Holidays in the Hautes-Alpes, Provence, France
The Hautes-Alpes area is dominated by the mountains that share its name.
Outdoor activities are very popular in the region, from skiing in the winter to climbing, sailing and hiking in the summer.
Because of the many mountain roads in the Hautes-Alpes department, the world-famous cycling race, the Tour de France, often visits the region during the month of July.
If you are luck enough to be in town when the Tour is passing through, you will be able to enjoy the carnival atmosphere as well as watching the world's top cyclists battle with the Alpine climbs.
Natural beauty The Queyras Valley in Hautes-Alpes is an unspoilt area of natural beauty, which is popular with tourists all year-round.
There are six ski resorts nearby with over 100km of downhill pistes for skiers of all abilities.
You can try snowboarding or cross-country skiing as well as enjoying the scenery and local restaurants.
If you're not an experienced skier, you can take a ride on a dog sled or enjoy ice-skating on the natural rink in Abries.
In summer there are hiking and mountain bike trails that take visitors round the best of the scenery or you can enjoy the view from horseback.
Adrenaline junkies can try out white water rafting or a more sedate kayak trip on the Aiguilles Lake.
Gap The town of Gap has a spectacular backdrop, surrounded by the Alps, and is a great base for winter sports enthusiasts who still enjoy spending time in the city.
The town was a popular health resort in the 19th century, where wealthier French families could come and enjoy the warm climate and freshwater Alpine springs.
Nearby is the 12th century Abbey of Boscodon, located at a high altitude amongst the mountains.
Not only can you admire the architecture, but also enjoy views over the local area.
Les Ecrins National Park The largest national park in France is located within the Hautes-Alpes area.
There is a wide variety of scenery within Les Ecrins; high, treacherous mountains along with soft alpine meadows.
Walking trails throughout the region suit all abilities and experience and cover forests, glaciers and lakes, as well as the ubiquitous mountains.
The peak of Barre des Ecrins is a haven for climbers at over 4,000m while the park authorities run cultural events throughout the year.
There are hotels, guesthouses and campground within the park and a good system of roads means it is easy to access even the remote parts of Les Ecrins.
Outdoor activities are very popular in the region, from skiing in the winter to climbing, sailing and hiking in the summer.
Because of the many mountain roads in the Hautes-Alpes department, the world-famous cycling race, the Tour de France, often visits the region during the month of July.
If you are luck enough to be in town when the Tour is passing through, you will be able to enjoy the carnival atmosphere as well as watching the world's top cyclists battle with the Alpine climbs.
Natural beauty The Queyras Valley in Hautes-Alpes is an unspoilt area of natural beauty, which is popular with tourists all year-round.
There are six ski resorts nearby with over 100km of downhill pistes for skiers of all abilities.
You can try snowboarding or cross-country skiing as well as enjoying the scenery and local restaurants.
If you're not an experienced skier, you can take a ride on a dog sled or enjoy ice-skating on the natural rink in Abries.
In summer there are hiking and mountain bike trails that take visitors round the best of the scenery or you can enjoy the view from horseback.
Adrenaline junkies can try out white water rafting or a more sedate kayak trip on the Aiguilles Lake.
Gap The town of Gap has a spectacular backdrop, surrounded by the Alps, and is a great base for winter sports enthusiasts who still enjoy spending time in the city.
The town was a popular health resort in the 19th century, where wealthier French families could come and enjoy the warm climate and freshwater Alpine springs.
Nearby is the 12th century Abbey of Boscodon, located at a high altitude amongst the mountains.
Not only can you admire the architecture, but also enjoy views over the local area.
Les Ecrins National Park The largest national park in France is located within the Hautes-Alpes area.
There is a wide variety of scenery within Les Ecrins; high, treacherous mountains along with soft alpine meadows.
Walking trails throughout the region suit all abilities and experience and cover forests, glaciers and lakes, as well as the ubiquitous mountains.
The peak of Barre des Ecrins is a haven for climbers at over 4,000m while the park authorities run cultural events throughout the year.
There are hotels, guesthouses and campground within the park and a good system of roads means it is easy to access even the remote parts of Les Ecrins.
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