Overview of Gap’s Attractions
Resting in an impressive bowl of mountains, the city of Gap is where Provence merges with the Southern Alps.
In the distance, peaks towering at 3,000 meters disappear into the clouds, yet in the streets of Gap, adorned with pastel-painted houses and bustling markets, one feels close to the Mediterranean.
While the city is home to various sights and museums, much of its allure lies in the opportunities for exploration nearby.
The surrounding peaks, rivers, lakes, and woodlands present an array of active sports that could easily fill an entire vacation.
There is always something to experience throughout the year, whether on your own or alongside a knowledgeable guide.
Let us delve into the most notable activities in Gap:
1. Domaine de Charance
To truly appreciate the mountainous ambiance surrounding Gap, head to this château, which boasts 220 hectares of striking upland scenery.
The area features a lake, deep forests, and impressive rock formations that soar nearly 2,000 meters, all interconnected by a network of walking trails.
The château serves as the information center for Ecrins National Park, situated to the north and east of Gap.
Within the stables, the Alpine Botanical Conservatory safeguards and catalogs the mountain flora, while also organizing exclusive guided walks to discover rare flower species.
The terraced gardens in front of the château offer breathtaking views that are sure to leave you in awe.
2. Muséum Départemental des Hautes-Alpes
Upon visiting this museum, no facet of the art, history, archaeology, or traditions of the Hautes-Alpes will remain unclear.
The galleries are extensive and varied, with particular emphasis on the compelling archaeological exhibits.
Examine the collections of Bronze Age torques, rings, daggers, and a spectacular belt.
Continuing through the exhibits, you will encounter the stele de Briançon, an inscribed tombstone of white marble from the early 2nd century, exhibiting exquisite carvings.
One of the more recent but equally significant artifacts is the grand Mausolée de François de Bonne de Lesdiguières, skillfully sculpted from black and white marble in a naturalistic style by Jacob Richier during the 17th century, standing over four meters tall.
3. Explore the Old Town
The merging of the Alps with Provence is palpable while exploring Gap’s intricate grid of historical streets and alleys.
Although the town lacks extensive historic architecture, the layout largely reflects its medieval origins.
This absence is more than compensated for by the multitude of tall, pastel-painted buildings lining the streets.
Nearly every corner or square showcases a fountain of unique character, alongside numerous understated yet captivating points of interest: Consider the Grand Hôtel Lombard on Avenue du Maréchal Foch, a relic of the Roaring 20s when Gap attracted Europe’s elite.
4. L’Auberge Marchand
As you navigate the shops along Rue de France, keep an eye out for a plaque positioned above one of the entrances.
At 17-19 Rue de France stands the former Auberge Marchand; while charming, this ochre-painted residence may appear unremarkable…until you discover its minor yet significant role in a critical chapter of French history.
On the night of March 5, 1815, Napoleon spent the night here while en route from his exile on Elba back to Paris, shortly before the Hundred Days.
He opted for this indirect route through Gap, as, unlike the towns in the Rhone Valley, this city remained loyal to him rather than the French monarchy.
5. Gap Cathedral
The city’s cathedral, originally built during the medieval period, was in disrepair by the 19th century, prompting the construction of a Neo-Gothic replacement completed in 1904. In fact, a religious structure has occupied this site since Roman times, initially serving as a temple dedicated to Apollo.
A mere couple of years subsequent to its completion, the cathedral was designated a French “monument historique.” The imposing bell tower, ascending to 70 meters, stands as the tallest structure in Gap.
Upon nearing the cathedral’s exterior, one can observe the colorful façade, composed of interleaved rings of white, pink, and grey limestone.
6. Village of Chaudun
For a remarkable hiking experience, consider visiting this abandoned village located in the mountains north of Gap.
In the 19th century, Chaudun was home to over 100 residents; however, its remote location and harsh conditions eventually compelled the inhabitants to relinquish their land to the state in 1891. Ironically, accessibility has improved significantly, as one can now drive to the Col de Gleizé, approximately 15 minutes from Gap, and then embark on foot through forests, meadows, and alongside ravines.
Upon arrival, panels at the village entrance convey its history, as well as a public hiking lodge and remnants of ancient structures, all nestled within a stunning valley.
7. Parc de la Pépinière
Surrounding the Muséum Départemental is a tranquil park adorned with centuries-old trees providing shade along its pathways.
This park features an elegant wrought-iron bandstand that serves as a venue for numerous spring and summer events.
Jeudis du Kiosque is a weekly music gathering held on Thursdays during July and August, featuring musicians across various genres.
In May, the park hosts the Gap EXPO, an international trade fair.
Throughout the remainder of the year, visitors can enjoy serene trails under rich foliage, picnic tables, and a playground for younger guests.
8. Weekly Markets
Every Saturday morning, the narrow streets and cozy squares of Gap’s old center are transformed by numerous stalls, embodying the authentic essence of Provence.
The market fills Place Jean Marcellin and extends along rue Carnot, rue de France, and rue Elysée.
Thus, if you are in the vicinity on this day, be sure to set your alarm and explore these stalls for fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, baked goods, regional charcuterie, cheese, meats, artisanal specialties (including honey and nougat), and freshly prepared snacks like tourtons.
Additionally, there is an organic farmers’ market held on Friday afternoons in the Saint-Roch district.
9. Local Delicacies
Throughout the year, the enticing aroma of tourtons frying will draw you to Gap’s markets.
These resemble a doughnut; however, they consist of pastry filled with a variety of ingredients.
On the sweet side, they may include pureed apple or prunes, while the savory options feature fillings such as spinach, potatoes, cheese, or meat.
You may also find influences from Italian cuisine manifested in dishes like raviole (ravioli) and oreilles d’âne, a lasagna-style gratin often prepared using crêpes instead of conventional pasta.
For cheese enthusiasts, alpine tomme is a must-try, typically firm and showcasing nutty, mushroom-like undertones.
10. Station Gap-Bayard
During winter, Gap often receives a substantial layer of snow; however, a bit of travel is necessary to reach traditional alpine skiing resorts.
Yet, merely ten minutes from the city center lies a snow-centric activity hub featuring more than 50 kilometers of cross-country trails.
The “Centre d’Oxygenation” can provide you with Nordic skiing gear and any necessary lessons to begin.
With a map in hand, you can soon set off on routes across this vast plateau guarded by the towering Chaillol and Gleize peaks.
If you feel drawn to these mountains, guided ski-touring is available on these unmarked slopes.
11. Alpine Skiing
While you will need to drive to access one of the family-friendly ski resorts in the Southern Alps, the journey is relatively brief.
Seven resorts lie within a 40-kilometer radius, among them SuperDévoluy/La Joue du Loup, Ancelle, Réallon, and Orcières-Merlette.
Most of these are primarily suited to beginner and intermediate skiers; for example, Dévoluy, which is the quickest to reach from Gap, features 60 kilometers of blue slopes out of a total of 100 kilometers.
During peak season, a day pass will cost approximately €35.60, which is justifiable given the multitude of sunny runs and the stunning vistas of the Southern Alpine peaks from numerous points of the resort.
12. Gap’Aventure
During the summer months, Gap serves as the ideal headquarters for virtually any mountain activity imaginable.
However, if traveling with children, this “Accrobranche” course just outside the city should be a priority.
The reason is evident upon arrival, as this center is situated on the elevated slopes of Colline de Saint Mens, providing remarkable views of Gap and the nearby mountain ranges.
Equipped with a harness, visitors can navigate through 10 suspended courses featuring zip lines and rope bridges, suitable for individuals aged three and up.
13. Water Escapades
The Durance River traverses scenic canyons and cascades situated to the south of Gap.
If you seek an adrenaline rush, this area is perfect for white-water rafting and canyoning.
Fortunately, a local branch of Eau Vive Passion Rue Cyprien Chaix operates in the city, offering various river-based excursions.
If the thought of plunging into a canyon or being thrown off a raft into rapids does not appeal to you, consider exploring the clear waters of Lac de Serre-Ponçon.
Surrounding this lake, set in a mountainous basin, are nine beaches and several nautical centers renting paddleboards, kayaks, and rowboats.
14. Hiking
Visit the tourist office located at Place Jean Marcellin for maps and trail guides pertaining to the eight hikes originating in the city and extending into the surrounding mountains.
These trails encompass a range of difficulties, from a leisurely stroll through Alpine forests to a strenuous ascent of 3,000 meters up a mountain.
For a relatively simple route, consider the Colline de Puymaure, which many can manage easily. The round trip can typically be completed in about 90 minutes.
At the summit, informative panels detail the history of the two citadels constructed here in the 1600s by the Huguenots.
15. Climbing
Whether you are a seasoned climber or a beginner eager to learn, Gap offers exceptional climbing opportunities.
This is largely attributable to the proximity of Falaise de Ceuse, which is situated only a few kilometers from the city.
This white limestone crag, found on the mountain of the same name, ranks among Europe’s premier climbing destinations.
Numerous factors contribute to this distinction: The cliff spans over four kilometers horizontally, basking in sunlight throughout the day.
At its base lies a gentle grassy slope, and the climbing walls exhibit varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from 30 to 130 meters in height.
