What to see in France

Hautes-Alpes, camping in the mountains

Uitzicht op het meer van Serre-Ponçon in de Hautes-Alpes
Uitzicht op het meer van Serre-Ponçon in de Hautes-Alpes

 

Located in the mountains in its entirety, the Hautes Alpes department is one of the highest in France and is part of the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region. Built on part of the former province of Dauphiné, tourism is the lifeblood of this sparsely populated area. People come here in winter to ski and in summer to enjoy the beautiful nature of the natural parks, lakes and fresh air. Camping is a pleasant and easy way to enjoy the area with your family.

The campsite

There are a number of campsites in the Hautes-Alpes, some of which are located in ski resorts and therefore open in winter. Small and discreet, they often offer fabulous landscapes that you can enjoy from the terrace of your accommodation. More fun than a hotel, camping will be an unforgettable holiday memory for your children.

Places not to be missed

The gorges of the Méouge are one of the nuggets of the Hautes-Alpes. It is a classified biological reserve, part of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Park. It is the perfect place to enjoy a swim in cool water, sunbathe on the banks or practice canyoning.

The Serre-Ponçon lake was created in 1959. It is the minerals and sediments in large quantities in its water that give it a colour worthy of the most beautiful southern seas. Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, its climate of 300 days of sunshine per year, accentuates its exotic side. An ideal place for water sports (your children will love the Aquaparc Embrun), swimming, sunbathing, or strolling along its 80 kilometres of banks to discover its superb panorama.

The Serre-Ponçon animal park is an exciting activity to do with your family during your holiday in the Hautes-Alpes. Situated just beside the lake, foxes, marmots and birds of prey are presented to you by the caretakers. A unique moment to share.

The Clarée is an unspoilt natural valley. For an ideal exploration you can start by visiting the church of St Marcellin in Névache and then continue with a walk to discover the lakes of Laramon, Serpent and Lac Vert.

The Grand Tour des Écrins offers magnificent scenery in the southern Alps. Best done in summer with children, you can easily explore this national park on foot, mountain bike or even on horseback.

It is in the Queyras natural park that you will find an important fauna and flora with a chance to see a marmot, a chamois or a bird of prey during your walk. The Queyras fort dating from the 13th century and redesigned by Vauban is also located here. Not a 100% natural park!

Considered the highest town in France, Briançon is perched at an altitude of over 1300 metres. An important historical town, it is necessary to climb to 1440 metres to visit the Fort des Têtes, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Vauban once again.

15 kilometres from Briançon, Serre Chevalier is the most important ski resort in the Southern Alps. It is also the reference for the inhabitants of the Hautes-Alpes who practice skiing and the many other activities are also proposed.

 

See all my campsites consulted