Attractions and Places To See around Les Costes - Top 20

Les Costes is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. You can discover the spectacular Infernet Gorge, carved by the Souloise River, offering views of steep rock formations and geological features. Another highlight is Lacs de Pétarel, a series of vibrant alpine lakes set against the backdrop of the Valgaudemar valley. The Col du Noyer (1664 m) provides breathtaking panoramic views separating the Champsaur and Dévoluy regions.

Yes, the region around Les Costes is excellent for cycling. The Col du Noyer (1664 m) is a popular spot for scenic road cycling with light traffic. For more extensive options, you can explore various routes for gravel biking and road cycling. Check out the dedicated guides for Gravel biking around Les Costes and Road Cycling Routes around Les Costes, which include routes like the 'Le Drac – Great street, great view loop' and 'Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur – Chaillol 1600 loop'.

Beyond cycling, Les Costes offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, with trails leading through gorges and to alpine lakes. You can also visit Chaillol 1600, a village resort that provides a varied ski area in winter and is a base for summer activities. The nearby Parc national des Écrins also offers extensive opportunities for nature exploration. For specific hiking routes, refer to the Hiking around Les Costes guide.

Yes, Les Costes and the surrounding Champsaur valley offer activities suitable for families. The Chaillol 1600 resort provides activities for all levels, making it a good base for families. While specific family-friendly trails are not detailed, many natural areas like the Valgaudemar Valley offer accessible paths for leisurely walks. Exploring picturesque villages like Villar-Loubière can also be an enjoyable family outing.

The region boasts charming villages and cultural landmarks. Villar-Loubière is a picturesque village located above the Séveraisse river, overlooked by the Chastelas cliff, and serves as an entry point to the high peaks of Valgaudemar. It also features a straw-roofed mill that can be visited. Approximately 10 km north-west, in the Isere department, you can find Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, an important pilgrimage destination known for its mountainous setting.

The best time to visit Les Costes for outdoor activities largely depends on your preference. For hiking and cycling, late spring (May/June) through early autumn (September/October) offers pleasant weather and accessible trails. During mid-May, some higher-altitude areas like Lacs de Pétarel might still have snow. Winter is ideal for skiing and snow-related activities, particularly at resorts like Chaillol 1600.

Yes, Chaillol 1600 is a village resort situated at an altitude of 1600 meters in the Champsaur valley, offering a varied and sunny ski area with activities for all levels and comfortable accommodation options. It's known as the 'sun station' of Champsaur.

Absolutely. The region is rich with scenic viewpoints. The Col du Noyer (1664 m) offers an 'indescribable beauty' panorama, especially of the Drac valley. The Lacs de Pétarel provide stunning views with their vibrant colors against the Valgaudemar valley and its peaks. The village resort of Chaillol 1600 also boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Beyond the popular spots, the Infernet Gorge is a truly unique natural attraction, offering a dramatic canyon experience with towering cliffs and striking geological formations. The Valgaudemar Valley, located about 15 km east-north-east, is also recognized as one of the most picturesque natural highlights in the region, known for its pristine beauty and high peaks.

To experience local life, you can visit the markets in nearby towns. Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur, Gap (approximately 21 km south-south-east), Lus-la-Croix-Haute, Veynes, Chorges, Le Bourg-d'Oisans, La Mure, and Vallouise all host markets on various days of the week, offering a chance to discover local produce and crafts.

Yes, the natural environment around Les Costes provides opportunities for wildlife spotting. When hiking along the Infernet Gorge, you might be lucky enough to spot local wildlife such as peregrine falcons and wild goats. The broader Hautes-Alpes region and the Parc national des Écrins are known for their diverse fauna.

Yes, the Parc national des Écrins, a significant natural attraction with a high rating, is located in the vicinity of Les Costes. This national park offers extensive protected areas for hiking, wildlife observation, and experiencing pristine alpine environments.