Gap, in the heart of the Southern Alps

Published on July 14, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Gap, the human-sized capital of the Hautes-Alpes department, offers its visitors an already southern atmosphere. Yet around it and its vast basin, several high peaks already dominate the prefecture. Explore the narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured houses. Then, from the town centre, you can easily reach a number of unspoilt nature reserves!

Gap, a human-sized capital in the heart of nature

Summary

Gap, heart of the Southern Alps
Gap and the Charance estate
Where to stay near Gap?

Gap, heart of the Southern Alps

A medium-sized town with a population of 40,000, Gap is the main urban area in the Southern Alps.

The centre of this commercial town is home to a number of historic monuments and pleasant squares where you can take a welcome break.

Don't miss out on the sights:

the Hautes Alpes departmental museum, where you can admire a vast collection of archaeological finds. Admission and events are free (booking required). The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Open only in the afternoon outside summer.
Gap cathedral, rebuilt several times, dominates the centre of the town.

As for shopping and good addresses, the town has a large market twice a week.

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, come and enjoy the local produce and expertise of this corner of the Southern Alps.

There's also an organic market on Friday afternoons from 3pm to 7pm.

As an added bonus, there are several friendly restaurants nestling in the centre of Gap.

The restaurant La Menthe Poivrée offers healthy, tasty dishes. Try the fresh produce and you won't be disappointed.

Alternatively, opt for the Le Bouchon restaurant and its "neighbourhood bistro" atmosphere. Traditional dishes are judiciously revisited, so you're in for a real treat!

Gap town centre under the winter snow, Hautes-Alpes

Gap and the Charance estate

The vast natural area of the Domaine de Charance (over 200 hectares) lies to the north of Gap. The extensive views of the town from the estate alone make it well worth a visit.

What's more, you can take a stroll along the many paths linking the terraces and the arboretum.

You'll also have the opportunity to discover the Maison du parc national des Écrins.

You can also visit theexhibition of the Alpine National Botanical Conservatory.

Guided tours are organised on a regular basis.

To reach the Domaine de Charance, take the D994 from the centre of Gap.

The autumnal beauty of the Charance estate near Gap

Where to stay near Gap?

The holiday rental L'Écrin de Charance measures 90 m².

This spacious house has 3 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 people.

The holiday home also has a jacuzzi, ideal for relaxing after hiking in the Charance area!

On the practical side, there is a fully equipped kitchen with all the necessary utensils.

The house is particularly suitable for family holidays.

Books and toys are available inside. Outside, there are games in the garden (trampoline, table tennis).

Private parking is available on site, and is reserved for guests.

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L'Écrin de Charance

During your stay you can enjoy a jacuzzi.

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£120 / night

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Practical information

👉 When to come and enjoy the architectural wonders of Forcalquier and Mane?

Gap is well situated in the Hautes-Alpes in the heart of the Southern Alps, but the town already offers a taste of the south. There's plenty of sunshine here, and summer is often glorious!

Winter is much colder, with snow sometimes inviting itself as far as the Gap basin.

🚌 How do I get to the Gap region?

Gap and its region are easily accessible by road. The capital of the Hautes-Alpes is linked to Marseille by the A 51 motorway.

From Grenoble, take the N85, which will take you to Gap in just under 2 hours.

If you choose to travel by train, the SNCF runs several services from Paris to Grenoble or Marseille station. From there, you need to take a TER to Gap.

The train journey from Paris takes around 7 hours.

The nearest airport remains Marseille-Provence, with Grenoble airport also accessible by plane from Paris.

🚌 Where can I park in Gap town centre?

The town of Gap has more than 700 on-street parking spaces. These are chargeable and allow a maximum of 4 hours' parking.

The town's underground car parks have more than 2,500 chargeable spaces.

There are also a dozen free car parks further away from the centre of Gapençon.

The local bus network, L'Agglo en bus, is efficient and free, for getting around the city centre.

by Editorial Team

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