Gapençais

With its pastel-tinted facades and small, pedestrian shopping streets, Gap is the main town of the Hautes-Alpes and combines modernity and quality of life. Its geographical location means it is at the crossroads of major routes such as the Route Napoléon (Napoleon Road). For an evening out, Gap has some incredible facilities including the Alp Aréna ice rink, the Passerelle national stage theatre or the Quattro centre.

Gap welcomes the Tour de France and the Monte Carlo Rally and honours the recently awarded title of Ville la plus sportive de France (Most Sporting Town in France). Nature enthusiasts will either head to the Domaine de Charance, an unspoilt area, which is home to the Conservatoire Botanique National Alpin (National Alpine Botanical Conservatory) or Gap-Bayard, where what is an 18-hole golf course in the summer gives way to cross-country skiing trails in the winter.

Tallard is further south, under the watchful eye of the Céüze ski resort and world-renowned climbing site that has a 130 m high cliff face. It has an aerodrome and a medieval castle dating back to the 14th-16th centuries that is classed as a historic monument. The aerodrome is Europe’s first aviation leisure activity centre, and combines industrial, leisure and training activities. Here, as along the Avance valley, amidst the orchards (Golden Delicious are characteristic of the area and have been awarded the Label Rouge) and vines bordering the Durance River, all outdoor activities are possible. The Gap area also brings to mind Notre-Dame du Laus, a prime destination for pilgrims.