Activities //
- Nature time
Les Ecrins Park covers one of the highest and most beautiful mountains
of the Alps with over 11,000 hectares of glaciers. Les Ecrins
National Park is abundant in a wide variety of flora and fauna
ideal for those into nature. Eagles, chamois, willow grouse, marmots,
black grouse, ptarmigan, are just some of the 167 creatures you
may come across, in addition to 1,800 varieties of beautiful flora.
At 4,102 metres, the Barre des Ecrins, overlooking the Vallouise
Valley, is a mountaineer’s paradise, with over 100 mountain
routes and 740 km of trails. Go walking, bird watching, mountain
biking, bivouacking, horse riding, and even try out ‘via
Ferrata’.
- Snow time
Chalet Gyronde is located in the Haute-Alpes and means you have
easy access to some of the most famous resorts and pistes known
the world over. Skiing and snow boarding for all levels can be
enjoyed in the resorts of Puy-St-Vincent (3.75km), Pelvoux (2km),
Briancon (19km), Serre Chevalier (25km), Risoul/Vars (30km),
Mongenevre (32km), Le Grave (54km), Les Deux Alpes (83km),
Alpe-d’Huez (89km). The valleys of this region offer a spectacular
setting perfect for cross-country skiing. Why not also try out
snowshoeing, husky dog sledding, snowmobiling, tobogganing, and
even ice climbing. The snow season tends to run from mid- December
to mid-April with the best conditions usually between January
- March.
- Water time
Between April to October, Hautes Alpes is an ideal location for
water sports at both national and European level. The rivers and
lakes provide an excellent playground for all in search of adventure.
With more than 500km of navigable rivers and river sections rated
from 1-6 on an international scale, Hautes-Alpes offers a superb
environment for canoeing, fishing, kayaking, rafting and white-water
body surfing (hydrospeed). Go water skiing, rowing, kite boarding,
windsurfing, funboarding, water-skiing and sailing in Serre Poncon
- the Lake of Lights (54km), recognised as one of the country’s
best water sports areas with its 2 water-skiing centres, and fifteen
water sports centres.
- Relaxation time
Jump in your car and explore the delights of the surrounding area
with its charming rustic alpine towns and villages. Shop in a
local market and stock up for your daily requirements. For a bit
of culture and history visit an old fort or church. Unwind in
a wide selection of restaurants and bars and enjoy the delicious
local cuisine with a glass of wine. Pamper yourself by visiting
Mongenvre with its hot springs and spas.