Hiking and walking
Hiking and walkingDon‘t lose
the south
Some mountains are simply beautiful, while others take your breath away. In the Hautes-Alpes, hiking is never just a simple walk: it’s an encounter with the harsh light of the peaks, the vibrant silence of the forests, the power of the glaciers, and the gentleness of the valleys where the air seems purer than anywhere else. No matter your skill level or habits, the adventure begins with your very first step.
The
trails that lead beyond the map
From legendary GR trails to lesser-known paths, the Hautes-Alpes offer one of the most extensive hiking networks inEurope. From the Tour des Écrins(GR54) to the Tour du Queyras (GR58), from family-friendly loops to gourmet strolls through hilltop villages, each route winds its way through meadows, streams, mountain passes, and valleys. No matter the distance, the magic of the landscapes unfolds with every step.
Dive
into the heart of life
Three jewels shape the region: the wild and grandiose Parc national des Écrins; the gentler but equally luminous Parc naturel régional du Queyras; and the Baronnies provençales, a subtle marriage of mountain and Provence. Here, our guides open doors to unsuspected possibilities: recognizing animal tracks, reading the sky, listening to the mountains. To walk with them is to learn to see differently, to feel fully connected to this unspoilt and protected nature.
Where the mountain
becomes home
At high altitudes, mountain huts like Chamoissières or Chardonnet, for example, are much more than just places to stop along the way: they are beacons in the mountains. After a strenuous hike, there’s the warmth of a stove, the aroma of steaming soup, and hushed conversations among hikers from all over the world. It’s a moment suspended in time, outside of time itself. Nights spent in mountain huts in the Hautes-Alpes are the kind that leave a lasting impression: a roof over your head beneath the stars, waking up to glaciers bathed in the rosy light of dawn.
Run
to the rhythm of the summits
For those who want to run through the mountains rather than simply take them in step by step, the Hautes-Alpes are an absolute playground. This is where a trail running culture was born, where every elevation gain becomes a joyful challenge. Amid forests, alpine meadows, and ridges, the trails soar toward breathtaking panoramas. It’s a faster, more intense connection with nature, yet one that’s always infused with the same spirit: the spirit of freedom.
Claudie Arechavaleta, President of the Hautes-Alpes Mountain Guides Union
The Promise of the Hautes-Alpes
Highlights of walks and hikes
Hautes-Alpes
The trails
In the Alps, trails are a must for mountain lovers and those who enjoy shared effort. Gapen’cimes, la Grande trace, le grand trail de Serre-Ponçon, etc. With them, no frills, just alpine trails, 360° panoramas and a good dose of conviviality.
Serre-Ponçon – Queyras – Champsaur
Mad Jacques
Since 2017, Mad Jacques has been imagining life-size epics by hitchhiking, trekking, biking or canoeing for a community of outdoor enthusiasts. More than 40,000 participants have already explored some twenty French territories thanks to these itinerant adventures. After Serre-Ponçon in 2025, Queyras in 2026 and Champsaur in 2027.
Practical notebook
- Getting ready
- Advice
- Security
- Good plans
See also
IconicsNature Sentinels
