Serre-Ponçon
Wild luxury
Serre-Ponçon unfolds a universe where water and stone are in constant dialogue. Here, the immense blue of the lake, the power of the Durance, the pride of the Grand Morgon (2,324 m) and the Aiguilles de Chabrières (2,403 m) and the silhouette of the villages make up a landscape that is both generous and shaped by man. Between its age-old heritage and the energy of the future, this region combines a gentle way of life with vitality.
a sea in the mountains
Lake and dam
a balance between nature and human endeavor
Created by the hydroelectric dam holding back the Durance River, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is now France’s largest man-made reservoir. An engineering colossus, over time it has become a showcase for water sports activities. A veritable water tower for Provence, it regulates, irrigates and nourishes far beyond the shores it caresses.
Sacred heritage
and Alpine horizons
A stone’s throw from the water, the RomanesqueAbbey of Boscodon stands in the heart of the forest, a testament to a spirituality rooted in nature. Higher up,Embrun Cathedral and its Roc watch over the town, which has been awarded the Ville et Pays d’art et d’histoire label, offering a breathtaking panorama where history mingles with the grandeur of the peaks.
Boscodon Abbey
Mountain resorts,
momentum from the heights
Réallon, with its balcony overlooking the lake, is a magnet for visitors with its belvedere slopes and friendly atmosphere. Crévoux, one of the oldest resorts in the Southern Alps, cultivates its authentic charm, while Les Orres combines winter sports with mountain biking and hiking in summer. From sparkling water to immaculate snow, Serre-Ponçon is a land of movement and contrasts.
Savines-le-Lac
Hyphen on the waters
Rebuilt in the 1960s, Savines-le-Lac stands out for its modern, clean-lined architecture, now a listed 20th-century heritage site. Its emblematic bridge links the two shores, symbolizing a territory that is reinventing itself. As the seasons go by, this lakeside village combines summer excitement with its harbor master’s office and winter peace and quiet.
Serre-Ponçon highlights
The outdoormix Spring Festival
EmbrunOutdoormixFestival
Four days of spectacular outdoor competitions (kayaking, mountain biking, slackline, kiteboarding, longboarding…), electro and rock concerts under the stars, a community village and a cool roots-festive atmosphere.
Embrunman athlete finishes swimming event
Embrun
Embrunman
The program for what has been dubbed “the toughest Ironman in the world” includes a 3.8 km swim at dawn, 188 km of cycling punctuated by the ascent of the Col de l’Izoard, and a marathon to finish, all under the sun (and sometimes the sweltering heat) of the Hautes-Alpes.
The stations
From the charm of the villages to the energy of the major ski areas, the Hautes-Alpes offers a wide choice of resorts to experience the mountains at your own pace. Downhill skiing, Nordic activities, hiking or summer adventures: there’s something for everyone, in the heart of unspoilt landscapes.
The visionaryLes Orres
Always seeking to innovate and make its facilities energy self-sufficient, Les Orres offers skiing with character, overlooking Lake Serre-Ponçon and Embrun.
On the balcony of Serre-PonçonRéallon
Skiing, thrills and activities for all the family in a sunny setting at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park and a unique panorama.
Crévoux ski resort
Small resort, big skiCrévoux
Nature skiing par excellence. Over the years, the resort has retained the authenticity of a true mountain village, with a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere.
Serre-Ponçon
in figures
| AREA | 83% of the department’s 5,549 km² are covered by forests and mountainous areas. | 608.8 KM² OF LAND |
| RESIDENTS | One of France’s most sparsely populated departments, the Hautes-Alpes has a population of 142,000. | 16 945 |
| TOURIST BEDS | There are 410,000 tourist beds throughout France. They generate 22 million overnight stays a year. | 67000 |
Source: INSEE
Need advice?
The tourist office,
your local ally
Good deals, ideas for activities, personalized advice: don’t hesitate to come and meet or contact the Tourist Office teams to make the most of your destination.
Les Orres
Station des Orres 1650 1 Place Des Étoiles 05200, Les Orres
Serre-Ponçon
9 AV. de la Combe d’Or, 05160 Savines-le-Lac
