Gap Tallard Vallée
Gap – between the Parc National des Ecrins and the Citadel of Sisteron
With its pastel-coloured facades and narrow pedestrianised shopping streets, Gap, the administrative centre of Hautes-Alpes, is a wonderful combination of modernity and a quality way of life. Whether with family or friends, for a relaxing break or an activity holiday, Gap has something for everyone ! Its excellent amenities include Alp Aréna ice rink, La Passerelle theatre and a bustling town centre with street performances and all kinds of events. The maze of narrow streets with tall houses are evidence of the town’s ’fortified’ past.
Nature lovers should head for the Domaine de Charance, a lush green setting which is home to the National Alpine Botanical Conservatory. Stroll around its lake, explore the terraced gardens, marvel at the collection of old roses, follow the « piste de l’écureuil (squirrel trail) » - a fun family walk full of surprising discoveries leading up to the Balcon Perché du Rochasson, one of the loveliest viewpoints over Gap.
Gap is in a remarkable location on the Route Napoléon and within easy reach of major attractions: Parc National des Ecrins, Lake Serre Ponçon and the Citadel of Sisteron. The area frequently plays host to the Tour de France and Monte Carlo Rallye and its ice hockey team « Les Rapaces de Gap » have been champions of France several times. There are many mountain bike tracks of varying levels all around the area. It is not surprising that Gap is known as one of the most sport-friendly towns in France !
The Aérodrome at Gap Tallard is the number one centre in Europe for aerial leisure activities. It is also a base for aircraft construction and training. The many activities on offer include parachute jumping, soaring, sightseeing trips to view the mountains from the air, including Céüze, a mountain known worldwide for its rock climbing routes and cliffs over 130m high.
Tallard and its valley
The little town of Tallard has a listed medieval castle dating from the 14th – 16th centuries which has belonged to the local council since 1957. Following major restoration work it is now a venue for guided tours, concerts exhibitions and medieval shows.
Gap-Bayard has an 18-hole golf course which is open in summer. In winter, golfers make way for winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy skiing, snowshoe trekking, fat biking, cross-country skiing, etc.
The valleys are lined with rows of vines, pear trees and apple trees. Durance apples have ‘Label Rouge’ status for their exceptional quality. The area is ideal for outdoor activities like walking, mountain biking, cycle touring, horse riding and lots more. Pilgrims and ordinary visitors come to the Vallée de l’Avance to spend a few hours or days at Notre-Dame du Laus, a centre for spirituality.
A Gites de France customer tells us : « I had a magical experience near Gap. One fine morning in October we got up before dawn and went deep into the countryside where our guide was waiting for us by a strange-looking basket. The balloon itself was lying on the wet grass… It wasn’t until the burners fired up that I realised the size of it : immense !!
When the basket gently leaves the ground, you don’t feel anything and it’s only when you’re several metres up that you realise you’re flying in wonderful silence. I watched the sun rise over the Vallée de l’Avance. It’s hard to put my feelings into words : it was simply magical. The view of Gap, the neighbouring mountains and Lake Serre-Ponçon was a truly heavenly experience. We went up very high in the sky, we also skirted the treetops for a while before gently landing in a field by the aerodrome …
How to get to Gap
By air : to Grenoble 145km, Lyon 190km, Marseille 180km.
By road : Route Napoléon N85 or autoroute A51.
By rail : to Gap, TGV to Aix en Provence (165km)"
Our selection of accommodations
Lodging
La Dormance - Côté Bure
in LA ROCHE-DES-ARNAUDS - Hautes-Alpes
