When in winter mode, the Southern French Alps are truly at their most impressive. With its range of spectacular summits culminating at over 4000 meters, its wonderful valleys and its myriad of chocolate box villages, our region offers something for everyone and knows how to keep the winter magic alive. While our range of fun packed activities will satisfy adrenaline seekers and families alike, the traditional markets, quality restaurants and many winter events are great add-ons to an authentic winter holiday in the mountains!
Here are some of our favourite things to do and places to go to while you're holidaying in the Southern French Alps to make the most of your time here! This is by no means an exhaustive list, and we're continuously updating it with the feedback from our clients. Feel free to send us yours when back home after a holiday with us!
Gastronomy is one of the main reasons why France attracts millions of tourists every year, and each of its region offers delicious specialties. The Southern French Alps is no exception! Thanks to its history, climate and traditions, our region is home to many specialties, including the flavoured alpine lamb, the intriguing "donkey's ears" meal, the delicious goat cheese, the iconic "Tourton du Champsaur", and more.
Here is a list of our favourite restaurants in the resort of Orcières - where most of our clients spend their winter holiday or go ski - as well as in Gap and in the other villages that you'll discover when you join us for your holiday. All these places offer good and hearty mountain food for a decent price. In some of them, you'll even get a free apéritif if you show your Privilege Card, so make sure you keep it with you!
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Markets have a century long tradition worldwide, and the French ones are particularly bustling and colourful. The winter markets are a major source of trade between the region's producers and the many locals who, rather than driving to far away supermarkets, are keen on buying their bread, cheese, meat and vegetable on these markets while enjoying a moment of conviviality. In the ski villages and ski resorts, you'll also find crafts and souvenirs and over Christmas the Christmas markets sell roasted chestnuts, crepes and some even have a visit from Father Christmas! Whether strolling through the stands of the Gap market (the largest in the area in the winter) or sipping a hot beverage in the heart of a small hamlet, markets are always a very enjoyable experience - even in the winter cold!
The sun shines most of the time in the Southern French Alps, even in the heart of the winter! However, on a cold or grey winter day - or just to relax after a full day of activities in the snow - having an indoor plan B is always enjoyable.
Here is a list of things you can do in our region when you're not in the mood for snow!
There are cinemas in Orcières, Saint-Bonnet en Champsaur, Gap, Embrun and Veynes, as well as lots of interesting movies in the "cinéma itinérant" series of projections, which goes from village to village in the summer. Please note that only the LE CLUB/LE CENTRE cinema in Gap shows films in their original language. Most films in the other theatres will be dubbed in French (which can be great if you or your children are learning it!).
Gap has two theatres, the PASSERELLE and the QUATTRO, both showing a wide variety of shows, concerts and exhibitions all year long. Please let us know if you'd like to receive more info about the programmed events of these two places.
As well as indoor swimming-pools, which are always a great way to relax after a busy day on the ski pistes, many wellbeing centres have opened in the ski resorts of the Southern French Alps these last years. Jacuzzis, spas, steam rooms, massages and beauty treatments, you'll find it all. This is a great way to rejuvenate both your body and your mind before you go back to work!
