5 inspirations for a spring weekend in the Serre Ponçon valleys
Spring getaway in the Southern Alps
Looking for something to do in May? We suggest you discover our valleys between the Alps and Provence, 2 hours from Marseille and Grenoble and 3 hours from Lyon!
An undiscovered destination, perfect for getting away from it all for a weekend. Between snow on the peaks and lush green valleys, picnic among the vines, meet the wine producers of the Hautes-Alpes, try your first gravel adventure in the countryside or fish in the rivers. Recharge your batteries with the family in a bed & breakfast or take to the scenic roads on a motorcycle. .. In short, we've given you a few ideas for preparing your long weekends!
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© Caillou aux hiboux -
© Justine Cochard -
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© Caillou aux hiboux -
© Caillou aux hiboux -
© Justine Cochard
1 River Fishing
And in the middle flows a river...
Fishing has been open since March 14! A great opportunity to get away with friends for an extended fishing weekend and discover a new destination..
The Serre-Ponçon valleys offer a wealth of possibilities: between Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the 3 Lacs leisure park, and the Avance and Durance rivers, there's plenty to do!
We'll let you discover all our tips for organizing your outings.
Fishing permit required, available online or from the tabac-presse du Barrage in Espinasses.
2
A spring motorcycle trip
Discover our Panoramic routes
Spring is back, the mountain passes are open again... and it's the perfect time to take a motorcycle trip with friends along the roads of the Southern Alps. Here are a few ideas for exploring the area, using routes that have yet to be discovered:
The Col de Moissières (from La Bâtie-Neuve) towards the Champsaur on a motorcycle
Open from the beginning of April, this pass leads to the Champsaur valley. You'll pass over the heights of the Ancelle resort before completing your itinerary by returning via the Col de Manse. A great way to warm up, with an accessible view of the mountains!
Col Lebraut (between Chorges and Rousset - Serre-Ponçon), a panoramic route overlooking Lake Serre Ponçon.
A panoramic road not to be missed, punctuated by numerous belvederes perfect for a motorcycle break. The view over Lac de Serre-Ponçon is simply sublime. Take the opportunity to stop off at the Le Belvédère restaurant, opposite the dam, ideal for a break in the sun.
Gorges de la Blanche (between Espinasses and Seyne)
A more confidential route, the D900C winds its way through impressive gorges. Following landslides in 2025, traffic is still alternating, but the road is now open again. Check Inforoute04for real-time conditions before setting off.
The Mont Colombis pass (above Théus) and the "demoiselles coiffées
A must for lovers of narrow, winding roads on motorcycles. From Théus, enjoy a stop at the restaurant Le Balcon de Théus, with its breathtaking view over the Durance. Continue on to Les Demoiselles Coiffées before finishing the pass (and back) at a superb mountain pasture offering exceptional views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon.
Relais Motard" bed and breakfast: La Méridienne
After your excursions, treat yourself to a stopover at La Méridienne, an exceptional bed & breakfast. Nestled above the Durance valley, accessible via a magnificent road leading to the unspoilt village of Venterol, it offers home-cooking using local produce in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The little plus? A swimming pool ideal for relaxing. A perfect place, awarded the "Relais Motards" label.
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Canoeing under the canopy
Spring is the perfect time to try your hand at whitewater sports ! In the Serre-Ponçon valleys, the Durance resumes its course after the dam, winding its way through the Cassettes forest, a Natura 2000 site.
Just 20 minutes from Gap, this kayak route is accessible to children aged 7 and over, making it the perfect nature outing for families and friends.
A kayak base in Tallard lets you rent all the equipment you need, with the added bonus of a shuttle to take you back to the starting point.
An activity to add to your May weekend to-do list
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Back to trail running
Last ski tracks, first trail strides
In April, the ski season comes to an end... and it's time to take to the trails again! But beware: the peaks are still covered in snow in spring.
The Serre-Ponçon valleys offer an ideal playground, with plenty of elevation gain but at lower altitudes, perfect for training on varied, rolling trails.
The Trail des contreforts du Piolit, in La Bâtie-Neuve, marks the first "off-snow" trail of the season in the Hautes-Alpes. A mid-April date to mark in your diaries, whether you're discovering the region or are a local.
On the program: a friendly atmosphere and a perfect introduction to the trail season
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Tour de l'Avance on horseback in spring
Serre ponçon vallées: a destination for trail riders
Set off on horseback for 2 or 3 days on a 60 km itinerary signposted for trail riders. An ideal itinerary for a first experience at the foot of the mountains. In just a few kilometers, it offers a wide variety of landscapes and terrains: galloping trails, steeper paths, forest passages... You'll never tire of the many panoramic views. A perfect itinerary for lovers of horseback riding in the heart of nature.
Events in the Serre Ponçon valleys this spring.
Every year, in the off-season, the Tourist Office organizes the "Rendez-vous en terres connues". Free spring events to discover or rediscover our valleys. Other sporting and cultural events complete this spring's program!
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Family activities for your spring weekends
We invite you to discover our inspirations for a family road trip in the Serre-Ponçon valleys, for your extended weekends! Museoscope of the lake, a bike ride along the Durance, an excursion to the "demoiselles coiffées"... here are just a few ideas for your family weekend.
Discover the Serre Ponçon valleys!
