activities, while in summer, mountaineering takes over. Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the Durance and its tributaries, as well as the mountain torrents, perfect for rafting and kayaking. Finally, a string of Alpine lakes reflecting the peaks completes this idyllic picture, offering unforgettable moments of contemplation. So, what's there to do and see in the Hautes-Alpes? Here are the 19 must-sees!
1. Gap, France's highest prefecture
Situated at an altitude of 735 meters, Gap is nicknamed the "Gentle Capital". The capital of the Southern Alps is nestled in the heart of an authentic region between Provence and Dauphiné, offering a pleasant quality of life. The climate is particularly favorable, with 300 days of sunshine a year. Surrounded by mountains, the Gap region extends over a variety of landscapes, from plateaus to valleys. This privileged geographical location makes it an ideal focal point for nature lovers and mountain sports enthusiasts. What's more, its position between the Dauphiné and Provence regions gives it a unique cultural identity, blending Alpine and Provençal charms.
Read more: Top 10 sunniest towns in France
2. Saint-Véran, Europe's highest commune
Often referred to as Europe's highest commune, Saint-Véran lies at an altitude of 2,042 meters. It is one ofthe most authentic and beautiful mountain villages in the Alps. Also classified as "Les plus beaux villages de France", Saint-Véran is a true gem where, according to the local motto, "Le coq picore les étoiles" ("The rooster pecks at the stars"). Whether it's a stroll through the village streets, admiring the many sundials with their southern exposure, hiking to the peaks bordering Italy, or winter sports on the largest ski area in the Queyras, activities in Saint-Véran will delight the whole family. A visit to the Saint-Véran Observatory allows you to enjoy a sky of great purity.
Good to know: To protect its architectural treasures and serene ambience,cars are invited to stay in the parking lot (paying in high season) at the bottom of the village.
3. The Écrins massif: an Alpine jewel
Climb the prestigious peaks, discover the unique identity of the valleys, marvel at the deep blue of a mountain gentian, whistle with the marmots: Les Écrins is nature on a grand scale! Located between the Isère and Hautes-Alpes departments, the Parc national des Écrins covers a vast, wild territory. With its 92,000 hectares of protected area (heart of the Park), the Écrins has beenthe largest of our national parks since 1973, marking the border between the Northern and Southern Alps with its majestic mountains, whose major peaks approach or exceed 4,000 meters. La Barre des Écrins, culminating at 4,102 meters, is its highest point, followed by La Meije, a mountain of incomparable beauty with its bluish glacier, and Mont Pelvoux, a veritable massif in its own right.
Good to know: The flora and fauna here offer a prodigious diversity and spectacle, which it's essential to respect. Chamois, golden eagles and marmots can all be seen here. Picking edelweiss and meadow buttercup is forbidden in order to preserve this fragile ecosystem.
4. Hiking in the Queyras Nature Park, a concentrate of nature and tranquillity
Still untouched by mass tourism, the Queyras Regional Nature Park offers a diversity of mountain landscapes, from meadows to easily accessible peaks over 3,000 meters, such as Cristillan and Pain de Sucre. There are walks for all levels, including high-altitude lakes that are easily accessible even with children (Lac Sainte-Anne and Lac Miroir). The village of Guillestre is an excellent starting point for surrounding hikes, with plenty of accommodation and all the necessary amenities. All outdoor activities are possible here, whether in the mountains or on the Guil river.
To book: This unique salt route hike from Ristolas will take you through the Alps to explore the fascinating history of the salt route. Accompanied by your guide, retrace the history of medieval times as you hike the ancient trade routes.
Read more: 10 destinations far from mass tourism to discover in 2024 and Top 13 hikes in the Alps
5. Guillestre: the gateway to the Queyras Regional Nature Park
Guillestre is the gateway to the Queyras Regional Nature Park. When you visit Guillestre, you can admire the Porte du Saint-Esprit, one of the last vestiges of the medieval ramparts, or the beautiful church of Notre-Dame-d'Aquilon, with free tours organized during the summer. The Guillestrois, with its mild, sunny climate and 300 days of sunshine a year, offers a wide variety of landscapes and sporting activities. The tourist office plays an active role, offering a number of themed guided toursto help you appreciate the region's assets. Take the opportunity to explore the Queyras, hike in the pure Hautes-Alpes air, enjoy winter sports or meet the marmots.
6. Mont-Dauphin, a stronghold designed by Vauban
In Mont-Dauphin, you'll discover a unique setting, inscribed on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage list as a city of the Vauban Network. A visit to the fortified town, designed by Vauban, is a must. The famous builder imagined here not just a military complex, but a veritable city, with streets laid out in a checkerboard pattern, designed to accommodate 2,000 people. However, the work was never completed, and trees eventually took their place at the heart of the ramparts. Never attacked, the site retains its intact architecture, magnified by the pink hues of the local marble. To explore the main buildings from the inside, we recommend taking part in the guided tour organized by the Centre des monuments nationaux, which allows you to admire, among other things, the remarkable framework of the Rochambeau barracks.
Good to know: From the stronghold, situated at an altitude of 1,050 metres, you can enjoy a sublime view of the Guil and Durance valleys, as well as the Queyras and Écrins mountains.
7. Embrun, the "Nice of the Alps
Perched on a rock overlooking the Durance, the old town ofEmbrun is nicknamed the "Nice of the Alps" for its sunny, invigorating climate. It's a smiling, colorful town, renowned for its art of living and the charm of its old town center. Must-sees include the Notre-Dame-du-Réal cathedral (12th and 13th centuries), the Maison des Chanonges (13th century), the Tour d'Embrun (12th century) and the former Cordeliers convent, now home to the tourist office. From its 80-metre Roc, it offers an exceptional panorama overlooking the Durance, which feeds the Serre-Ponçon lake at its feet.
To book : Embark on a fantastic journey on one of the most beautiful rivers in the Southern Alps and raft down the Durance in Embrun with an experienced instructor by booking right here.
8. Serre-Chevalier, the largest winter sports resort in the Southern Alps
Serre-Chevalier, the largest winter sports resort in the Southern Alps, offers a vast natural environment, a veritable playground for mountain lovers. Situated on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, this family resort, affectionately nicknamed "Serre-Che", offers an exceptional ski area covering 410 hectares. It is the only ski resort to be adjacent to a town of over 10,000 inhabitants, Briançon, whose rich heritage complements its many sporting activities and exceptional landscapes. Are you ready to go? On the slopes!
To book: Discover the incredible sensations of paragliding near Briançon and fly over Serre Chevalier and the surrounding area by booking right here. We also recommend this mountain bike descent of the Col du Galibier in Serre Chevaliera fun, easy and ideal way to discover the valley and mountain biking.
Read more: What to do in Serre-Chevalier in winter? 11 must-sees and Where to ski with the family at low cost in the Alps? 15 resort ideas
9. Briançon: an idyllic setting for nature lovers
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, Briançon, nicknamed "Europe's highest town" and "the town that climbs", is a lively and popular place for mountain lovers. But the town itself, with its UNESCO World Heritage-listedVauban citadel and rich past, offers a captivating visit for all levels. You can also admire historic monuments such as the collegiate church of Notre-Dame, the Cordeliers church, colorful old houses, the Place d'Armes, as well as the fountains and sundials that adorn the alleyways. Briançon's exceptional natural environment is also conducive toa multitude of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, paragliding, canoeing, rafting, and skiing in winter.
To book : Take on the Ecrins massif and surrounding area ona snowshoeing day trip from Briançon , bookable right here! Breathtaking snow-covered landscapes await you.
Read more: Where to go on vacation in the mountains? Top destinations and Top 11 hikes in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur.
10. Star gazing at the Baronnies provençales observatory
Few amateur observatories in France have been designed and optimized for observing and taking astronomical images. TheObservatoire des Baronnies Provençales has exceptional facilities, including an 820 mm telescope under a dome, and a highly educational team to help you admire this pollution-free sky in the best possible conditions. Whether you come as a couple or a family, you can spend an evening, a weekend or take part in a week-long course. Gites are available for accommodation. It's a must-see destination for astronomy enthusiasts or anyone who's ever dreamed under the stars.
Read more: Top 5 must-do activities in the Baronnies
11. Skiing at Orcières Merlette 1850, a warm atmosphere
This is one of the largest resorts in the Hautes-Alpes and one of the best family resorts in which to ski with children. Welcome to Orcières Merlette 1850! Here you'll find 51 downhill ski runs for all levels. The resort also offers a range of activities including dog sledding, zip-lining, paragliding, snow buoying, a superb snowpark, boarder cross, downhill runs and a slalom stadium. Children are particularly welcome at Orcières, with play runs such as Opoualand and Waouland specially designed for them. The resort also boasts three telemixes, making it easy for children to get to the top of the resort. Cross-country skiers are also well catered for, with numerous trails available on the linked Haut-Champsaur Nordic sites.
12. Château-Ville-Vieille, historic capital of Queyras
The historic capital of the Queyras region, Château-Ville-Vieille is a lovely place to visit in the Hautes-Alpes. It's impossible to miss the Château de Queyras, a historic jewel and emblem of the Hautes-Alpes, with its remarkable architecture. This veritable stronghold, worthy of a picaresque novel, is perched on its cliffs and has sheltered mountain dwellers since prehistoric times. Don't miss the 18th-century armoire aux huit serrures (cabinet of eight locks ), which bears witness to the République des Escartons (Republic of the Escartons), uniting the cantons of the Haut-Queyras and granting them the privilege of sharing the tax burden. The eight locks were designed to prevent any misappropriation, as the cabinet could only be opened in the presence of representatives of the valley's eight communes, each with their own key.
This village, with its atypical central street, still bears the traces of the 1957 floods. It's up to you to discover them, as well as the beautiful and mysterious cupboard with its eight locks.
Read more: The 15 most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region
13. Puy-Saint-Vincent, one of the Hautes-Alpes' most famous ski resorts
Along with neighboring Serre-Chevalier, Puy-Saint-Vincent is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Hautes-Alpes. This village resort, protected from the winds, is built on several levels: at 1,400 meters, three hamlets stand on a plateau where the village reveals its authentic alpine beauty; at 1,600 meters and 1,800 meters, residential buildings form the ski resort, often offering magnificent panoramic views of the Ecrins National Park. Puy-Saint-Vincent's renowned downhill, cross-country and Nordic skiing areas also offer a wide range of summer activities, including hiking and a bike park with five downhill courses.
Read more: 10 mountain destinations for a summer in the fresh air
14. The gorges de la Méouge, a marvel of the Hautes-Alpes
Classified as a biological reserve, the famous gorges de la Méouge are a real gem in the Hautes-Alpes. These deep, winding gorges are home to a raging torrent that forms waterfalls, whirlpools, sinkholes, polished pebble beaches and natural reservoirs. Old stone enthusiasts will appreciate the three-arched Romanesque bridge, still in very good condition, and the remains of a mill swept away by a flood in 1901. Curious visitors can read the information panels on the flora and fauna, as the site is classified Natura 2000 and is home to Alpine, Provençal, Mediterranean, Iberian and even North African plants. Bathed in warmth and light, they are also renowned for swimming and walking.
Good to know: Refreshing in summer, the Méouge can also be kayaked down in spring or flown over by hang-glider or paraglider, departing from the Chabre site, offering superb panoramic views.
Read more: What to do in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region? The 21 most beautiful places to visit
15. Les Demoiselles Coiffées, astonishing natural formations
Also known as "fairy chimneys", the Demoiselles Coiffées (coiffed demoiselles) can be found on the Assaillous mountain on the shores of Lac de Serre-Ponçon. These astonishing natural formations, of which there are several dozen, are the result of rain erosion which, over time, has carved out the thick layer of clay-limestone soil and morainic boulders deposited by glaciers on the mountain's flanks. Over the centuries, the boulders have protected the land below, while the gullies have gradually cleared the surrounding terrain, giving rise to these tall columns topped by their boulders. To admire these natural sculptures, an interpretation trail leads from the roadside. Lined with observation platforms and explanatory panels, it offers a fascinating insight into these geological formations.
Good to know: this trail is easily accessible for families. The round-trip tour, including observation of the Demoiselles coiffées, takes about 45 minutes.
16. Parc Animalier de Serre-Ponçon, ideal for families with children
Welcome to the Parc Animalier de Serre-Ponçon. Here you'll spend a pleasant day on the farm with animals such as rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, little goats and the donkey, while enjoying the children's quiz course. You can also visit the fox park. Watch Alpine marmots, red foxes and Saarloos wolfhounds being fed with commentary. Take a behind-the-scenes look at falconry and watch two raptor shows. Learn about the profession of dog caretaker, and take advantage of the dog daycare. In August, take part in a themed dinner. Playgrounds and picnic areas are also available.
17. Montgenèvre, the doyenne of French ski resorts
The doyenne of French ski resorts, Montgenèvre was founded in 1907 and is located at an altitude of 1,860 meters on the Italian border. It boasts an ideal geographical position andan exceptional ski area. The Montgenèvre pass, a favored route since ancient times, has seen the passage of such historic figures as Julius Caesar, Charlemagne and Louis XIII. Napoleon also left his mark when he decided to build the road to Italy. An obelisk, a classic imperial symbol, has stood on the road outside the village since 1804. The resort-village of Montgenèvre offers a wide range of activities, including an 18-hole cross-border golf course.
18. Les Orres, a pleasant resort
Situated at an altitude of 1,650 meters, between Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the peaks, this resort offers a pleasant setting. In the heart of the village, you can visit the church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and explore the remains of the 14th-century ramparts to the west of the town. In the hamlet appropriately named Le Château, after exploring the ruins of the ramparts, you'll easily discover those of the 12th and 14th century castle. In terms of heritage, the village is home to a rural museum featuring documents, tools and costumes from mountain times past.
19. Taste the culinary delights of the Hautes-Alpes
The Hautes-Alpes doesn't just offer breathtaking scenery; it's also a gourmet's paradise. Among the must-try specialties are tourtons, doughnuts filled with potatoes, cheese or jam, often served as an aperitif. Donkey ears, artisanal pasta in the shape of small leaves, are also very popular, often accompanied by tasty sauces. Cheese lovers won't want to miss Bleu du Queyras, a strong-tasting blue-veined cheese. For desserts, croquants du Briançonnais, dry almond cookies, and pognes, brioches scented with orange blossom, are delights not to be missed.
How do I get around the Hautes-Alpes?
Visiting the Hautes-Alpes offers a multitude of possibilities, whether for nature, culture or winter sports enthusiasts. Here's a suggested itinerary to discover the region's main attractions:
Day 1-2: Gap and surrounding area
- Gap: Start your journey in the capital of the Hautes-Alpes. Explore the town center, visit the Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Arnoux cathedral and the departmental museum.
- Domaine de Charance: Located near Gap, this estate offers magnificent walks around the Charance lake.
Day 3-4: Queyras
- Saint-Véran: Discover Europe's highest village and its traditional houses. Don't miss the Saint-Véran Observatory for a breathtaking view of the starry sky.
- Château-Ville-Vieille: Visit the Queyras fort and explore the village's picturesque lanes.
- Molines-en-Queyras: Admire the alpine scenery and authentic villages of the region.
Day 5-6: Briançon and Serre-Chevalier
- Briançon: Explore Vauban's fortified town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas and the ramparts.
- Serre-Chevalier: Enjoy outdoor activities, from skiing in winter to hiking and mountain biking in summer.
Days 7-8: Embrun and Lac de Serre-Ponçon
- Embrun: Discover this charming medieval town with its Notre-Dame-du-Réal cathedral and picturesque alleyways.
- Lac de Serre-Ponçon: Enjoy the water sports and stunning scenery around France's largest man-made lake.
Days 9-10: Montgenèvre and Clarée Valley
- Montgenèvre: Explore this historic ski resort and enjoy outdoor activities.
- Vallée de la Clarée: Hike through this unspoilt valley, known for its alpine scenery and authentic villages such as Névache.
Day 11-12: Les Écrins and Champsaur valley
- Parc national des Écrins: Hike to discover the park's spectacular scenery and wildlife.
- Champsaur Valley: Explore picturesque villages like Orcières-Merlette and enjoy outdoor activities.
This tour lets you discover the main attractions of the Hautes-Alpes, combining nature, culture and outdoor activities. Adapt it to your preferences and the length of your stay.
What are the most beautiful villages to visit in the Hautes-Alpes?
The Hautes-Alpes is full of picturesque, authentic villages that are well worth a visit. Here is a selection of the most beautiful villages not to be missed:
- Saint-Véran
Known as the highest village in Europe, Saint-Véran is a jewel of the Hautes-Alpes. Its traditional wooden and stone houses, cobbled streets and mountain setting make it a must-see.
- Attractions include the Saint-Véran Observatory, sundials and hiking trails.
- Château-Ville-Vieille
This village is the historic capital of Queyras and home to Fort Queyras, an impressive fortress.
- Attractions: Fort Queyras, picturesque narrow streets, wardrobe with eight locks.
- Névache
Located in the Clarée valley, Névache is an authentic village with traditional houses and breathtaking Alpine scenery.
- Highlights: hikes in the Clarée valley, chapels and traditional houses.
- Embrun
Nicknamed the "Nice of the Alps", Embrun is a charming town with a rich historical heritage and a magnificent natural setting.
- Highlights Notre-Dame-du-Réal cathedral, Tour Brune, Serre-Ponçon lake.
- Molines-en-Queyras
This authentic Queyras village is famous for its traditional houses and Alpine scenery.
- Highlights: hiking, chapels, traditional houses.
- Orcières-Merlette
Located in the Champsaur valley, Orcières-Merlette is a charming ski resort with magnificent mountain scenery.
- Thingsto see: outdoor activities, hiking, ski slopes.
