On the northern edge of the Hautes-Alpes, at the intersection of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Isère, Savoie, and Italy, the Hautes Vallées form a destination unlike any other. Three regions, eight municipalities—La Grave, Villar-d’Arène, Névache, Val-des-Prés, Cervières, Villard-Saint-Pancrace, Puy-Saint-Pierre, and Puy-Saint-André—all united by a common thread: a vast, unspoiled, and authentic mountain landscape where nature sets the pace.

Here, the landscapes are open and untamed, steeped in a rich Alpine history and a mountain culture that is still very much alive. It’s the perfect adventure destination for those looking to reach new heights—both literally and figuratively.

The Far Reaches of the High Mountains

It’s impossible to talk about La Grave and Villar-d’Arène without looking up. Proudly towering over the villages, La Meije displays its iconic silhouette and stands at an elevation of 3,983 meters. Its majestic presence leaves a lasting impression.

Nestled in the upper Romanche Valley, La Grave and Villar-d’Arène— both designated as “Écrins Mountaineering Villages”—cultivate a strong sense of identity, with their traditional hamlets, churches, bread ovens, and mills. At the gateway to the Écrins National Park, between the Col du Lautaret and the village of La Grave, the mountains reveal their full majesty here: hanging glaciers, high-altitude alpine pastures, and dizzying cliffs.

Hiking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, contemplation, or simply the desire to slow down… La Grave offers a rare, unspoiled, and deeply authentic experience.

Don’t miss:

• The La Grave Cable Car
• The Hamlets and Their Architectural Heritage
• Major Hiking and Mountaineering Routes

An Enchanted Valley

Designated a natural site, the Clarée Valley is one of the best-preserved valleys in the Alps. Located on the French-Italian border, it spans more than 20,000 hectares of untouched nature, including forests, crystal-clear rivers, high-altitude lakes, and vast alpine pastures.

All along the valley, Névache and Val-des-Prés—along with their hamlets—embody a gentle Alpine way of life and a cherished sense of authenticity. An ideal retreat for lovers of the great outdoors, the Clarée captivates visitors with its tranquility, beauty, and timeless atmosphere.

Known for its many mountain lakes, the upper valley also offers opportunities to climb iconic peaks over 3,000 meters high, including the majestic Mont Thabor, one of the most accessible and beautiful peaks in the Hautes-Alpes.

At the edge of the valley, the Étroite Valley extends the escape. French on paper, Italian at heart, it offers a true transalpine journey… without crossing the border.

Spectacular landscapes and charming villages

Between Briançon and the gateway to the Queyras, the Izoard region is a mosaic of quaint villages and sweeping panoramic views. Cervières, Villard-Saint-Pancrace, Puy-Saint-Pierre, and Puy-Saint-André embody the spirit of this region, shaped by its agricultural, religious, and military history.Amid alpine pastures, forests, gentle slopes, and legendary mountain passes, the landscapes invite exploration in every season—on foot, by bike, or on snowshoes. The legendary Col de l’Izoard, made famous by the Tour de France, also serves as a spectacular gateway to the Queyras.

Wild yet accessible, inhabited yet unspoiled, the High Valleys offer a rare immersion in a mountain landscape that is authentic, powerful, and inspiring. A region to experience, to explore… and to respect.