Activities and Places of Interest
Click here for a slideshow from Haute Alpes Tourisme, and here for the Hautes Alpes Tourism website
Skiing, Snowboarding and Cross Country Skiing
The nearest resort is La Jarjatte (25mins) this is small, friendly and very beautiful – ideal for young families and beginners.
La Joup du Loup (40mins) and Superdevoluy (50mins)
these resorts are much larger and higher in altitude and linked to each other by ski runs and cable cars. Go to le devoluy for further information.
Climbing
For serious rock climbing go to the viaferrata web site. The nearest is 'Gorges d'Agnielles' in La Faurie (dept 05) and via de la Berche' in Lus (dept 26).
For a fantastic safer climbing experience for children of all ages to adult visit jungle-aventure - a good hour's drive to Station de Laye but well worth it - also a ski resort - le Renard restaurant is strongly recommended.
Cycling
Mountain biking is popular - some serious epic routes pass through our area - choose one or plan your own. Road riding - there are cyclists everywhere - "le tour de France" often passes nearby. For more information and some suggested routes in the Haute Alpes visit holiday-alps.
Walking
GR routes are well-marked (use IGN maps) and there are many waymarked paths, but smaller footpaths sometimes require a compass, ingenuity and persistence! Visit La Jarjatte for a favourite local beauty spot.
Swimming
In summer there are heated outdoor pools at Lus La Croix Haute or Veynes, or the very popular and free "plan d'eau" - a small lake for swimming, small dinghies, pedaloes etc (and nightlife for teenagers.)
Horse Riding
Veynes has a large and popular equine centre by the "plan d'eau". Individual lessons and treks available.
Cultural and Historical Sites
The cities of Grenoble, Gap and Sisteron (with its popular and famous "citadel") are all about an hour away. The ancient town of Serres is extraordinary - walk through the old narrow streets with houses 4 floors high and 1 room wide and deep, built into vertical rock.
Watersports
All watersports are to be found at Lac de Serre-Poncon 1 ¼ hours drive away - the largest manmade dam in Europe. White water rafting is to be found on some rivers in the area.
Geological Sites
All over you will find extraordinary rock formations, weathering, gorges and peaks. Gorges de la Meouge is very picturesque and popular with young families for paddling.
Further Information
More information can be found online: Try www.buech.com for local to our area, or www.provenceweb.fr for further south into Provence.
South
Drive further south for lavender fields, acres of fruit trees and vineyards.
West
Or drive west to explore the Vercors region - an area of outstanding natural beauty and more skiing.
South-West
Or go south-west for ancient Roman history: Pont du Gard near Avignon/Nimes; Arles and it's amphitheatre; Avignon's famous bridge and Palais des Papes.