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Motorhoming in the Hautes Alpes
Motorhoming in the Hautes Alpes
This most northerly department of PACA evokes instantly the thought of mountain ski resorts. There are however, lots of other things to see and do. If you’ve been motorhoming in Savoie or motorhoming in Isère the Hautes Alpes are just across the departmental border.
If you like to walk and enjoy being surrounded by nature, visit the national Parks of the Haut Alpes. The Ecrin National Park for example, is open all year round and has worked to preserve its beauty and richness for the generations to come, whilst making access as easy as possible for anyone who wants to make the most of the area.
Not far away in the town of Gap, are the Parks headquarters which are housed in an 18th century château, le Château des Evêques. Situated in a sumptuous park, La Domaine de Charence, wooded and landscaped, the peaceful gardens and terraces invite you to wander. Coming down from the heights of the Domaine into the town of Gap you will find yourself in a place where everything revolves around the mountain and its associated sports. The blue of the sky is matched only by the purity of the air.
If you’re hiring a motorhome in France or hiring a motorhome in England, stop over in the free Aires de Service in the Hautes Alpes while travelling around. You could visit Briançon, which at an altitude of 1326m is the highest village in Europe. Here, the occupants benefit from on average 300 days of sunshine per year and no humidity. The air is pure, practically exempt from all pollution. With its ramparts and its citadel, a rich architectural heritage it is a sight to see.
The Haut Alpes count amongst its specialities a blue cheese, the Petit Bayard, made in the high pastures from cow’s milk. Honey is also a speciality in the south of the department where the conditions, pure air, optimal sunshine and a varied and abundant flora ensure a very tasty and nutritional honey. The best selling varieties are lavender and rosemary, one of the few of life’s natural delights that can be consumed without restraint. Don’t be alarmed if you see Donkey’s Ears on the menu. Whilst pig’s ears are still very popular in France, the Donkey’s Ears are just a crêpe stuffed with spinach and perhaps ham or bacon with cheese and a béchamel sauce – perfect for after an expedition in all that fresh mountain air!
Carry on the mountain experience and go motorhoming in the Alpes de Haute Province.
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