The highest departement in France, Hautes-Alpes is dominated by the mountain range that gives the region its name. Whether you visit in the summer or winter there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as skiing, walking, mountain biking or even more extreme sports for the adrenaline junkies. If you are here to ski, make sure you take a detour from the slopes to visit some of the pretty Alpine villages, many with spectacular views over the surrounding area, while the main town of Gap has all the tourist amenities you could need, as well as a pleasant old town of its own. The scenery is the big selling point of the Hautes-Alpes region, with high gorges and cliffs, fast-flowing rivers, caves and forests added to the mountains that most visitors have come to see.
There are several skiing resorts in the Hautes-Alpes region which are very popular with tourists and locals. The resorts in this part of France are more traditional; in fact one of the oldest skiing resorts in France, Montgenevre, is located in this region. Many of the towns and villages located close to the ski slopes are unspoilt by tourism, retaining their old town charms, such as narrow winding streets, chapels and churches and medieval buildings. Serre Chevalier is the largest resort in this part of the Alps, offering a range of activities such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and the unusual sport of snowshoeing. In the summer, the ski slopes become mountain bike courses or walking trails, while some of the steeper climbs should only be tackled by those with some mountaineering experience. The local tourist office will be able to advise you about where it is safe to hike or ride your bike, depending on your ability. After a long day on the slopes, you can always relax at the nearby spa town of Monetier-les-Bains, where you can still enjoy a soak in the natural hot spring baths.
While the southern part of Hautes-Alpes is still hilly, there are fewer large mountains, and the scenery becomes much less harsh. This is an easier area to explore on foot, if you’re not an experience walker, but you can still enjoy spectacular sights like the Meouge gorges or the Talbard Castle. The main town of Gap is located in this southern area too, with its functional modern town and pretty old town offering everything tourists could need. The main square becomes very lively in the summer months, with pavement cafes and musical performances, while there is a folk music festival held here every July.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Hautes-Alpes? Then below is a selection of gites in Hautes-Alpes and villas in Hautes-Alpes that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
