Hautes-Alpes, the department
Hautes-Alpeslocated in the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'AzurThese regions combine natural beauty, a rich history and a wide range of activities. This mountainous département, with Gap as its capital, is perfect for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts. It covers 5,548.7 km² and is home to 140,976 inhabitants (2021), offering a harmony of picturesque villages and majestic Alpine landscapes.
Administered from Gap, the département is divided into 15 cantons and 162 communes, ensuring efficient management of the region. The Hautes-Alpes boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, including sites such as Mont-Dauphin and Gap Cathedral. With its outdoor activities and renowned ski resorts such as Serre-Chevalier, the Hautes-Alpes is a favorite destination for many travelers.
Find out more about the Alps, read our detailed article here.
Explore the natural heritage of the Hautes-Alpes
Ecrins National Park
Founded in 1973, the National Park des Écrins is a showcase of biodiversity in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes, extending over 925 km² and straddling the Hautes-Alpes and Isère departments. It is famous for its varied landscapes, which include the Barre des Écrins, culminating at 4,102 meters, as well as glacial valleys and sub-alpine pastures.
This park is a sanctuary for numerous rare animal and plant species, including chamois, golden eagle and marmot. Nature lovers can discover a multitude of hiking trails, such as the Oussella trail offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Réallon valley. In addition, park houses such as the one in Vallouise welcome and inform visitors.
Lake Serre-Ponçon
Created in 1960, the lake de Serre-Ponçon is the largest man-made lake in mainland France. Located in the southern Hautes-Alpes, this jewel is the result of the construction of a dam on the Durance River. It is distinguished by its unique landscape, lined with charming villages and mountainsIt is a paradise for sailing, fishing and water sports enthusiasts. It's a paradise for sailing, fishing and water sports enthusiasts.
The wild valleys
The Hautes-Alpes is also home to some wild and unspoilt valleys, notably the Clarée Valley, the Valgaudemar Valley and the Oisans Valley. Often accessible only on foot or by bike, these valleys offer unspoilt panoramas and are havens of peace for Alpine flora and fauna. They attract hikers and nature lovers in search of beauty and tranquillity.
Sports activities and adventures
Skiing and winter sports
The Hautes-Alpes is a true paradise for enthusiasts. ski and winter sports, with their 25 ski resorts such as Serre Chevalier, Puy Saint Vincent and Vars. The département offers a vast network of over 1,530 kilometers of trails suitable for all levels. Resorts such as Puy Saint Vincent and Névache stand out for their excellent cross-country ski trails, offering a variety of itineraries for novices and experts alike.
In addition to downhill and cross-country skiing, the Hautes-Alpes also offers other winter pleasures such as snowshoeing, dog sledding and tobogganing. These activities offer a unique way to explore the splendor of snow-covered mountains and enjoy nature in complete safety.
Hiking and trekking
The Hautes-Alpes region is a privileged area for lovers of the outdoors. hiking and trekking. The Ecrins National Park, with its majestic peaks and unspoilt valleys, offers a multitude of trails to suit all levels of experience.
The Clarée, Valgaudemar and Oisans valleys are particularly prized for their natural beauty and serenity. Hikers can choose from a wide range of itineraries, from leisurely strolls to ambitious treks. Local guides are on hand to enrich visitors' experience by sharing the secrets of the mountains.
Water sports
The Hautes-Alpes also offers a wide range of water sports activities, particularly around Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the largest man-made lake in mainland France. Here you can enjoy sailing, fishing and a variety of water sports.
Neighboring towns such as Laragne-Montéglin and Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur have facilities for water sports and offer family leisure activities. Winter sports enthusiasts are also catered for, with the Gap and Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas ice rinks offering afternoon and evening fun.
Culture and historical heritage in the Hautes-Alpes department
Architecture and historic villages
In the Hautes-Alpes, a rich heritage architecture is revealed through historic villages that are not to be missed. Among them, Saint-Véran, perched at an altitude of 2,040 metres, stands out as one of the France's most beautiful villageswith its traditional larchwood chalets and picturesque fountains. La Grave, also renowned for its beauty, boasts authentic Alpine architecture. Buëch villages such as Serres, Rosans and Orpierre offer a distinct Provencal touch.
The fortifications of Briançon and the stronghold of Mont-Dauphin, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Siteillustrate the excellence of Vauban's military architecture. These sites, along with others such as Embrun, Boscodon and Château de Montmaur, invite you to explore the fascinating history and unique architecture of the Hautes-Alpes.
Museums and local art
The Hautes-Alpes boasts a rich network of museums celebrating the region's cultural and historical heritage. The Musée Muséum départemental des Hautes-Alpes in Gap, recognized as a Musée de France, offers a diversity of exhibitions ranging from contemporary art to archaeology, photography and the visual arts. Other museums, such as the one in Laragne-Montéglin, the Musée d'art sacré in Monêtier-les-Bains and the Musée de la mine in Briançon, plunge visitors into local history and culture.
The ecomuseums scattered around the département offer visitors the chance to discover the ancestral lives and traditions of the people of the Hautes-Alpes.
Gastronomy and local cuisine
Visit gastronomy of the Hautes-Alpes, a reflection of the region's culture, blends mountain and Provencal influences. Specialties include products such as cheese goat's cheese, honey, as well as mountain-grown fruit and vegetables, not to mention emblematic dishes such as tartiflette, raclette and crozets.
Exploring local markets, particularly those in Gap and Briançon, is a great way to discover these products and savor Haute-Alpine cuisine. The region's restaurants and inns also offer traditional menus that celebrate local produce and flavors.
Hautes-Alpes - Conclusion
The Hautes-Alpes offers a diverse and unforgettable experience to suit all types of traveler. With its remarkable natural heritage embodied by the Parc National des Écrins, its renowned ski resorts, its villages steeped in history and its tasty gastronomy, this département is a jewel to explore.
Whether you're passionate about nature, history or sporting activities, the Hautes-Alpes promises exceptional discoveries. We invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty of these landscapes and take full advantage of all this enchanting territory has to offer.
FAQ
What is the number of the Hautes-Alpes department?
The Hautes-Alpes department is numbered 05. It is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
What are the major towns in the Hautes-Alpes?
Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, the Hautes-Alpes département includes several major towns. Gap, its prefecture, is the most notable, followed by Briançon, recognized as the highest town in France. Embrun and Laragne-Montéglin are also important towns, famous for their mountainous landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
What's the most beautiful town in the Hautes-Alpes?
Briançon is often cited as the most attractive town in the Hautes-Alpes, thanks to its rich historical heritage and exceptional location in the Alps. This medieval town boasts breathtaking panoramas and remarkably well-preserved architecture, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Why Haute-Alpes 05?
The number 05 assigned to Hautes-Alpes is derived from the French geographical coding system, where each department is assigned a unique code. The 05 specifically identifies Hautes-Alpes, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, simplifying the organization and retrieval of postal addresses.
