Tourism in the Hautes-Alpes and the Baronnies Provençales
Nestled between the Alpine mountains and the gentle charm of Provence, the Hautes-Alpes and the Baronnies Provençales offer an exceptional region where nature, heritage, and the art of living come together. Here, hilltop villages nestle among lavender fields, turquoise lakes invite you to relax, and historic sites reveal the authentic spirit of this unspoiled region. Whether you’re a fan of breathtaking landscapes, picturesque walks, swimming in the great outdoors, or cultural discoveries, this destination promises a variety of unforgettable experiences.
Hautes-Alpes Heritage: Top Must-See Sites
The Baronnies Provençales Regional Park, located in Drôme Provençale and the Hautes-Alpes, offers a rich regional cultural and natural heritage, just 30 minutes from the campground in the Hautes-Alpes.
So set out to discover this rich heritage! Explore the museums and eco-museums—including the famous Paléogalerie—which bear witness to local history. Stroll through hilltop villages and charming small towns, admire the castles and medieval villages, and meet passionate artisans. An authentic cultural immersion in the heart of a preserved region, where traditions, craftsmanship, and exceptional landscapes come together.
The Most Beautiful Villages in the Hautes-Alpes to Visit
Set out to explore the most beautiful villages of the Hautes-Alpes and the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park, near the Les Hauts de Rosans campground. Hilltop villages, quaint narrow streets, stone houses, and exceptional panoramic views offer an authentic setting. Among the must-see destinations, don’t miss Rosans, Nyons, or Serres. With charming towns, well-preserved heritage, and the laid-back Provençal lifestyle, every visit is an immersion in local history and traditions, in the heart of a unique and unspoiled region.
Gap, just an hour from the campground, is also worth a visit—not to mention, of course, the stunning town of Sisteron and its majestic citadel!
On the Lavender Trail
Set out to explore the Lavender Route, a true invitation to journey into the heart of the Provençal countryside. With purple fields stretching as far as the eye can see, enchanting scents, and authentic villages, this getaway is a delight for the senses. Near the Les Hauts de Rosans campground, follow the bloom trails and visit La Rivière des arômes in Rosans, where you can watch the distillation process live in July and August. A unique experience blending nature and tradition.
Lakes and Bodies of water
near the Campground
Around the Les Hauts de Rosans campground, several swimming spots await you, ranging from wild natural settings to developed facilities.
Pommerol Gorges (15–20 min)
A must-see spot with small natural pools, crystal-clear water, and spectacular scenery. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the hike to get there is somewhat challenging.
Rosans Stream (5–10 min)
Perfect for a relaxing swim with kids. Cool water, pebbles, and shaded spots.
Rivers near Orpierre (20–30 min) / Saint-André-de-Rosans
Quiet, secluded spots—perfect for picnicking and enjoying the clear water.
Pas des Ondes Recreation Area (30 min)
A developed lake with supervised swimming, ideal for families.
Germanette Lake (30 min)
Larger and very pleasant, with playgrounds, relaxation areas, and water activities.
Local Tip To discover the “hidden” spots:
- Choose either the morning or the end of the day
- Move slightly away from the main entrances.
From secluded spots to family-friendly areas, everyone will find their perfect spot to cool off near the campground—not to mention, of course, the must-see Serre-Ponçon Lake, less than 100 km from the campground!
Gastronomy, Wine Culture and Markets in the Hautes-Alpes
The Drôme Provençale region, and the Hautes-Alpes region—where the “les hauts de rosans” campground is located—are regions rich in vineyards.
• In the Drôme, you’ll find southern Côtes du Rhône wines suited to the Mediterranean climate, produced in three “AOC” red, white, and rosé varieties. Grenache and Syrah are the main grape varieties in this region.
• In the Vaucluse, the famous Gigondas, named after the small village near Vaison-la-Romaine.
• The Coteaux des Baronnies, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, will surprise you with their floral and fruity flavors.
• The wines of the Hautes-Alpes, with their 130 hectares, produce unique wines that are well worth discovering. In fact, this is our chef Philou’s choice, and we’ll be serving wines from Domaine l’Allemand at the restaurant. This estate is the oldest in the Hautes-Alpes region. It was founded in 1954 by Louis Allemand.
• In a valley just above the Les hauts de Rosans campground, the famous Clairette de Die is produced using a unique winemaking technique: the “ancestral Dioise method.” Its secret lies in a delicious blend of “Muscat Blanc” and “Clairette Blanche,” which lends the wine its finesse.
Finally, the Drôme Provençale region and the PACA region (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) are world-renowned for their Provençal markets. You’ll find many famous markets in the immediate vicinity of the “Les Hauts de Rosans” campground.
The best things to do near the Campground
Ideally located in the heart of the Baronnies Provençales, les hauts de rosans Campground is the perfect starting point for a wide range of activities. Hiking, swimming, cultural exploration, or sports: the surrounding area offers a variety of experiences to suit every taste, so you can make the most of your stay in the Hautes-Alpes.
Family and children’s activities
Less than an hour from the Les Hauts de Rosans campground, there are plenty of activities that children will love. Discover the Paléogalerie in Salignac for a fun-filled journey into the world of fossils, or visit the Rivière des Arômes in Rosans to watch lavender being distilled in the summer.
You can also enjoy educational farms around Nyons, swimming in the river or at the lake, as well as tree-top adventure courses and playgrounds for a variety of family activities.
Sports and outdoor activities
While many campers come to stay at the 4-star Hauts de Rosans campground to relax and have a good time with family or friends, sports enthusiasts aren’t left out either!
For thrill-seekers, there are plenty of activities on land, in the air, and on whitewater. Near the campground, a paragliding school welcomes vacationers at the Mévouillon and Sederon sites. Experienced paragliders and connoisseurs of the sport will want to head to the Pelonne site in Drôme Provençale, just 10 minutes from the campground.
Less than 45 minutes from the Les Hauts de Rosans campground in the Hautes-Alpes, the village of Orpierre is one of France’s earliest climbing destinations, featuring nearly 500 routes across 7 distinct cliffs: a wide variety of climbs for all skill levels. Orpierre is a medieval town in the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park. Located on the old “Princes of Orange” route, in the southern part of the Hautes-Alpes (PACA region; Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur), Orpierre is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
The surrounding rivers (the Eygues, the Buëch, the Méouge, etc.) are true havens of peace for fishing and a real delight for all amateur anglers. You can enjoy the Gorge de la Méouge from our campground in just 40 minutes!
Electric Motorcycle Rides
Want to explore the Baronnies region of Provence in a different way? Les Hauts de Rosans campground, in partnership with EuroWheelz, offers E-Choppers for rental—electric scooters with a unique style. Quiet, eco-friendly, and easy to ride, they invite you to explore the winding roads between hilltop villages and unspoiled landscapes, with a range of about 80 km. A unique experience, available to anyone 18 and older with a driver’s license—ideal for couples, families, or friends.
Bike Rides
Road cyclists and mountain bikers will find a vast playground right around the campground: the Baronnies and the Buëch regions in the Hautes-Alpes feature numerous marked trails that are listed on detailed maps, which are available at the front desk.
Hiking Trails
The Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park is an ideal destination for superb hikes and a paradise for hikers of all skill levels. For a total immersion in the wild landscapes between the Drôme and Hautes-Alpes departments, two major trails stand out. The GRP Tour des Baronnies Provençales offers a 226-kilometer loop that winds through the massif’s most beautiful villages and ridges—an unforgettable adventure for seasoned hikers. The GR91, meanwhile, crosses the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors—a desert-like area unique in France—all the way to the heights of the Grand Veymont, offering landscapes of rare grandeur. Whether you’re with family, alone, or with friends, hiking is the best way to discover the flora, fauna, and breathtaking panoramas of the Baronnies Provençales.
Find all the hiking, biking, motorcycle, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities at rando.sisteron-alpesprovencales.fr!
Fishing in the Hautes-Alpes
Les Hauts de Rosans Campground in the Pays du Buëch is an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Whether in rivers or lakes, you’ll find many different kinds of fish.
Trout, pike, and carp are perfect accompaniments to the delicious barbecues you can enjoy at the campground (barbecue grills are provided free of charge).
Partners for Activities Near the Campground
In the mountains (outdoor activities)
En Montagne is one of the partners of les hauts de rosans Campground. It offers a wide range of activities, including:
- Canyoning is a purely recreational activity where you walk along a riverbed, following the contours of the terrain, and can jump into pools of water, rappel down a waterfall, or slide down natural water slides.
- Rock climbing, which allows you to scale a rock face using your hands and feet.
- The Via Ferrata, where you’ll make your way along a rock face using rungs and cables. If you’re looking for a thrill, you’ll also find zip lines and rope bridges.
- And finally, a high-altitude obstacle course and a leap into the void.
Get ready for some great experiences with our partner, “En montage.”
Baronnies Observatory
The Baronnies Provençales Astronomical Observatory, located in Moydans in the Hautes-Alpes and less than 15 minutes from the Hautes de Rosans campground, has been offering visitors the chance to explore the world of the stars since January 2013. What makes it unique is that it was established in this valley of the Provençal Baronnies, free from any light pollution, to welcome all types of visitors and activities: from beginners to professional astronomers.
Les Cols des Ânes
Our partner, Les Cols des Ânes, invites you to discover stunning landscapes nestled between mountains and rivers, whether on family hikes or with friends, accompanied by one or more donkeys. You can choose between a day-long hike in the Baronnies Provençales Regional Park or, if you prefer, a multi-day trip.
Visit the Drôme Provençale and its surroundings