{"id":140245,"date":"2025-03-28T15:09:35","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T14:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/randonnee-en-haute-alpes\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T12:58:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T10:58:44","slug":"hiking-in-the-haute-alpes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/hiking-in-the-haute-alpes\/","title":{"rendered":"Hautes-Alpes: nature, hiking and unspoilt landscapes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Cover photo credit: \u00a9Shutterstock \/JeanLucIchard<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Looking for a breath of fresh air, breathtaking panoramic views, and total immersion in unspoilt nature<\/strong>? The Hautes-Alpes, a jewel of the Provence-Alpes-C\u00f4te d’Azur region, offer an exceptional setting for all mountain lovers<\/strong>. From challenging hikes and protected forests to crystal-clear lakes and vast open spaces, every trail and every panorama invites contemplation and escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Hiking and Nature Escapes: Discover the Jewels of the Hautes-Alpes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer, a curious hiker, or simply in search of peaceful landscapes, set off to discover the natural wonders of the Hautes-Alpes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00c9crins National Park: A Sanctuary for Hikers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u00c9crins National Park<\/strong>, a true gem of the Hautes-Alpes, is a must-see for all nature lovers and hikers.<\/p>\n\n\n
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\u00c9crins National Park, \u00a9Shutterstock \/ cfrancois-roux_<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Created in 1973 after years of commitment by mountaineers and naturalists, this protected park<\/strong> offers magnificent alpine landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Among the most spectacular routes, don’t miss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eychauda Lake<\/strong> can be reached via a magnificent hike that takes you to an altitude of over 2,500 metres<\/strong>. This glacial lake, perched in the heart of the mountains, reveals intense blue waters fed by the melting of nearby glaciers.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Eychauda Lake \u00a9 Pays des \u00c9crins Tourist Office \/ Thibaut BLAIS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The Glacier Blanc<\/strong> is one of the last accessible glaciers in the Southern Alps<\/strong>. The gradual ascent takes you through an awe-inspiring mineral landscape, between eternal snow and jagged peaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For adventurers seeking longer routes, the GR54<\/strong>, also known as the Tour des \u00c9crins<\/strong>, offers an exceptional loop around the highest peaks of the massif, including the Barre des \u00c9crins<\/strong>, which rises to 4,102 metres<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
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GR54 \u00a9 shutterstock \/ Francois Roux<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
On foot, by mountain bike, or on donkey, each trail offers a unique experience in the heart of unspoilt wilderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mont Guillaume:  Lake of Serre-Pon\u00e7on, unforgettable view<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overlooking the town of Embrun, Mont Guillaume<\/strong>, at 2,542 metres<\/strong>, is an ideal destination for an accessible hike full of discoveries. The ascent, punctuated by magnificent viewpoints, leads to a summit with a 360\u00b0 panorama<\/strong> over Lake of Serre-Pon\u00e7on<\/strong> and the surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Mont Guillaume \u00a9 iStock \/ Bertrand Van isterdael<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The trail first winds through a larch forest<\/strong>, where light filters through the branches, creating a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere. It then passes the chapel of S\u00e9y\u00e8res<\/strong>, a place steeped in history, before reaching the high mountain pastures where the view opens up completely.
The Widman Trail<\/strong>, named after Charles \u00c9ric Widman, a young lieutenant who made the first ski ascent of Mont Guillaume in 1897, is now a must-do route<\/strong> for ski touring enthusiasts in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boscodon Forest: a sensory immersion in the heart of a Natura 2000 Site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set above Lake of Serre-Pon\u00e7on, the Boscodon Forest<\/strong> is a place of deep serenity, where nature reigns supreme. Classified as a Natura 2000 site<\/strong>, it shelters exceptional flora and fauna<\/strong>, including black grouse, marmots, chamois, and numerous birds of prey. The forest is also home to rare plants such as lady\u2019s slipper orchids and woolly berardia, true botanical treasures<\/p>\n\n\n
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view of the Boscodon forest \/ iStock \u00a9 Michel Peres<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The trails that wind through the forest are invitations to stroll and reflect<\/strong>. Among century-old trees, crystal-clear streams, and historic paths, each step reveals a little more of the soul of this magical place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ecotourism and swimming: dive into the pure waters of the Hautes-Alpes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For an activity-filled stay in the heart of the mountains, there\u2019s nothing better than diving into the pure waters of the Hautes-Alpes<\/strong>. Renowned worldwide, these waters are a must-see for tourists of all ages!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lake of Serre-Pon\u00e7on: a turquoise gem in the heart of the Alps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Formed by the construction of a dam in the 1960s, Lake of Serre-Pon\u00e7on<\/strong> is now the largest artificial lake in mainland France. A true inland sea nestled at the foot of the mountains, it offers an exceptional setting for a wide range of water activities.<\/p>\n\n\n
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View from above of Lake of Serre-Pon\u00e7on \/ iStock \u00a9 Razvan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Lovers of gentle thrills<\/strong> will enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding, perfect for exploring wild coves with crystal-clear waters. The lake also features Blue Flag beaches<\/strong> ideal for swimming, with water temperatures reaching up to 23\u00b0C in summer, as well as sailing and boating, with over 1,000 moorings available in its ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preserved and respectful<\/strong> of its environment, Lake of Serre-Pon\u00e7on is a prime destination for nature lovers and eco-friendly water sports enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Embrun lake: a beach in the mountains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Located just 2 km from the centre of Embrun, Embrun Lake<\/strong> is a perfect spot for family relaxation and swimming. Separated from Lake of Serre-Pon\u00e7on by a dam, this natural area offers calm, safe waters, ideal for families<\/strong>. On site, you\u2019ll find supervised, well-equipped beaches and a variety of water activities, from pedalos to paddleboarding. All of it set in a preserved natural environment, perfect for a refreshing break<\/strong> after a hike in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Embrun lake \u00a9 shutterstock \/ Bertrand Van isterdael<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
From the snow-capped peaks of \u00c9crins National Park<\/strong> to the Lake of Serre-Pon\u00e7on<\/strong> turquoise waters, passing through deep forests and sunlit mountain pastures, the Hautes-Alpes are a true paradise<\/strong> for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you’re after challenging hikes, authentic experiences, or peaceful moments in the heart of nature, this unspoilt corner of the Provence-Alpes-C\u00f4te d’Azur region offers a unique playground between sky and mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Reconnect with the essentials and explore the treasures of the Hautes-Alpes. Discover our Teritoria establishments in the region on our website<\/a>, or find more inspiration for your next experiences in Provence-Alpes-C\u00f4te d’Azur (or elsewhere) with our newsletter<\/a>. If you’re already convinced by the landscapes, prepare your trip by discovering our <\/a>loyalty<\/a> programme<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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By Emilie Fallot Nguyen <\/pre>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Immerse yourself in the Hautes-Alpes and reconnect with nature! Between spectacular hikes, unspoilt landscapes and authentic experiences, explore the natural treasures of the PACA region. From the \u00c9crins National Park to the turquoise waters of Lake Serre-Pon\u00e7on, discover a wild and rejuvenating area.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":134408,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[705,1],"tags":[4605],"class_list":["post-140245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-diaries","category-all-our-articles","tag-voyage-responsable-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=140245"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140245\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":140292,"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140245\/revisions\/140292"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/134408"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=140245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=140245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teritoria.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=140245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}