In Our Area

The real castle as we like it, with its four pepperpot towers (one of which dates back to the 14th century), a view overlooking the turquoise waters of the Serre-Ponçon lake, opposite the Embrunais mountains, a French garden nicely revisited in a contemporary way, with squares of grass bordered with boxwood... The whole is a true splendour. It is not strictly speaking a hotel; Jacques and Sharon will simply welcome you in their home lovingly restored after four years of work. They know the history of the house at the tip of their fingers and will be able to make you an exciting visit (don't miss the chapel and its frescoes). In the summer, they open this historical heritage to the public and bring it back to life by organising culinary workshops, dinner tastings, concerts, etc. throughout the year. The 19th-century interior decoration (stained glass windows, parquet flooring, wood panelling, etc.) prevails in the three pretty lounges and breakfast room, which has beautiful views of the lake. Small preference for the rooms and suites on the first floor, models of taste and elegance, such as the room of "L'Illustre Inconnu", with canopy, woodwork and French-style ceiling, or the luminous "Louis XVI" suite. The latter has the advantage of overlooking the garden through a veranda of "Louisiana" influence, an unusual and charming 19th-century addition grafted onto this beautiful medieval castle.

Wonderful 12th-century Romanesque building, Boscodon Abbey has located 4 km from the [Serre-Ponçon lake] and on the slopes of the Pic Morgon, in the middle of the forest. A history rich in natural disasters, conflicts, restoration, jealousy and influence of the French, Italian or Savoy family lords...until the Second World War which made it a high place of resistance. From 1132 to the present day, the abbey will see a parade of men ready to sacrifice everything for the love of God and prayer in this timeless place. The abbey church is stripped to the extreme, splendid and uncluttered, light plays its magical role. It owes its harmony to the golden section. The church and the chapel are open every day. The cloister and the chapter room can be visited for a few euros during the opening hours of the bookshop. Five monks now bring the abbey to life and bring it to life: guided tours are organised, with treasure hunts according to age, courses, exhibitions, conferences and shows. The abbey is a very lively place.

In 2014, the Tour de France arrived in Risoul. Get on your bike to ride over the mythical mountain passes nearby. The Galibier, the Izoard, the Col Agnel, Vars, the Lautaret, are all in the Hautes-Alpes. To avoid getting lost, download the itineraries on www.velo05.fr . In the mornings during the summer, one pass per day is closed to cars and reserved for cyclists from 9 am to 12 pm.

The image of the small chapel St Michel, solitary on its islet in the middle of the lake is the emblem of the lake of Serre-Ponçon. The artificial lake created in 1961 following the construction of a dam, it is at the border between the Hautes-Alpes and the Alpes de Haute-Provence. Built-in order to avoid the flooding of the Durance, the tourist facilities that it gave rise to make it today an essential site in the department. It is renowned for its sunshine and the turquoise colour of its waters. From the developed beaches to the wild creeks and this incredible mountainous environment, it offers above all a fabulous variety of activities: swimming, sailing, boat hire, or cruise-trip to approach the most beautiful sites of the lake and the impressive dam.

Why we recommend these placesIn a beautiful 19th century villa, the only "Mexican" villa that can be visited around Barcelonnette and the epic of the Ubayans who went to Mexico...

It is the largest artificial lake in France (2,800 hectares). You are a few kilometres from Les Orres, but you will think you are at sea. De Serre-Ponçon lake has many developed beaches, some of which have been awarded the "Blue Flag" label; a guarantee of undeniable quality and others are completely wild. Around the lake, you will also find many water sports centres which offer a multitude of activities for young and old alike, such as stand up paddle, windsurfing, canoeing or catamaran. And for thrill-seekers: jet-skiing or kitesurfing!

Close to Barcelonnette, the Mercantour National Park, the Grandes Alpes Route, the Serre Ponçon Lake and the ski resorts of Pra Loup, Le Sauze, Montclar and Sainte Anne, the MEANS have dominated the valley since the 12th century. Elisabeth & Frédéric, ski instructors and high mountain guides, spent 30 years renovating and embellishing their historic mansion, originally occupied by monks of the order of the Chalaisians who occupied these high mountain valleys.

Why we recommend these placesThe history of the largest artificial lake in Europe...

A picture is worth a thousand words. Use this space to focus on the thing which make you great.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Use this space to focus on the thing which make you great.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Use this space to focus on the thing which make you great.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Use this space to focus on the thing which make you great.