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Things to do around Gap
The departmental capital and gateway to the Hautes-Alpes, Gap is an ideal base for exploring lakes, mountain passes and resorts.
Area at a glance
- Towns and resorts
- Gap, Tallard, La Bâtie-Neuve.
- Access
- Gap station; the A51 motorway as far as south of Gap.
- Landscapes
- A sunny basin surrounded by peaks, orchards and hills.
- Best season
- All year round.
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The spirit of the area
Gap is the department’s main town and transport hub: most areas are within reasonable reach.
Nearby, the Charance estate and Tallard castle offer easy outings, with the Champsaur and Serre-Ponçon close by.
Key figures
2001
first ascent of 'Biographie' at Céüse, then the hardest climbing route in the world (grade 9a+)
Source: theCrag (base de données internationale des sites d'escalade) (new tab)700+
sport climbing routes at Céüse, from 3a to 9b+
Source: theCrag (base de données internationale des sites d'escalade) (new tab)80,000
aircraft movements per year at Gap-Tallard aerodrome, in operation since 1937
Source: CRT Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (new tab)28
Tour de France visits to Gap (the 28th in 2026)
Source: Département des Hautes-Alpes (new tab)
Dates for your diary
July to AugustGapençais
Cols réservés
Every summer, from July to August (in 2026: Col de Manse on 12 July, climb to Céüse on 7 August, Col de Gleize at night on 19 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 around Gap and cycling towards mountain passes.
Our highlights
The Charance estate
Parkland and views over the town.
Col Bayard
Gateway to the Champsaur.
Lake Pelleautier
A refreshing stop near Gap.
The editorial selection
- Leisure activity
Alpes Aviation Parachutisme
From Gap-Tallard airfield: tandem skydives from around 4,000 m and introductory flights in a small plane.
GapençaisView entry - School and instructor
Céüs'Escalade
Climbing instruction at the foot of Céüse in Sigoyer, with sessions for children from age 5 or 6.
GapençaisView entry - Restaurant
Le Pasturier
Chef Pascal Dorche's fine-dining restaurant in central Gap, Maître Restaurateur, three Gault & Millau toques (15/20, Table Remarquable).
GapençaisView entry
Your questions
Practical guides
Practical information
- Getting here
- Take the train to Gap; the A51 motorway.
- Where to stay
- Town hotels, guesthouses and gîtes in the surrounding area.
- Find out more
- The local tourist office can advise you on accommodation, conditions and current events.
Key organisations
Département des Hautes-Alpes (new tab)
Organiser of the Cols réservés and Tour de France partner
FFME (new tab)
Mountaineering and climbing federation, agreements for natural sites
Sources
- Céüse (new tab) · theCrag (base de données internationale des sites d'escalade)
- Aérodrome de Gap-Tallard (new tab) · CRT Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
- Tour de France 2026 (new tab) · Département des Hautes-Alpes · 2026
- 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.