The Southern Alps are paradise for those who love sunny walks. Between the Queyras, Champsaur, Pra Loup, Serre Chevalier and Vars, don your best hiking boots and take the whole family on a tour of the most beautiful snow-covered trails in a region where the sun never sleeps.
Snowshoeing up Mont-Dauphin in the Queyras
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mont-Dauphin stronghold is one of the must-see sights in the Guillestrois landscape. With snowshoes on your feet, you and your children can explore this unusual site. Behind its pink marble ramparts, the village is bathed in southern sunshine. Its stones, steeped in history and dressed in dazzling snow, give it a charm all of its own. A thousand footpaths lead from the resorts of Vars and Risoul. An unusual experience every Wednesday at 2.30pm from 1 January to 31 March.
Let the kids have fun with the yéti "Opoual"
Opoual is a friendly yeti, the mascot of the Labellemontagne resorts, looking for explorers to accompany him on his adventures. Thanks to a special guide, offered with the purchase of a ski pass, children will be able to take part in a fun way. Discover the mysteries of the mountains, the jobs in the resorts, and tips on how to behave in nature and on the slopes, which always end with a snack and show. A great time to share with the family every week in the resorts of Risoul, La Bresse-Hohneck, Crest-Voland Cohennoz, Manigod and Orcières Merlette 1850.
A snowmobile ride and a taste of local produce in a tepee in Pra Loup
There aren't many walks like these in France. In fact, there's only one, and it's in Pra Loup. Set off at the end of the day on a snowmobile along the woodland trails. All around you: a breathtaking view of Barcelonnette and the valley. Once you've spent the 2-hour ride contemplating the twilight of the mountains, your guide will take you into the forest to taste local produce in a Canadian tepee. A dream come true.
Sunshine itinerary in Serre Chevalier
If you're looking for an easy, family-friendly walk that's just a stone's throw from the magnificent resort of Serre Chevalier, there's the ‘Balcony Trails’. On foot, but with your snowshoes in your bag, set off from the beautiful village of Villard Laté. It all starts with a (gentle) 80m climb to the Chemin du Clos, and once you're at the top, take time to admire the scenery. Put on your snowshoes at your leisure, ford the Verdarel torrent (a marvellous sight), continue along the Pike plateau to La Villette, and wander around this privileged spot, full of conviviality.
Tour the typical villages of Vars
Vars village guide in hand, head for the three most picturesque villages in the Southern Alps: Sainte-Marie, Saint-Marcellin and Sainte-Catherine. The first, situated in the centre of the hamlets, is the main town in the valley. One of the main reasons people come here is to stroll around the pretty fountain-lavoirs. The second, a village lit up in winter, boasts the castle path, with its panoramic views of the Ecrins mountains and the Vars valley. Finally, nestling on the mountainside, the last village of Sainte-Catherine is one of those suspended addresses where you'll want to stroll forever. With its old wooden farmhouses, charming fountains and a thousand mottos scattered across its facades, it's a place like no other.
