The Hautes Alpes
Population: 113,000 inh. Surface 5,643 km².
This departement is formed of valleys canyons and mountains going from the northern Alps to Provence following the Napoleon's route to Gap, and ranges from 500m. to 4,302m. in altitude.
Endowed with an exceptional environment the Hautes Alpes has managed to keep clear of industry and large crowds.
The atmosphere has stayed casual and convivial.
There is an alpine feeling in this departement due to its steep slopes, the abondance of snow and the mountain villages.
Its Provencal character remains true, however, because of the sunny days, the cooking,and of course that typical Provencal accent.
WINTER
The Hautes Alpes boasts of more than 30 different ski resorts from Queyras to Devoluy, from the Briançon area (Briançonnais) to the Vallonite. The Hautes Alpes offers over 30 ski areas.
Every type of skiing is available even parachute skiing, all enjoyed in the warm atmosphere of authentic chalets, snowy pastures and sleigh rides.
SUMMER
The beauty and bounty of nature are to be discovered through multiple activities: hiking, sailing, climbing, 500 km of rivers welcome rafting, canyoning, kayaking ... but also mountain biking, horse riding, hang-gliding ...
50% of the French flora is represented there, the Ecrins National Parkshelters chamois, ibex, marmots, and heather roosters on nearly 100,000 ha crisscrossed by 1,000 km of trails.
In the regional park of Queyras (60.000 ha) a visitor will find little villages someimes as high up as 2,000m.
One can buy delicious mountain cheeses, aromatic honeys or bite into a juicy apple while admiring the scenery.
Main valleys and locations:
Queyras.Serre-Poncon Lake.
Brianconnais.
Embrunais.
Gapencais.
Champsaur massif.
Vallouise Valley.
Main ski and winter sports resorts:
Les Orres.Puy Saint Vincent.
Serre Chevalier.
Vars.
Other departements
