French Southern Alps

It happens to all of us. Sometimes we forget that true riches cannot be bought. True luxury is reconnecting to the essentials in life, with the family, on an athletic or contemplative hike through a forest in the Queyras and wondering at the protected plant life and the star-filled sky of the Mercantour National Park. Or even striding through the immense green valleys of the Ecrins National Park, where herds of sheep pasture free and where nothing troubles the song of the black grouse. In the French Southern Alps, the legendary peaks and mythical cols of La Bonette, L’Izoard or Le Lautaret, the great GR (long-distance hiking trails) such as La Routo and the built heritage of old mountain hamlets remind us that only the authentic remains. Nothing is more important than sharing these precious moments of life which will be etched on your memory forever.

The lakes and rivers of the French Southern Alps have nothing to envy the waters of the Mediterranean. In these landscapes bathed in the intense heat of the South of France, they change with the warmer days into welcoming cool oases. Naturally filtered by plants, the Chantemerle lake even offers the privilege of an organic swim. Each waterpoint is a new decor to contemplate. The Lake of Serre-Ponçon, and the surprising chapel of St. Michel, perched on its tiny island, emerging from the water. The Ubaye River and the swirling water of the Gorges du Guil, are great for rafting. Or the launes, the lovely bathing pools formed by the Esteron river… And if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, the landscapes forged by the water also have their surprises: Lake Nègre, with its dark surface and its ochre-coloured granite walls, or the green lake of Fontalbana, which gets its particular colour from the reflection of the larch trees.

A huge playground given to us by nature, the French Southern Alps guarantee that little boost of adrenaline which will make your stay a very special one. Seasoned sportspeople or beginners – there’s something for everyone. Get your thrills on a Via Ferrata session along the cliff face with ladders, footbridges and zip lines – a sort of cross between hiking and climbing. It’s the best moment to appreciate the view of the high peaks, Alpine pastures or Briançon’s Cité Vauban! Climbers of all levels, get up high, and take a deep breath while you contemplate La Meije, the Barre des Écrins or Tête de l’Estrop. For the rest of you, dare to explore the underground worlds on a Via Souterrata, ride free as a bird along the steep paths or dance in the sky with a paraglider above the valley of Serre-Chevalier.

Just think of it: with your eyes riveted on the stars above the peaks on a gentle summer evening with the family. Time is standing still… Protected from the light pollution of the towns, the night sky of the French Southern Alps is the purest and the most star-filled. All you need to do is contemplate it and enjoy the moment. Next morning, in the early hours, you will explore the Plateau de Bure, in the Dévoluy range and its satellite dishes, which are continuously watching the universe, will plunge you into a science fiction setting. Man’s hand and genius have also left their mark on the mountains of the Alps and the fortifications in Briançon and Mont-Dauphin designed by Vauban, Louis XIV’s military engineer, designed, have proudly spanned the centuries and are now listed in the UNESCO World Heritage.

For the epicureans and lovers of simple, authentic recipes, the flavours of the French Southern Alps meet everyone’s taste in summer. Runny or creamy honey in pastries, sweets and even cosmetics, valley fruits declined in jam or cordial version, and of course, the famous Tarte des Alpes which is good to share on a picnic. But it’s always the season to indulge yourself: a typical charcuterie from the Ubaye Valley, fumeton has your tastebuds excited even in the summer. The same goes for the famous Tourtons du Champsaur – enjoy!! And the not-to-be-missed cheeses from the Queyras. Buy them directly from producers! Or on an educational farm, where the littles can bottle-feed the baby goats. A rare moment, and one which really counts. And for a long time…