Exploring The Hautes-Alpes

Near the National Nature Park Les Écrins, the Col du Lautaret mountain pass boasts an exceptional and diverse flora. Here you can see nearly 1500 plant species in one of the most beautiful gardens of Europe and benefit from an incredible view on the glacier of La Meije.

At the heart of spectacular and captivating mountain tops, the ski resort of La Grave - La Meije is one of the most appreciated ski areas of Europe. La Grave is also listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Whether you are looking for thrills or the authentic mountain setting; here you’ll be spoiled with choice.

The Queyras regional nature park is home to a variety of fauna and flora. As you enjoy the many walks criss-crossing the park, you might spot chamois, marmots, hares and even partridges.
The park has stunning landscapes and an impressive natural setting, but don’t forget to stop off at the listed village of Saint-Véran and visit the awe-inspiring Fort Queyras.

Between the Pic de Rochebrune (3308 metres) and the Pic de Côte Belle (2854 metres), the mountain pass Col d’Izoard is one of the accesses to the Regional Nature Park of Queyras and sets between the region of Briançon and Queyras. Listed on the Route des Grandes Alpes, this mountain pass became famous for the legendary climbs of the Tour de France, that passed here over 30 times. The laces of roads that lead to the summit at 2361 metres have seen the exploits of famous cyclers like: Bobbet, Copi, Mercx, etc. The southern slope is the most laborious one, with a climb of 31,7 kilometres and 11% of difference in height at some spots.

The Col du Galibier connects the Hautes-Alpes to the Savoie. At this legendary mountain pass of the Tour de France, extremely difficult to climb, several important moments of the tour’s history took place. The view from the 2645 metres summit offers a well-deserved reward to the bravest cyclers. Depending on your level, you can choose to climb it on the soft sloping Col du Lautaret or the more laborious Maurienne slope, with an itinerary of 33 kilometres and an average gradient of 7,2% on the final 18 kilometres between Valloire and the summit. This mountain pass is accessible by car or on foot, and offers a breathtaking view on the summits of La Meije, La Barre des Écrins and the slope leading to the Savoie.

The National Nature Park Les Écrins holds a lot of ‘titles’. Stretching over more than 90.000 ha, it is the biggest French national park, but it is also the highest set park of Europe, with more than one hundred summits higher than 3000 metres, with the Barre des Écrins in particular, that culminates to 4102 metres. It holds splendid mountain pastures and glaciers, with great wildlife. During a stroll, you will see eagles, ibexes, marmots, chamois, etc. Non less than 167 rare species live here and you’ll find more than 1800 flower and plant species, in other words: 40% of the French flora!

After its reunification, Turin was the first capital of Italy. This fiefdom of the dukes of Savoie shows some diversified heritage and culture from this glorious era and counts a great number of museums. The town is crossed by the Pô river and sets at the heart of the Alps. It found back its splendor after the industrial crisis of the eighties. It has managed to preserve the baroque luxury hotels of the centre and developed shops as well as a certain way of life. Lovers of football will be delighted to assist one of the matches of Juventus, the legendary Italian football club.

The Fort des Salettes, just outside Briançon, was designed by Vauban and built at the beginning of the 18th century. At the start, it was just a simple square tower, before it became a real fort during the July Monarchy. This perfectly conserved fort offers a great setting at the heart of the Alps. It is part of the fortified constructions of Briançon such as the Fort des Têtes and the Fort du Randouillet that were listed as world heritage by UNESCO. On each of the summits dominating the town, you can also visit some other forts that witness from the history of Briançon.

The ski resort of Montgenèvre sets between Briançon and Italy. It offers the charm of a traditional mountain village as well as the biggest international skiing area. Here you’ll find 400 kilometres of ski runs, at 2700 metres height. Beginning skiers are spoiled with 50.000 m² of skiing trails. The resort’s label ‘Famille Montagne Plus’ will ensure you to find facilities for children.

Just a few kilometres from the National Nature Park of Les Écrins, the ski resort of Serre Chevalier was born from the grouping of Briançon and 3 villages (Saint-Chaffrey/Chantemerle, Villeneuve/La Salle-les-Alpes and Le Monêtier-les -Bains). With 250 kilometres of trails, the resort of Serre Chevalier will be a delight to skiers of all levels, with adapted tracks. The resort carries the ‘Famille Plus’ label and is specifically designed for families.

To get to the resort of Sestrière, you just need to cross the border with Italy. This resort offers access to the 400 kilometres of trails of the Via Lattea ski area, the biggest one of Italy. Besides Sestrière, you’ll find villages like Sauze, Cesana, Oulx or Clavière. The various trails will be a delight to skiers of all levels. The area has a great snow cover and snow guns will guarantee the snow quality.

La Clarée, a river with surprisingly clear water, hollowed out a green valley between the Alps, scattered with hamlets and traditional villages. Away from the motorways, this valley has managed to preserve an authentic charm with preserved nature, but also some lovely churches with mural paintings and picturesque chapels. Together with the Vallée Étroite, it forms a splendid nature site (26.000 ha) enriched with cultural and military heritage. The Haute Vallée offers visitors tens of incredibly charming mountain lakes. These two valleys are part of the network of Grands Sites de France. In summer, the area is a delight to hikers and anglers while winter brings Nordic skiing and unforgettable sleigh rides.

The Gorges de la Durance offer a great setting for outdoor sports. In this dazzling landscape, the Via Ferrata of L'Argentière-la-Bessée offers more or less difficult itineraries along the cliffs. Two itineraries were designed for children (from 4 years and from 6 years). The two other ones are for adults and offer various levels of difficulty. Two spectacular zip-lines, more than 200 metres high and 500 metres long, cross the Gorges de la Durance. A great moment of adrenaline. The area of Briançon offers various other equipped Via Ferrata itineraries, from the Alpes du Lauzet on the route du Galibier to the itinerary of Vigneaux and the one of La Croix de Toulouse that dominates the fortifications of Briançon.

Briançon, near the border of Italy, between the Hautes-Alpes and the Provence, is a fortified town that sets between the Alps. The strategic position of the town brought it historical importance. Since a long time, it was made to watch over several valleys. The town got is current aspect during the 17th and 18th centuries, when Vauban designs a number of fortifications. This fortified town was entirely preserved and is now listed as world heritage by UNESCO. The various forts built around Briançon offer a great example of defensive architecture. Behind the ramparts, you’ll find churches and fountains along the alleyways. You’ll be charmed by the famous ‘Gargouilles’ of the centre, streams that run through the fortified town, created to fight against the devastating fires.