France impressions
The Hautes Alpes are simply fascinating. Mountains so high and impressive that you sometimes feel like you are in the Himalayas. In the Hautes Alpes you can find peace and relaxation far away from the tourist crowds. There are also many hours of sunshine. Canyons, waterfalls, lakes ... the nature in this region is breathtaking.
Places and surroundings:
Briancon
is at an altitude of over 1300 m, making it the highest city in France. Briancon impresses with its huge Vauban fortress (World Heritage Site) above the city, from which one has breathtaking views. The old town with its beautiful streets invites you to stroll. Overall a really nice town.
Vallouise
beautiful, quaint mountain village near the Pelvoux. Beautiful old houses in the village center, surrounded by huge mountains. A nice hike leads to the Cascades La Pissette in the middle of the forest. You can refresh yourself on the banks of the l'Onde and also walk along the river. In June you can admire incredibly beautiful flower meadows.
Puy Saint Vincent
high-altitude place, very touristy and not really beautiful in terms of the townscape. But the surroundings are fantastic, with views of the Pelvoux, the Vallouise valley, etc. There are several waterfalls and countless hiking trails that start here.
Mont Dauphin
known for its huge Vauban fortress. Location high above the Gorges de Guil and the Durance valley. Nice, small town center with a few restaurants and bistrots. The view of the Gorges de Guil is particularly beautiful.
Guillestre
larger place with a nice weekly market and very nice for a shopping spree. Great location, like most places in the Hautes Alpes. Guillestre is largely spared from tourism and is a very authentic town. There are very good restaurants!
Spray:
Small town on the north-eastern bank of Lac de Serre Poncon with a beautiful old town and nice squares with bistros. Here you can stroll through the small alleys.
Saint-Véran:
beautiful, quaint mountain village, which is one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. The highest commune in Europe, too. All around mountains and lonely valleys. In the high season, however, quite touristy.
Severe:
you think you are in Nepal. Beautiful mountain village with rustic stone houses and the frontal view of the La Mèije glacier. A village that you should definitely take a closer look at.
Other excursion tips:
Hike to the car-free village of Dormillouse:
a wonderful hike along an impressive waterfall in the tiny mountain village of Dormillouse, which has no road connection. The few residents have to park below and walk up the path. You drive the D238 via Freissienieres to the end, there you can park and start walking. It is worth it !
Der Lac de Saint Appolinaire
idyllic little mountain lake above Lac de Serre Poncon and the village of Saint Appolinaire. Very nice to picnic and enjoy the silence and nature. Some hikes start here.
Lake of Siguret
This small, natural lake lies above the village of Saint André d'Embrun in the midst of an impressive mountain landscape. In summer colorful flowers grow everywhere and the view of the Durance valley is simply great.
Ailefroide und Prés de Madame Carle:
Glacier region near Vallouise and Pelvoux at the very end of the D204T. Even in summer there is usually still snow here. Lonely mountain region, rough and impressive.
Casse Deserte and the Col d'Izoard:
The area of the Casse Deserte is a kind of lunar landscape, interesting rock formations at an altitude of 2200 m. The Col d'Izoard (also known from the Tour de France) is 150 m higher. The views of the mighty mountains of the Hautes Alpes are breathtaking.
The Queyras:
a lonely mountain region with the most hours of sunshine in the Alps. Here you will only find pure nature, a few small villages such as Molines-en-Queyras or Aigulles. The drive through the Combe de Queyras is not without and not for fearful people. The nature for it grandiose and wild. There are countless hikes. St. Véran is also in this area
Serre Poncon lake:
huge reservoir with turquoise water near the village of Embrun. The places on the lake are not really nice and the lake shore is a matter of taste. Depending on the water level, it can also look repellent. The mountains around and the location itself is great. The water is of course also suitable for swimming. Personally, I only like the lake from above. (Views of the lake)
The Foret and the Abbaye de Boscodon:
Huge wooded area near the southeast bank of the lac de Serre Poncon. The Abbaye is idyllically situated on the edge of the forest and a number of hikes start here. There are always parking spaces and viewpoints. A wonderful place to relax away from the crowds.
My Hautes Alpes calendar:
My restaurant tips:
The taste of others in Embrun / Dedans Dehors in Guillestre / Le Table de Nany in Vallouise
