Attractions and Places To See around Gap - Top 20

The region around Gap is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Lake Sainte-Marguerite, known for its beautiful mountain landscape and opportunities for picnicking. The stunning Gorges de la Méouge, classified as a biological reserve, offers turquoise waters for swimming and scenic hiking paths. Another highlight is Lac de Saint-Apollinaire, a mountain lake perfect for a family day out with swimming allowed and shaded areas. Additionally, the vast Écrins National Park is nearby, offering diverse ecosystems from alpine meadows to glaciers.

Yes, Gap is an excellent base for hiking. You can embark on challenging climbs like the ascent to Morgon peak, which offers phenomenal views of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. For a rewarding experience, consider the hike to Lake Sainte-Marguerite. The Domaine de Charance also features numerous hiking trails. For more detailed routes, you can explore various options in the Hiking around Gap guide, which includes trails like the 'Lac du Lauzon et les cascades – loop in the heart of the Écrins National Park'.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider hiking to Morgon peak, which offers an unparalleled vista of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The Chabrières Needles also provide a magnificent panorama, especially overlooking the 1700-meter high lake. The Domaine de Charance, just a few kilometers from Gap, offers stunning views of the city and surrounding valleys, and you can hike from there to Pic de Charance. The Plateau de Gap-Bayard also provides stunning views over the peaks of Haut-Champsaur.

Gap offers several notable historical and cultural sites. The Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Arnoux Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic national monument, showcases Romanesque and Gothic styles. You can also explore the Musée Muséum Départemental des Hautes-Alpes, which delves into the region's history from prehistoric times to contemporary art. Don't miss a stroll through Gap's Old Town (Centre Historique) with its narrow, pedestrian streets, colorful facades, and the 18th-century Town Hall.

Absolutely! Many attractions around Gap are suitable for families. Lake Sainte-Marguerite is accessible via a superb hike that can be done with the family, offering picnic spots. Lac de Saint-Apollinaire is another excellent choice for families, with swimming allowed and shaded areas. The Domaine de Charance is a magnificent estate with gardens, picnic spots, and easy hiking trails. The Lac de Serre-Ponçon also offers various water sports and relaxing by the shore, which can be enjoyed by families.

The region is perfect for water activities. The Gorges de la Méouge features turquoise waters ideal for swimming. Lac de Saint-Apollinaire is a beautiful mountain lake where swimming is permitted. Just a short drive from Gap, the vast Lac de Serre-Ponçon is a major destination for water sports like canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, wind-surfing, and fishing, or simply relaxing by its shores.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor opportunities. Many highlight the phenomenal views from summits like Morgon peak and the unique experience of swimming in the turquoise waters of Gorges de la Méouge. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful mountain landscapes, such as those found at Lake Sainte-Marguerite, are also highly appreciated. The blend of challenging hikes and family-friendly options makes the area appealing to a wide range of visitors.

Yes, Gap is a popular destination for cyclists, especially road cycling. You can find various routes, including challenging ones like the 'Tour of Lac de Serre-Ponçon from Embrun' or the 'Col de Vars and Col de Pontis Loop'. There are also moderate options such as the 'Embrun - Les Orres Climb Loop'. For more details and route options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Gap guide.

While not entirely hidden, the Méouge Valley is a picturesque area offering scenic drives and starting points for hikes, often less crowded than the main gorges. The Valgaudemar Valley is another natural highlight in the high Alps region, known for its dramatic landscapes. For unique views, consider the Espréaux Pass, which offers a different perspective of the surrounding mountains.

Yes, Gap's strategic location makes it an excellent base for winter sports enthusiasts. In winter, you are close to several ski resorts such as Ancelle, Orcières-Merlette, and Réallon. The Plateau de Gap-Bayard, at 1,200 meters altitude, also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing.

The Serre-Ponçon Dam is a significant landmark and one of the largest artificial lakes in France. While the dam itself is a feat of engineering, the main attraction is the vast Lac de Serre-Ponçon it creates, offering numerous recreational activities. You can drive around the lake and enjoy the views, and the Savines Bridge on Lake Serre-Ponçon provides a great viewpoint over the water.