{"id":300017,"date":"2026-02-05T10:07:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T09:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paysdesecrins.com\/my-desire-to\/discovery\/nearby\/the-high-valleys\/"},"modified":"2026-09-08T13:45:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T11:45:23","slug":"the-high-valleys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.paysdesecrins.com\/en\/my-desire-to\/discovery\/nearby\/the-high-valleys\/","title":{"rendered":"The High Valleys"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t The High Valleys\t \t <\/h1>\n\t <\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n\t \n
Home<\/a><\/span> My desire to<\/a><\/span> My desire for Discovery<\/a><\/span> Nearby<\/a><\/span> The High Valleys<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

The spirit of the high mountains, in its purest form<\/h3><\/div>\n\n

On the northern edge of the Hautes-Alpes, at the intersection of Provence-Alpes-C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur, Is\u00e8re, Savoie, and Italy, the Hautes Vall\u00e9es<\/strong> form a destination unlike any other. Three regions, eight municipalities\u2014La Grave, Villar-d\u2019Ar\u00e8ne, N\u00e9vache, Val-des-Pr\u00e9s, Cervi\u00e8res, Villard-Saint-Pancrace, Puy-Saint-Pierre, and Puy-Saint-Andr\u00e9\u2014all united by a common thread: a vast, unspoiled, and authentic mountain landscape where nature sets the pace. <\/p>\n\n

Here, the landscapes are open and untamed, steeped in a rich Alpine history and a mountain culture that is still very much alive. It\u2019s the perfect adventure destination for those looking to reach new heights\u2014both literally and figuratively. <\/p>\n\n

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La Grave & Villar-d\u2019Ar\u00e8ne<\/h4><\/div>\n\n

The Far Reaches of the High Mountains<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

It\u2019s impossible to talk about La Grave and Villar-d\u2019Ar\u00e8ne without looking up. Proudly towering over the villages, La Meije<\/strong> displays its iconic silhouette and stands at an elevation of 3,983 meters. Its majestic presence leaves a lasting impression. <\/p>\n\n

Nestled in the upper Romanche Valley, La Grave<\/strong> and Villar-d\u2019Ar\u00e8ne<\/strong>\u2014 both<\/em> designated as \u201c\u00c9crins Mountaineering Villages\u201d<\/em>\u2014cultivate a strong sense of identity, with their traditional hamlets, churches, bread ovens, and mills. At the gateway to the \u00c9crins National Park<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n\n

Hiking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, contemplation, or simply the desire to slow down\u2026 La Grave offers a rare, unspoiled, and deeply authentic experience.<\/p>\n\n

Don’t miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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  • The La Grave Cable Car<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The Hamlets and Their Architectural Heritage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Major Hiking and Mountaineering Routes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

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    The Clar\u00e9e Valley<\/h4><\/div>\n\n

    An Enchanted Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

    Designated a natural site, the Clar\u00e9e 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. <\/p>\n\n

    All along the valley, N\u00e9vache<\/strong> and Val-des-Pr\u00e9s<\/strong>\u2014along with their hamlets\u2014embody a gentle Alpine way of life and a cherished sense of authenticity. An ideal retreat for lovers of the great outdoors, the Clar\u00e9e captivates visitors with its tranquility, beauty, and timeless atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n

    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<\/strong>, one of the most accessible and beautiful peaks in the Hautes-Alpes.<\/p>\n\n

    At the edge of the valley, the \u00c9troite Valley extends the escape. French on paper, Italian at heart, it offers a true transalpine journey\u2026 without crossing the border. <\/p>\n\n

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    The Izoard<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n

    Spectacular landscapes and charming villages<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

    Between Brian\u00e7on<\/strong> and the gateway to the Queyras, the Izoard region is a mosaic of quaint villages and sweeping panoramic views. Cervi\u00e8res<\/strong>, Villard-Saint-Pancrace<\/strong>, Puy-Saint-Pierre<\/strong>, and Puy-Saint-Andr\u00e9<\/strong> 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\u2014on foot, by bike, or on snowshoes. The legendary Col de l\u2019Izoard<\/strong>, made famous by the Tour de France, also serves as a spectacular gateway to the Queyras. <\/p>\n\n

    The Hautes Vall\u00e9es: A True Mountain Range<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n

    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\u2026 and to respect. <\/p>\n\n

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