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24 May

Experience magnificent Provence, France (Blog 4)

Explore thirteen thrilling destinations in the Hautes-Alpes

Experience magnificent Provence, France (Blog 4)

Provence is a must for your travelwishlist! The region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur comprises of 6 departments, i.e. Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes,  Bouches-du-Rhone, Haute-Alpes, Var and Vaucluse.In our fourth blog we explore the heavenly Hautes-Alpes:

 

Hautes-Alpes map travelwishlist

 

1. BRIANCON

Briancon travelwishlist

 

At an altitude of 1,326 metres (4,350 feet) Briancon is the highest city in France (based on the French definition as a community containing more than 2,000 inhabitants). On 8 July 2008, several buildings of Briançon were classified by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, as part of the "Fortifications of Vauban" group. 

 

Briancon travelwishlist

 

2. EMBRUN

Embrun travelwishlist

 

Embrun is located between Gap and Briançon and at the eastern end of one of the largest artificial lakes in Western Europe: the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The lake gathers the waters of the Durance and the Ubaye rivers, flowing down through the Hautes-Alpes and the Alpes du Sud to the Rhône.

 

Embrun travelwishlist

 

3. GAP

Gap travelwishlist

 

Gap is the capital and largest town of the Hautes-Alpes department. At a height of 750 m above sea level, it is France's highest prefecture (departmental capital). Gap is also famous for the production of apples and pears. It also hosts many events throughout the year, such as the Monte Carlo Rally, the Carnival of the Alps & the Tour de France.

 

Gap travelwishlist

 

4. GUILLESTRE

Guillestre travelwishlist

 

Guillestre is the gateway to the Queyras Regional Nature Park and is the capital of the “Land of Guillestrois”, which consists of eight municipalities. 

 

Guillestre travelwishlist

 

5. LA GRAVE

La Grave travelwishlist

 

The village of La Grave is in a remote part of the Hautes Alpes and rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France.  By road, La Grave is 80km (1½hr) east of Grenoble & around 40km (50min) west of Briançon. It is a small ski resort in the French Alps, dominated by La Meije.

 

La Grave travelwishlist

 

6. MONT DAUPHIN

Mont Dauphin travelwishlist

 

Mont-Dauphin is a commune in the Hautes-Alpes at the confluence of Durance and Guil rivers, overlooking the impressive canyon of the latter flowing down from Queyras valleys. Mont-Dauphin is one of the many places fortified by Vauban in the second half of the 17th century.

 

7.  MONTGENEVRE
Montgenevre travelwishlist

 

Montgenèvre is located on the Italian border and dates back to pre-Roman times, when it served as an ancient passage between Italy and France. Montgenèvre is an idyllic, charming French village bathed in 300 days of sunshine a year. 

 

Montgenevre travelwishlist

 

8. ORPIERRE
Orpierre travelwishlist

 

Orpierre is a commune in the Baronnies Provençales,  located in the valley of Céans, 12 km from Laragne, with a population of only 324 in 2008. The charming village has multiple venues for sport climbing nearby; one is directly to the north of the village. 

 

9. SAINT-BONNET-EN-CHAMPSAR
Saint Bonnet et Champsaur travelwishlist

 

This medieval town is the historical capital of the Champsaur valley, located at an altitude of 1 025 meters and a stop on the Napoleon road. Explore the town square, Place Grenette, ancient houses and narrow streets.

 

10. SAINT-VERAN

Saint Veran travelwishlist

 

Saint-Véran, located in the French Alps, is the most elevated commune in France and in Europe. It is the third highest village in Europe, after Trepalle in Italy and Juf in Switzerland. The village is named after Saint Véran, 6th century Bishop of Cavaillon who in legend drove away a dragon.

 

Saint Veran travelwishlist

 

11. SERRE CHEVALIER

Serre Chevalier travelwishlist

 

Serre Chevalier is a major ski resort in Southeastern France.  Located near Écrins National Park, the resort encompasses a large skiing area, with 250 km of slopes and favourable weather, boasting 300 days of sunshine a year.

 

Serre Chevalier travelwishlist

 

12. SERRES

Serres travelwishlist

 

Serres is located in a region called Dauphiné which, centuries ago, was traditionally given as a fief to the Dauphin (the heir to the throne). Former medieval stronghold built at the entrance of a pass through which flows the river Buëch, it is rich in local history - notably because of the role of the Duke of Lesdiguières during the religious wars at the end of the 16th century

 

Serres travelwishlist

 

13. VALLOUISE-PELVOUX

Vallouise-Pelvoux travelwishlist

 

This small village is situated in the heart of the Ecrins National Park in the district of Briancon. It is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Ecrins massif, like Ailefroide and Pelvoux. The area is famous for its natural beauty and ski resort.

 

Vallouise-Pelvoux travelwishlist

 

 

FOOD: TOURTONS

Originally from the Champsaur valley in the Hautes-Alps, tourtons were a traditional Christmas dish. They were often called "Baby Jesus' cushions” and are fried thin pastry parcels with a mashed potato, fresh Tomme cheese and onion filling,  served with a green salad or some meat. Sweet tourtons are made of mashed apples and prunes.


HOW TO GET AROUND: Rent a car to truly experience the stunning countryside, all the villages on your travelwishlist and much more

WHEN TO GO: The best times to visit Provence are from March to May and September through November, when the weather and the crowds are moderate. Early July is however the best time to visit lavender fields in Provence -  lavender fields start to be harvested on the Valensole plateau in mid-July.

CURRENCY: Euro

LANGUAGE: French

 

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