Things to Do in Hautes-Alpes
Hautes-Alpes is a region in southeastern France, situated in the heart of the French Alps. Its geography is defined by dramatic mountain landscapes, high-altitude peaks, glacial valleys, and diverse natural features, including numerous rivers and lakes. This varied terrain provides an ideal setting for outdoor pursuits, offering opportunities for several sports like road cycling, hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and more. The region's environment is characterized by its well-preserved, wild, and rugged alpine character.
Things to Do in Hautes-Alpes
The Hautes-Alpes offers a wide range of outdoor activities, with more than 9,000 routes available across several sports like road cycling, hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and more. More than 1,445,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars for routes in the region. For road cyclists, the Hautes-Alpes is known for its iconic mountain passes, such as the Col du Galibier and Col d'Izoard, providing challenging ascents and scenic routes. Explore these routes further with Road Cycling Routes in Hautes-Alpes. Hikers can find extensive trail networks within Écrins National Park and Queyras Regional Natural Park, ranging from leisurely paths to ambitious treks, as detailed in Hiking in Hautes-Alpes. Mountain bikers have access to thousands of kilometers of trails, including lift-assisted downhill courses, all-mountain trails, and multi-day cross-country itineraries, which can be discovered through MTB Trails in Hautes-Alpes.
277
Routes
4.6
(5220)
Average rating
82710
People visited
4.9
(74)
4,671
riders
98.8km
05:53
2,320m
2,320m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.8
(69)
4,264
riders
88.5km
05:11
2,140m
2,140m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.8
(53)
3,850
riders
74.2km
03:58
1,450m
1,450m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.7
(58)
2,450
riders
93.3km
05:29
2,310m
2,300m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(211)
1,842
hikers
11.3km
04:42
700m
690m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.8
(139)
1,792
hikers
9.09km
04:27
610m
610m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(140)
1,266
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.6
(119)
1,114
hikers
7.44km
02:54
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.1
(8)
1,455
riders
92.8km
06:58
2,190m
2,190m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.6
(29)
745
riders
75.4km
05:25
1,570m
1,570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(36)
487
riders
34.0km
02:17
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(21)
296
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(32)
172
riders
42.8km
04:39
1,450m
1,450m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.7
(22)
173
riders
37.8km
04:27
1,400m
1,400m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.9
(10)
150
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.2
(13)
133
riders
33.3km
03:56
960m
960m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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4.8
(17)
145
riders
44.1km
04:37
1,360m
1,360m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
37
riders
63.7km
07:10
1,830m
1,840m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(3)
39
riders
84.3km
08:28
2,060m
2,060m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.8
(6)
36
riders
40.5km
05:10
1,460m
1,460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
150
runners
34.2km
05:23
1,870m
1,870m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
138
runners
12.3km
02:26
730m
730m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.8
(4)
50
runners
11.2km
01:20
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(4)
65
runners
9.69km
01:03
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
16
hikers
17.4km
08:47
1,510m
1,510m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
18
hikers
25.9km
11:11
1,380m
1,380m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(3)
16
hikers
15.9km
06:38
820m
820m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
3.0
(1)
17
hikers
7.63km
03:59
660m
660m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Hautes-Alpes?
Hautes-Alpes offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including road cycling, hiking, touring cycling, and mountain biking. The region features more than 9,000 routes across various sports. These routes have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars from komoot users.
What are the most popular road cycling routes in Hautes-Alpes?
Hautes-Alpes is renowned for its challenging mountain passes, many of which are featured in the Tour de France. Iconic climbs include the Col du Galibier and Col d'Izoard. Cyclists can also explore scenic routes around Lac de Serre-Ponçon or sections of the Route des Grandes Alpes. For more options, consult the Road Cycling Routes in Hautes-Alpes guide.
Where can one find hiking trails in Hautes-Alpes?
Extensive hiking trail networks are available within Écrins National Park and Queyras Regional Natural Park. These parks offer routes ranging from leisurely paths to ambitious treks like the GR54 (Tour des Écrins). Hikers can discover natural wonders such as Eychauda Lake and the Gorges du Guil. The Hiking in Hautes-Alpes guide provides further details.
Are there family-friendly outdoor activities in Hautes-Alpes?
Yes, Hautes-Alpes offers various family-friendly options, particularly for hiking and mountain biking. There are numerous easy trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels. For specific hiking recommendations, refer to the Family-friendly hikes in Hautes-Alpes guide.
What are the main mountain biking trails in Hautes-Alpes?
Hautes-Alpes provides thousands of kilometers of mountain biking trails, catering to various skill levels. Options include lift-assisted downhill courses, all-mountain trails, and multi-day cross-country itineraries. The "Grande Traversée des Hautes-Alpes" (GTHA) is a notable route, offering over 217 miles (350 km) of demanding singletrack. Explore more with the MTB Trails in Hautes-Alpes guide.
What natural attractions are in Hautes-Alpes?
Key natural attractions include Écrins National Park, home to the Barre des Écrins (13,458 feet / 4,102 meters) and glacial lakes. Queyras Regional Natural Park features unspoiled scenery and deep valleys like the Gorges du Guil. Lac de Serre-Ponçon, a large artificial lake, is also a prominent feature, offering scenic views and water activities.
Are there touring cycling routes in Hautes-Alpes?
Hautes-Alpes is suitable for touring cyclists, with routes that combine natural beauty and cultural exploration. The region's diverse terrain and picturesque villages provide varied touring experiences. Marked trails allow cyclists to discover national parks and other scenic areas. The Cycling in Hautes-Alpes guide offers more information.
What is the Col du Galibier?
The Col du Galibier is a legendary mountain pass in Hautes-Alpes, reaching an altitude of 8,668 feet (2,642 meters). It connects Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne to Briançon and is famous for its regular inclusion in the Tour de France. The pass attracts numerous cycling enthusiasts seeking to conquer its challenging slopes and enjoy panoramic views.
What is Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
Lac de Serre-Ponçon is the largest artificial lake in mainland France, nestled at the foot of the mountains in Hautes-Alpes. This turquoise lake offers a vast area for water sports and is surrounded by stunning scenery. It is also a popular starting point or destination for various cycling routes.
How popular is Hautes-Alpes for outdoor activities on komoot?
Hautes-Alpes is a highly rated destination on komoot, with more than 1.4 million visitors sharing their experiences. The region's routes have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars. There are nearly 10,000 routes available across various sports, indicating its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.
What komoot guides are available for Hautes-Alpes?
Komoot offers several guides for Hautes-Alpes, including those for Road Cycling, Hiking, and MTB Trails. Other guides cover family-friendly hikes, cycling, running, traffic-free bike rides, gravel biking, and waterfall hikes. These resources provide curated route suggestions and local insights.
What national parks are located in Hautes-Alpes?
Hautes-Alpes is home to two significant protected areas: Écrins National Park and Queyras Regional Natural Park. Écrins National Park is known for its high alpine landscapes and biodiversity, while Queyras Regional Natural Park is recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and unspoiled scenery.
How can one contact the Hautes-Alpes tourism office?
For comprehensive information about tourism and economic development in the Hautes-Alpes, contact the Agence de Développement économique et touristique des Hautes-Alpes. The official website is www.hautes-alpes.fr, and the phone number is +33 4 92 53 62 00.
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