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About Hautes-Alpes

In the heart of the French Alps, the picturesque region of Hautes-Alpes is known for its dramatic landscapes, superb ski slopes and unspoilt mountain villages. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic chalet escape or a fun-filled family holiday, this is a wonderful year-round destination for outdoorsy types. Accommodation options include farmhouse B&Bs as well as converted châteaux, with the best places to stay in the Hautes-Alpes set appealingly close to the pistes.

The Serre Chevalier ski area, the largest in the Southern French Alps, boasts 250km of fantastic slopes for skiers and snowboarders alike. Zip along snowy mountainsides and through forests of towering pines, or teach the kids to ski on beginner runs before they work their way towards blue and red pistes. The Vercors Regional Natural Park is fantastic for cross-country skiers. Summer visitors can hike, climb, mountain bike or kayak in the Écrins National Park, or paraglide above the mountains.

Heritage aficionados should explore fortified Briançon, with its pastel-painted houses and UNESCO-listed status, whilst party-goers may prefer buzzy Les Deux Alpes. The villages of La Grave, Ancelle and Le Monêtier-les-Bains — where one of the best places to stay in the Hautes-Alpes is located — are also lovely.

The Best Places to Stay in the Hautes-Alpes

For Traditional Charm

  • L'Auberge du Choucas offers 12 traditional rooms with exposed wooden beams and quilt-topped beds set above an acclaimed gourmet restaurant. A charming, tranquil choice for keen foodies or heritage buffs in the village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains in Serre Chevalier. Set in a 17th-century building, just minutes from the slopes.
  • Hotel de la Chausée is a cosy alpine hotel with wood-panelled walls, exposed beams and beds topped with red-and-white quilts. Owned by the same family for five generations, this is a friendly, affordable choice for a trip to Briançon with family and friends. The restaurant serves flavoursome regional dishes.
  • Château de Picomtal is primarily a B&B, with six rooms and four suites featuring antique furnishings, floral fabrics and old-fashioned wallpapers. Public areas are great for putting your feet up, and the cookery workshops are good fun. Meeting spaces make this an ideal choice for group gatherings.

For Families or Groups

  • Chamois Lodge is a lively, affordable hotel with simple, modern interiors — think cosy beds topped with crisp white sheets in rooms with pine panelling — as well as a buzzy all-day cocktail bar, bistro and small spa. Quadruple rooms with mezzanine levels are ideal for families or groups of friends. Great fun.
  • La Grange des Ecrins offers five warm, welcoming guest rooms in a converted farmhouse. Perfect for trips as a family or with a big group of friends, this B&B has Alpine-inspired interiors with wooden beams and exposed stone walls, and space for additional beds. Splash around in the pool or hot tub and marvel at mountain views before tucking in to generous table d'hôte dinners. Lovely.
  • L'Alta Peyra is a stunning hotel in Saint-Véran. Expect swish interiors, space for children in larger rooms, and an abundance of top-notch amenities. The children's play area makes this a family favourite. Grown-ups will love the spa, swimming pool, terrace dining and hip bar. Very smart.

For Foodies

  • Chalet Mounier is an elegant 43-room, family-owned traditional Alpine chalet. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, a sun terrace, a full spa and hot tubs after big days out. Beautiful views of the Écrins National Park and two ski lifts just 150 metres away add to the appeal. However, the big draw is undoubtedly the marvellous Michelin-starred restaurant. Savour Le P'tit Polyte's creative cuisine by sampling their 'Origine' or 'Inspiration' tasting menus — both are superb.
  • Maison Cimes has just five minimalist bedrooms, all of which channel contemporary Scandi chic with navy, slate greys and bold saffron tones. The gourmet eatery is reason enough to visit, with organic, seasonal ingridents used to craft innovative dishes by the passionate chef-owner. Families are welcome but this is a rejuvenating spot for couples or individual travellers. Small yet mighty.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Chalet

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Grenoble Airport or to Turin Airport and continue to your destination by bus or taxi. Alternatively, hop aboard a night train from Paris or Lyon to nearby Briançon and drive across from there.
  • The Alps are wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between December and March for the best skiing conditions in the Serre Chevalier Valley. If you're looking to hike in the mountains, come between May and August for warm sunshine, beautiful landscapes and temperatures of around 17-20°C.

STILL NOT SURE?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Hautes-Alpes

Best Hotels in Hautes-Alpes

  • Chamois Lodge Les Deux Alpes 20 rooms from £69

    Skiing  -  Enjoy 415 hectares of skiing with 95 pistes, including 5 free pistes (12 blacks, 20 reds, 49 blues and 14 greens) and 43 lifts
    Groups  -  With a fun cocktail bar and great access to skiing, this hotel is perfect for groups of friends
    Active Holiday  -  From skiing or paragliding to ice skating, there is something for all adventure seekers
    Restaurant  -  There is a gourmet bistro restaurant that serves delicious seasonal homemade cuisine made from fresh produce
    Restaurant

    A lively hotel only moments from the ski lifts in Les Deux Alpes. The hotel is full of character and ambience with an all-day cocktail bar. Enjoy hearty meals with a glass of wine at the bistro while taking in views of the Alps. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Well priced; ideal for groups. See More

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  • Hotel de la chaussee Briançon 14 rooms from £88

    Families  -  Fairytale type location, walks, wildlife trips, skiing, cycle rides for all the family
    Sights nearby  -  Fortifications of Vauban
    Local markets  -  Hosted every Wednesday
    Traditional
    RestaurantPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel

    A cosy hotel set within a National Park. Rooms are full of character with wooden panel walls, beams and alpine furnishings. A terrace to enjoy spectacular views, superb regional dishes, and minutes from ski lifts and walking routes. Family friendly, great value, and lots to do in the mountains. See More

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  • Auberge du Choucas Serre Chevalier 12 rooms from £87

    Restaurant  -  Gastronomic restaurant featuring fresh local produce.
    Skiing  -  Serre Chevalier boasts 250km of pistes
    Full of character
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyViews

    In the heart of Le Monetier les bains, minutes from both the ski slopes and the thermal baths. The auberge dates back to the 1650s and the rooms are decorated in traditional french style. Great for foodies and those who like their winter sports in a quieter location. See More

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  • La Grange des Ecrins Chabottes, Hautes-Alpes 5 rooms from £95

    Total relaxation  -  With a heated pool in winter, outdoor hot tub and indoor spa, choose this property for quiet holiday relaxation
    Hideaway  -  Nestled in the pristine countryside of the Hautes-Alpes, this farmhouse is the perfect rural bolt-hole
    Active Holiday  -  With ski resorts, walking and hiking trails all close by, this a great base for an active holiday
    Sailing  -  Enquire with the friendly owners about sailing on Lake Serre Ponçon; water-skiing is also on offer
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParking

    A cosy Alpine hotel in a renovated farmhouse with spectacular mountain views. Homely, ensuite bedrooms look out onto the garden, where a fusion dinner is served al fresco at the guest's table. Enjoy a vista of the Alps from the stunning outdoor hot tub and heated pool. A hidden gem of a guesthouse. See More

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  • Maison Cimes Hautes-Alpes 5 rooms from £105

    Foodies  -  A foodie hotspot in the beautiful french Alps ideal for an active day on the slopes or out hiking
    Great walks  -  Go on one of the stunning hikes in the surrounding area recommended by your knowledgable hosts
    Cooking classes  -  There are cooking classes with resident chef and co-owner, available for guests on Saturdays
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    RestaurantGardenViewsNo pets

    A chalet-style cottage surrounded by pretty mountain walks and great views. Cosy interiors feature scandi-style decor, exposed wood and comfy furnishings. Elegant rooms are in a stylish palette of navy and slate greys, with hip modern fittings. The delightful gourmet restaurant is a highlight. See More

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  • Chateau de Picomtal Crots, Hautes-Alpes 10 rooms from £113

    Country Escape
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Traditional
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    GardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Wonderful renovated chateau B&B with lake views and stunning grounds. Stately interiors; chandeliers, Venetian mirrors, stained glass windows and wooden beamed ceilings. Lots of salons for meetings and conferences, and suites that sleep up to four. Fresh air for groups, families and conferences. See More

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  • Chalet Mounier Les Deux Alpes 43 rooms from £196

    Hideaway  -  Enjoy the spa, the pools and the views from the terrace or the lounge with fireplace
    Active Holiday  -  Something for everyone here, from skiing, stunning walks, mountain biking or golf
    Foodies  -  Michelin started P'tit Polyte is a gourmet experience not to be missed
    Skiing  -  Two ski lifts are accessible within 150 metres of the hotel
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel

    A cosy chalet with views of Écrins National Park. Rooms have wooden panelled walls, Alpine decoration, and colourful bathrooms. Indoor and outdoor pool, terrace, full spa and hot tub. Superb food in the Michelin starred restaurant and an elegant bar area. A charming spot in the mountains. See More

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  • L'Alta Peyra Saint-Véran, Hautes-Alpes 59 rooms from £220

    Families  -  With plenty of children's amenities this property is great for the whole family
    Active Holiday  -  Perfect for skiing, mountaineering and moutain biking.
    Great walks  -  Walk along stunning alpine trails from Saint-Veran.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    A sublime hotel in the highest village in Europe. With modern, comfortable interiors, L'Alta Peyra does not try and out do the vast beauty of its surroundings. Absorb the fantastic views on the sun terrace with a glass of wine or relax in the sublime spa. An exceptional alpine retreat. See More

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