📍 France

HAUTES-ALPES: HIGH MOUNTAINS AND ALPINE VALLEYS COMPLETE

Alpine peaks pierce the clouds in majesty, passes carve deep through granite, valleys blanket with wildflowers. The Hautes-Alpes are majestic.

≈ 9
Days
229
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Gap, Serre-Ponçon lake, Embrun cathedral, Saint-Véran Europe's highest village, Briançon's Vauban citadel and the preserved Clarée valley at Névache. Hautes-Alpes, peaks and authentic villages.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Gap

valley capital anchor city

Gap - Photo 1Gap - Photo 2Gap - Photo 3Gap - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Departmental museum.
2
Ski resort.
3
Summit plateau.
🎯

Activities

→
Charance Estate.
→
Lake.
→
Summer toboggan.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 32 km
Travel time: 38min
2
Day

Orcieres Merlette

ski resort alpine charm

Orcieres Merlette - Photo 1Orcieres Merlette - Photo 2Orcieres Merlette - Photo 3Orcieres Merlette - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Lake Serre-Ponçon.
2
Viewpoint.
🎯

Activities

→
Sailing.
→
Paddle boarding.
→
Beach.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
3
Day

Savines Le Lac

lake beauty crown water

Savines Le Lac - Photo 1Savines Le Lac - Photo 2Savines Le Lac - Photo 3Savines Le Lac - Photo 4Savines Le Lac - Photo 5Savines Le Lac - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Notre-Dame-du-Réal Cathedral.
2
Mont-Dauphin (Vauban citadel).
🎯

Activities

→
Rafting in the Guil gorges.
→
Discovery of local crafts.
→
Hiking to the forts.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 59 km
Travel time: 1h10
4
Day

Embrun

cathedral city glow stone

Embrun - Photo 1Embrun - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Highest commune in Europe.
2
Traditional village.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Alps.
→
Water sports.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 11 km
Travel time: 13min
5
Day

Guillestre

fortress heritage river town

Guillestre - Photo 1Guillestre - Photo 2Guillestre - Photo 3Guillestre - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Sundials.
2
Vauban fortified city (UNESCO).
3
Old upper town.
🎯

Activities

→
Rafting in the Guil gorges.
→
Via ferrata.
6
Day

Saint Veran

highest village tower peak

Saint Veran - Photo 1Saint Veran - Photo 2Saint Veran - Photo 3Saint Veran - Photo 4Saint Veran - Photo 5Saint Veran - Photo 6Saint Veran - Photo 7Saint Veran - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Border station.
2
Fort of Janus.
3
Clarée Valley.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking.
→
Discovery of local crafts.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 23 km
Travel time: 28min
7
Day

Briancon

fortress alpine crown majesty

Briancon - Photo 1Briancon - Photo 2Briancon - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Baroque chapels.
2
Citadel.
3
Old upper town.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking to the forts.
→
Museum.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 12min
8
Day

Montgenevre

border alpine gateway pass

Montgenevre - Photo 1Montgenevre - Photo 2Montgenevre - Photo 3Montgenevre - Photo 4Montgenevre - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Border station.
2
Fort of Janus.
🎯

Activities

→
Cross-border hike.
→
Mountain biking.
→
Via ferrata.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 20min
9
Day

Nevache

mountain village glow high

Nevache - Photo 1Nevache - Photo 2Nevache - Photo 3Nevache - Photo 4Nevache - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Clarée Valley.
2
Baroque chapels.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Alps.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 52 km
Travel time: 1h03

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.