Exceptional Orchards
A Deep Dive into the Heart of a Thriving Agricultural Hub
As the last fruits are harvested in the orchards of the Hautes-Alpes, it’s time to take stock of one of the department’s true driving forces. And the numbers are impressive: with nearly 600 hectares of orchards, 283 farms, and the equivalent of 4,900 full-time jobs, the local fruit-growing industry is running at full speed. Every year, no fewer than 70,000 metric tons of apples and 11,000 metric tons of pears are harvested.
But there’s no question of resting on our laurels. In less than ten years, more than 300 hectares of orchards have been completely replanted. The goal? To boost yields, modernize the orchards, and, above all, spread out the harvests to offer local fruit for a larger portion of the year.
The Golden, the undisputed star… but far from being the only one!
If there’s one true queen in our orchards, it’s the Golden. Thanks to the pure mountain air and the temperature fluctuations between day and night, it develops a unique, lovely “pink blush” here. In fact, it is the only apple in France to hold both the Label Rouge and a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
But the High-Alpine orchard hides an incredible array of culinary delights. When it comes to apples, the very sweet Gala and the late-season Fuji sit alongside the tart Granny Smith, the Reinette grise (perfect for baking), and newcomers like Story and Swing—queens of organic and eco-friendly farming—round out the selection. Not to mention heritage and heirloom varieties like the Pomme de Moisson and the Calville, which are celebrated every year at the Heirloom Fruit Market in Orpierre.
Pears aren’t to be outdone! The William’s—melt-in-your-mouth and fragrant—leads the way alongside the Comice, the early-ripening Guyot, the Conférence, and the modern Qtee®. And for lovers of local history, legendary heirloom varieties like the Crémésine (nicknamed the “Gloutte de Gap”) and the Sarteau continue to be the pride of the region.
What’s the secret to this success?
A one-of-a-kind natural blend: pure water, cool nighttime air, high altitude, and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. A magical combination that gives our fruit a simply exceptional flavor.
Fall Colors
The mountains are taking on their autumn colors. From the blazing reds of the deciduous trees to the golden hues of the larch, nature offers a spectacle that is as magnificent as it is fleeting. As the peaks begin to take on a dusting of white, creating a subtle contrast, mushrooms add a splash of color to the forest floor.
From the ground to the sky, the mountain reveals itself like a work of art that lasts only a moment.
When is it? It’s now.
Vintage Fruit Market
Apples, pears, and… figs
The All Saints’ Day Vintage Fruit Market is held in the shadow of the Orpierre cliffs, well known to rock climbers. It’s a pleasure to stroll through this picturesque little village with its Provençal charm.
Stalls selling fruit from local orchards, nuts, and other local products line the narrow streets. Workshops and demonstrations offer a chance to discover traditional skills: regenerative pruning of fruit trees, old-fashioned fruit juice pressing, and the making of pistoles with the Confrérie des Pistoliers de Trescléoux.
Thanks to the many nurseries in the area, you can purchase heirloom varieties of apple, pear, and other fruit trees to enhance your garden. At lunchtime, a large table is set for guests to enjoy traditional spelt soup. Reservations are strongly recommended.
For this24th edition, the fig will take center stage. I can’t wait to discover all the different ways it’s prepared.
See you on Saturday, October 24!
Halloween
A Spooky Vacation in the Hautes-Alpes
AsHalloween approaches, witches, ghosts, and evil spirits emerge from the darkness to take over the Hautes-Alpes.
Young and old alike are invited to immerse themselves in a world of horror.
In the Dévoluy, who will dare to venture into the tunnel where ghosts, witches, zombies, and other macabre creatures await you with a chilling welcome?
Will the kids find their way out of the maze? Will they make it in time for the Zombie Party?
A Montgenèvre, adventure, creativity, and fun come together for an immersive experience. Decorations, surprises, a mysterious atmosphere, and interactive activities will transform the resort into a true playground for all Halloween enthusiasts.
High-Altitude Regions
A partnership that takes the field to heart!
From radio studios to agricultural fairs, RCF Alpes-Provence and the Hautes-Alpes Development Agency have fostered a partnership that does more than just talk about the region—it gives the region a voice!
Through its program *Terroirs d’altitude*, RCF Alpes-Provence regularly gives a platform to the producers, artisans, and key players who bring the Hautes-Alpes to life. In collaboration with the Development Agency, which is hitting the road this fall: four live broadcasts from the heart of the department’s agricultural fairs.
After the Rencontres Paysannes in Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, the microphones headed to La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar on October 4 for the traditional Goat Fair. And even though the fair is over, the goat-themed meal is still a hit! This culinary specialty remains in the spotlight at restaurants in Champsaur and Valgaudemar throughout the month of October.
Upcoming stops : the Orpierre heirloom fruit market on October 24, followed by the Pépites agricoles in La Bâtie-Neuve from November 20 to 22.
The radio station’s commitment extends beyond these on-site events. Throughout the year, it organizes numerous events, explores new topics, and highlights initiatives in the Hautes-Alpes. At the helm of the show *Terroirs d’altitude*, Suzan Tokgoz and Sylvain Roux bring this collaboration to life episode after episode. And that certainly deserves a spot in the spotlight!
Grand Trail of
Serre-Ponçon
An organization that pays close attention to every detail
Before the big day, there’s a buzz of activity everywhere! This year, there’s something brand-new at the lake: a village featuring equipment vendors, local products, and entertainment is being set up to welcome participants and their families. On the surrounding slopes and ridges, course markers are hard at work, and aid stations are being set up.
Word on the street is that they even have some little treats to whip up on the spot, much to our delight.The welcome is warm, and the great food is evident at the aid stations, which offer well-chosen and generous portions; the volunteers’ enthusiasm gives you a much-needed boost when your legs start to feel the strain.
The course markings are precise, the scenery is breathtaking, it’s a night race, and the thrills are tenfold.
In the village, there’s music, concerts, and family-friendly activities. Everything you need for a great time enjoying sports—and for those tagging along.
I’m signing up again for next year!
Lagrand Turkey Fair
The oldest fair in the Hautes-Alpes
For nearly eight centuries, the residents of Buëch have gathered on September 9 for the turkey fair. Originally, people used to buy poultry there for the end-of-year holidays.
Today, it has also become an event showcasing crafts and local and regional products. In the afternoon, there will be a guided tour of the village led by the Friends of Lagrand’s Heritage, along with a trip back in time featuring bread baked in the village’s communal oven.
The Lagrand Turkey Fair marks the start of the fall fair and market season in the Hautes-Alpes. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in this new season as it unfolds before us, with its unique colors, scents, and crispness.
The Aiguillette du Lauzet
A Path to the Summits
Clinging to the cliffs of the Aiguillette du Lauzet, between the Col du Lautaret and Le Monêtier-les-Bains, this via ferrata offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the Hautes-Alpes. As you make your way along the ledges and vertical sections, the rocky landscape—reminiscent of the Dolomites—opens up to reveal the peaks and glaciers of the Écrins massif.
Rated PD (Not Very Difficult), the via ferrata does not present any major technical challenges, but its scale makes it a true mountain hike: 900 m of elevation gain and 6 to 7 hours total, including the approach hike and return. The equipped route itself takes about 2 to 3 hours and has no escape route.
At the summit, at an elevation of 2,611 meters, the view is well worth the effort: the Agneaux, the Barre des Écrins, and the Ailefroide come into view on the horizon. To extend the experience, the return trip can take you over the Col de l’Aiguillette and through the Alpe du Lauzet valley, with the Cerces and the Grand Galibier as a backdrop.
Starting point: Pont de l’Alpe, on the D1091
Recommended period: late June through late September
Difficulty level: PD (Slightly Difficult); good physical condition recommended
Reserved passes
Before the season wraps up
With a team from Club Hautes-Alpes—put together specifically for the “Cols Réservés” event at the Col d’Izoard on August 11—we set out to get a feel for the atmosphere.
And… it’s great! Open to everyone: seasoned cyclists, amateurs, and recreational riders all enjoy the experience together. The atmosphere is friendly, warm, and pleasant, and conversations are in full swing at the refreshment and tasting stations.
And for a special outing, a special guest!
This one-day team hit the slopes alongsideAurélie Richard, an Olympic medalist in para-skiing.
August 18, 19, 20, and 21, and finally September 6—five more dates to enjoy the hikes without motor vehicles.
Festivals for the Whole Family
Throughout the year, the Hautes-Alpes invites families to enjoy quality time together at festivals designed for children. Shows, storytelling, theater, music, creative workshops, and outdoor activities: these events give pride of place to curiosity, early learning, and imagination.
This summer’s lineup:
- “Kids at the Summit” Festival
, August 4–6, Réallon - Orres Family Festival
, August 4–6, Les Orres - L’Echo des mots Festival
, August 10–13, Pont-du-Fossé - Potes de Marmots Festival
, August 18–20, Guillestre
Fishing in the
Hautes-Alpes
Amid Lakes and Streams
With its breathtaking landscapes of high-altitude lakes, alpine streams and rivers, and the vast Serre-Ponçon Lake, the Hautes-Alpes offers an exceptional setting for fishing.
It’s an activity that appeals to both sport fishing enthusiasts and families looking to spend quality time together and connect with nature.
You can get hooked from a very young age. That’s the case with Clovis Reynaud Onfray (Hautes-Alpes Fishing Federation) won the gold medal at the French Under-14 Championship.
Anglers will find brown trout, rainbow trout, Arctic char, cristivomers, pike, perch, and even minnows, depending on the habitat. To provide real-time information on fishing conditions, water flow rates, and water color , the Hautes-Alpes Fishing Federation has set up a network of webcams.
Long-Distance Swimming
We’re all in this together
Endurance, stamina, the ability to adapt to the environment, pacing, and swimming techniques are essential qualities for long-distance swimming.
After a group start, swimmers must follow a course marked by buoys, ranging from 5 to 25 km.
In Serre-Ponçon, participants in thefirst edition of the Serre-Ponçon Swim Challenge competed in the 12-km and 20-km races. The limited number of participants, dedicated kayak support, safety boats, and the dedication of the organizing team all contributed to creating a premium experience.
From the magic of the nighttime start, through the early morning hours, to the arrival of the last swimmers, the 2026 edition reaffirmed the essence of this event: a serious, demanding, and meticulously organized open-water swim set against an exceptional mountain backdrop.
See you in 2027!
Hiking ideas
Crystal-clear veil in fuchsia
It is within the giant footprint left by the glaciers of vanished valleys that the Gioberney cirque receives the waters of the Voile de la Mariée waterfall.
In the spring, a bed of rhododendrons adds a splash of color to this picturesque setting. The lakes of Vallonpierre and Lauzon round out the surrounding scenery.
For a gourmet break at high altitude, the Pigeonnier, Vallonpierre, and Gioberney mountain huts welcome us. From there, several hiking trails—suitable for all skill levels—lead you to discover the beauty of the Valgaudemar landscape.
Sentinels of Time
Exploring the Forts of the Briançonnais Region
To ensure the protection of the Kingdom of France, Louis XIV wanted to turn Briançon into a true mountain fortress. Entrusted to Vauban, Asfeld, and then General Séré de Rivières, the deployment of isolated fortifications occupying all the high points above the stronghold of Briançon ensured its security.
High-altitude sentinels that bear witness to our history.
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