Stunning natural and unspoilt areas such as Dévoluy, Valgaudemar beneath the Ecrins and the Céüse plateau. Sporting towns and villages of character nestling in the mountains. A cultural heritage accessed by climbing majestic mountain passes. Lake Serre-Ponçon, a water sports paradise. Would you like to discover one of the most beautiful parts of Provence and south-east France? Our campsite in the Hautes-Alpes (05) Les Rives du Lac welcomes you and invites you to explore our magnificent department. The picturesque towns and villages that surround us will charm you, some by their monuments, markets or curiosities, others simply by their atmosphere…
We are delighted to share with you our favourite places, villages and craftsmen in our Hautes-Alpes travel guide.
The Hautes-Alpes departement is mainly located in a mountainous area, some of which reach altitudes of over 3,000 m, or even 4,000 m+ (Barre des Écrins). So much so that Gap is the highest prefecture in France. This geographical configuration offers some extraordinary landscapes, as in the Ecrins National Park. From the Briançonnais to the Embrunais, from the Dévoluy to the Gapençais, the Hautes-Alpes is home to some magnificent natural regions to discover on foot, by car, by bike or on horseback.
From Les Rives du Lac, take a stroll through the neighbouring villages such as Sisteron, Esparron, Vitrolles, Montmaur, La Beaume, Serres or Upaix.
Lose yourself in the Vauban citadel in Briançon. Recollect yourself in the cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Arnoux in Gap.
Admire the architecture of Fort Queyras, Notre-Dame de Boscodon abbey, Randouillet fort and Saint-Jean chapel in L’Argentière-la-Bessée.
Go back in time at the Hautes-Alpes departmental museum and the Muséoscope du Lac in Serre-Ponçon.
Do you think you’ve reached the end of your surprises? Imagine the Southern Alps seen from the sky, in a hang-glider. This land blessed by nature is an ideal setting for a sporty holiday. Hiking, cycling, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, caving, horse riding… You can do all your favourite activities, from climbing the Col du Galibier or the Izoard by bike to a walk around the Serre-Ponçon lake. A tourist outing to Gap, the prefecture of the department, will also be one of the essential activities of your stay.
The Hautes Alpes, or how to enjoy the snow-covered peaks and fields of Lavender… Very close to the campsite, many fields are cultivated organically. You can visit the distilleries, test the different oils and creams of the producers. A little further south, discover the famous Valensole plateau with lavender fields as far as the eye can see. Cross the Durance river to dive into the heart of the Luberon, the Colorado Provençal, the villages of Provence. You are now close to Marseille, the most cosmopolitan and fascinating city in France! Don’t miss a kayak trip in the creeks of Cassis… So ready for a getaway in the heart of Provence during your holidays?
Go to the mountains in the Dévoluy massif, Haut Buëch, then dive into Provence by crossing the Gorges de la Méouge, an essential swimming spot…
Swim in the atmosphere of the Provençal villages, visit the various educational farms with your children or discover the many craftsmen of the region.
