AREA
Things to do in the Champsaur and Valgaudemar
Family resorts, unspoilt valleys and direct access to the Écrins National Park: an area on a human scale.
Area at a glance
- Towns and resorts
- Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur, Orcières, Ancelle, Chaillol, La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar.
- Access
- By road from Gap.
- Landscapes
- Alpine pastures, glacial valleys, waterfalls and forests.
- Best season
- Summer for hiking, winter for family skiing.
AREA
The spirit of the area
The Champsaur and Valgaudemar open onto the southern Écrins National Park, with valleys quieter than the major sites.
The resorts of Orcières, Ancelle and Chaillol favour a family atmosphere.
Key figures
6
ski resorts in the valleys, including Ancelle (1,350 m) and Chaillol (1,600 m)
Source: CRT Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (new tab)750 km
of FFC-labelled mountain bike routes in the Champsaur
Source: CRT Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (new tab)72 km
of pistes and routes at Orcières Merlette 1850
Source: CRT Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (new tab)
Dates for your diary
May to AugustChampsaur
Cols réservés
Every year, from May to August (in 2026: Col du Noyer on 30 May and 5 August, climb to Orcières on 31 May and 21 August). 2027 calendar not yet published.
Free, without registration.
Source: Hautes-Alpes Développement / Département des Hautes-Alpes (new tab)
What to do, season by season
Hiking, mountain huts and waterfalls in the Valgaudemar.
Our highlights
The Valgaudemar valley
A wild valley and its mountain huts.
The Voile de la Mariée waterfall
OrcièresSee the address book entries
A family resort.
AncelleSee the address book entries
Village life and Nordic activities.
Saint-Bonnet-en-ChampsaurSee the address book entries
The central market town of the Champsaur.
The editorial selection
- Leisure activity
Alpi Traineau
On the Rocherousse plateau (2,280 m, reached by lift) at Orcières Merlette: sled rides, dog-team driving lessons and sporty treks.
Champsaur & ValgaudemarView entry - Accommodation
La Crémaillère
A 21-room Logis hotel in Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur, certified Accueil Vélo, with a two-wheeler garage, sauna and home cooking by chef Christophe.
Champsaur & ValgaudemarView entry - School and instructor
ESF d'Ancelle
The French Ski School in Ancelle, a village resort at 1,350 m: alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, snowshoeing and sit-skiing.
Champsaur & ValgaudemarView entry
Your questions
Practical guides
Practical information
- Getting here
- A car is recommended, via Gap.
- Where to stay
- Gîtes, guesthouses and resort apartments.
- Find out more
- The local tourist office can advise you on accommodation, conditions and current events.
Key organisations
Parc national des Écrins (new tab)
Champsaur and Valgaudemar sectors, trails and mountain huts
FFRandonnée (new tab)
The GR®54 crosses the Valgaudemar
Sources
- Champsaur-Valgaudemar (new tab) · CRT Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
- Orcières Merlette 1850 (new tab) · CRT Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
- Cols réservés (new tab) · Hautes-Alpes Développement / Département des Hautes-Alpes · 2026
Figures checked on 19 October 2026. Event dates may change: check with the organisers.