High mountains

Located in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur, on the border between the Northern Alps and the Southern Alps, the Hautes-Alpes is a magnificent mountainous department.

The Hautes-Alpes department is one of the most mountainous in France. More than a third of its surface is located at an altitude of more than 2 meters. This peculiarity makes it a real paradise for lovers of high mountains and grandiose nature.

The essentials of the Hautes-Alpes

In the Hautes-Alpes, nature is queen. Many unmissable natural sites are available to visitors. You just have to open your eyes to contemplate the rich landscape of the place. The Grand Tour des Ecrins offers for example an unforgettable walk. La Claree is the most well-preserved Briançonnais valley. Lovers of virgin mountains and old stones will fall under the spell of this authentic territory.

Remarkable natural sites

Le Ecrins National Park, the lake of Serre-Ponçon, the regional natural parks of Queyras and Barronies Provençales or the gorges of the Méouge are so many natural wonders to discover. Here, many natural sites are worth a detour. The Fontcouverte waterfall, the combe de Mai or the green lake are strikingly beautiful. During your stay in the Hautes-Alpes, do not miss either the Sauze-du-Lac belvedere. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake of Serre-Ponçon.

Historic sites

In the Hautes-Alpes, three sites were marked by the genius of Vauban. The Chateau-Queyras, Mont-Dauphin and Briançon are spectacular places steeped in history. The churches of Notre-Dame du Réal, Saint-Marcellin or even Boscodon Abbey are the most visited religious buildings.

Sports in nature

Summer, like winter, the Hautes-Alpes are a great playground for outdoor sports. In Serre-Chevalier, Montgenèvre, Puy Saint-Vincent or at Forêt Blanche ski area, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are the stars of winter. In summer, Via Ferrata Croix de Toulouse offers a superb view of Briançon and its fortifications. Mountaineers are delighted by La Vallouise, Valgaudemar or La Grave-La Meije. On foot, by bike or by mountain bike, athletes of all levels find their happiness in this beautiful alpine territory!