Serre-Ponçon

The Serre-Ponçon Lake, with coves and turquoise water, is like the sea in the mountains. Who would have thought that a dam, built in the middle of the 20th century in order to regulate the Durance river, would lead to the advent of one of the main tourist destinations of the Hautes-Alpes? All water activities are possible here. 

At the mouth of the lake, Embrun is also worth a stop. Nicknamed ‘Little Nice of the Alps’ due to its mild climate, Embrun is classed as a Ville et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire (Towns and Places of Art and History) due to its remarkable cultural heritage that includes the Notre Dame du Réal Cathedral, one of the richest treasures of sacred art. For enthusiasts, no trip would be complete without a visit to Boscodon Abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, or to the church in Savines-le-Lac, which like the bridge, has obtained the status of Patrimoine du XXème siècle (20th Century Heritage).

There are also three ski resorts in the Serre-Ponçon area: Réallon, Crévoux and Les Orres. Les Orres strengthened by its ski domain, has greatly diversified its activities in both winter and summer.