Briançon
This historic town is situated in the heart of the French Alps and features beautiful old buildings, fortifications, and a charming old town. Briançon is a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains and is also home to several museums and cultural attractions.
Ecrins National Park
This large national park in the Hautes-Alpes is home to some of the highest mountains in the French Alps, including Barre des Écrins, the highest peak in the region. The park is a great destination for hiking and mountaineering, as well as wildlife spotting and enjoying the beautiful alpine landscapes.
Les Orres
This ski resort is located in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes and offers stunning mountain views, excellent skiing and snowboarding, and a charming village atmosphere. In the summer, the resort is a great destination for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.

Hautes-Alpes

WELCOME TO Hautes-Alpes

Entry Into Department

largest city
Gap
AREA
2,376.07km2
POPULATION
40,000
official language
French

Popular

Geography and Tourist Attractions

Information about the canton's tourist attractions, including popular destinations, events, and activities.

Écrins National Park

Écrins National Park is a vast protected area in the French Alps, covering 918 square kilometers. It is home to stunning mountain landscapes, including glaciers, high peaks, and alpine meadows, as well as diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, climbing, and guided tours, to explore the park's natural beauty.

Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is a popular ski resort located in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France. With over 250 kilometers of slopes, it offers a wide range of winter sports activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the beautiful mountain landscapes.

Briançon

Briançon is a historic fortified town in southeastern France. Located at the crossroads of several mountain passes, it has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several landmarks, including the Vauban Fortifications, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also explore local markets, shops, restaurants, and attend cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Political

Economy and Government

Hautes-Alpes is a department with a population of approximately 140,000 people. The region's economy is mainly driven by tourism, with many ski resorts, outdoor recreational activities, and historic towns attracting visitors year-round. The agricultural sector is also significant, with crops such as lavender, cereals, and fruits grown in the area.

The local government is responsible for managing the department's public services, infrastructure, and economic development. The department is governed by a prefect, appointed by the French president, who oversees the implementation of national policies and regulations at the local level. The prefect is assisted by a council of departmental advisors, who are elected every six years by popular vote.

The department also has its own administrative center, located in the city of Gap, where various services are provided to residents and businesses, including education, healthcare, transportation, and social services. The department also works closely with other local authorities and organizations to promote economic development, innovation, and sustainability in the region.

Overall, Hautes-Alpes has a stable economy and a well-functioning local government that strives to improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors.

History

History and Culture

Hautes-Alpes has a rich history and culture that dates back to prehistoric times. The region was inhabited by various tribes and communities, including the Ligures, Celts, and Romans, who left traces of their presence in the form of archaeological sites, ruins, and landmarks.

In the Middle Ages, Hautes-Alpes became a center of Christian pilgrimage, with several abbeys, monasteries, and churches built in the area. The region was also known for its local crafts and traditions, such as weaving, woodwork, and pottery, which are still preserved and celebrated today.

During the French Revolution, Hautes-Alpes played a significant role in the political and social upheaval of the time. The region was a hotbed of resistance to the revolutionary government, with many local leaders and citizens opposing the new regime.

Today, Hautes-Alpes is a vibrant cultural center that celebrates its rich heritage and traditions through festivals, exhibitions, and performances. The region is also known for its local cuisine, which features specialties such as sausages, cheeses, and honey. Visitors can explore the many museums, galleries, and historic sites in the area, or participate in cultural events and activities to experience the unique character and charm of Hautes-Alpes.

HOTELS​

Les Chalets du Villard

Located in the heart of the Serre Chevalier ski resort, this upscale hotel offers cozy chalet-style accommodations with a rustic yet elegant decor. Guests can enjoy the spa, sauna, and indoor pool, as well as the on-site restaurant that serves gourmet French cuisine.

Hôtel Muret

This charming family-run hotel is situated in the village of Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. The hotel features cozy rooms with a traditional decor, a restaurant that serves local specialties, and a wellness center with a sauna and hot tub.

La Maison d'Aix

This luxury boutique hotel is located in the historic center of Aix-en-Provence, a picturesque town in the Hautes-Alpes region. The hotel features beautifully designed rooms with a contemporary yet cozy decor, a spa, a restaurant that serves organic cuisine, and a lovely garden where guests can relax and unwind.

RESTAURANTS​

Le Chalet de Pra Long

This mountain chalet-style restaurant is located in the heart of the Écrins National Park and offers stunning views of the surrounding alpine landscapes. The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and specialties, such as raclette, fondue, and charcuterie.

La Table de Gérald Passedat

Located in the historic center of Gap, this Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine and elegant atmosphere. The restaurant features an open kitchen, a terrace, and a wine cellar with a large selection of French and international wines.

Le Kawa Coffee Shop

This cozy coffee shop in Briançon offers a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious homemade food and baked goods. The menu includes a variety of breakfast and lunch items, as well as a selection of specialty coffees and teas. The cafe also has a small boutique selling local products and souvenirs.
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