A Spring Weekend in Serre Ponçon vallées
Sleep in a tent : Lucie Jérémy & Clément
Lucie, Jérémy and Clément, adventure-loving locals from Gap, set off to explore the small valleys of Serre-Ponçon, near Gap, for a long weekend in May.
An ideal destination for families looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature!
We reveal their itinerary over two days... Then it's up to you to imagine your own family adventure in the Hautes-Alpes.
So, are you ready for a day out?
An enigmatic walk in the forest
Just a few minutes from Gap, head for the Sapet forest in the commune of La Bâtie-Neuve. After following the Col de Moissière road, you leave the valleys for the summits. The scenery changes immediately: an enchanted high-altitude forest opens up before you.
It's here that a bizarre adventure awaits you: the "Charline, we've shrunk" mystery walk . It's a mysterious story for the whole family, accessible even to the youngest (recommended age 4 and up), but sure to captivate older children too. There's something for everyone!
"Clément loved playing little explorers with the wooden games! @dodosoustente
The coiffed damsels of Théus
Second stage: we leave the Avance valley for the Durance valley. A change of atmosphere: here, southern influences are already making themselves felt. In May, nature is fully awake: apple orchards are in bloom, green meadows contrast with the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
After a busy morning, it's time to take a break at the Les Balcons de Théus restaurant, with its panoramic views over the Durance valley. Once they've recharged their batteries, the family hit the road again to explore the heights, heading for the impressive Demoiselles Coiffées de Théus lookout. This open-air ballroom offers a unique view of these astonishing geological formations. The little wooden deckchairs even invite you to enjoy your first tanning session in May... just watch out for sunburn!
And if you want to extend your adventure, continue to the summit of Mont Colombis. Also accessible by car, for an exceptional panoramic view of Lac de Serre-Ponçon.
Wakesurf Serre Ponçon!
Surfing on a mountain lake
Continuation of the family expedition to Lac de Serre-Ponçon in spring. That's right: in May, wakesurfing is already possible!
Naturoll Serre-Ponçon, on the Bois Vieux beach, offers a boat trip for an introduction to this activity. An artificial wave generated by the boat lets you surf just like in the ocean... except you're surrounded by mountains!
Even the little ones can try their hand at baby skiing, gently towed and perfectly supervised by our instructors. Of course, the activity depends on the lake temperature at that time of year.
"After Clem's nap, we headed off to Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the Bois Vieux nautical base for an introduction to wakesurfing: the sensation of gliding over the waves on the boat was just magical! @Dodosoustente
Cycling along the Durance
An easy family bike ride
For the second day, explore the banks of the Durance in springtime by bike and enjoy a picnic break at the Base de loisirs des 3 Lacs. Keep an eye out for beavers!
And if you don't have a bike, don't worry: Mountain Évasion, the four-season rental company based in Rousset-Serre-Ponçon, can provide you with bikes, electric bikes and even trailers for your children.
Lac de Serre Ponçon Museoscope
A museum for the whole family
The Muséoscope du Lac invites you to plunge into the heart of the Serre Ponçon dam. It's an impressive visit to share with the whole family, with many activities to discover the incredible adventure of the construction of the Serre Ponçon dam. The museum is open on spring weekends: check the opening times directly on the Muséoscope du Lac website.
"Visit the Muséoscope du Lac to discover the history of the Serre-Ponçon lake, and Clément even flew over the Durance on the back of an eagle thanks to the dynamic 4/5D cinema! @dodosoustente
Bivouac in a family van
Camping de la Viste: View of Serre Ponçon lake
For your May weekends in a converted van, take advantage of the La Viste campsite, open from mid-May. You'll find an ideal spot overlooking Lake Serre-Ponçon, perfect for a family getaway!
Discover 4-season microadventures!