Located at the foot of the southern Alps, this French city dates back to 1792. Visitors can explore the Basilica of Notre Dame, Château de Sauvan, and ski in nearby mountains.
Gap, the highest prefecture in France at 750 meters above sea level, sits between the peaks of the Southern French Alps. The town's pastel-colored buildings and winding streets lead to squares where locals gather at weekly markets. Walk through the rose gardens at Domaine de Charance, see professional ice hockey matches at the arena, or visit the 19th-century Cathedral of Notre-Dame with its ornate bell tower.
Exploring Gap's Town Center
The pedestrian streets of Gap wind through pastel-colored buildings, connecting several squares. Place Jean Marcellin forms the heart of the town, with cafés and local shops. On Saturday mornings, vendors fill Place de la République with regional products, including local apples, pears, and traditional tourtons pastries. The streets follow their medieval layout while incorporating modern shops and restaurants.
Domaine de Charance Gardens
Located 4 kilometers from the town center, Domaine de Charance covers 543 acres at 1,000 meters altitude. The gardens contain 600 varieties of roses arranged on four terraces, each with views of the Gapençais Basin. Children will enjoy the "Piste de l'écureuil" (Squirrel Trail) through the grounds, while adults can walk longer hiking paths through the surrounding mountain pastures.
Sports and Recreation
In 2013, Gap became France's sportiest city, with half of its population joining sports clubs. Watch the "Rapaces" hockey team play home games at the ice rink during the season. You'll find an indoor-outdoor pool complex and an indoor climbing center. The Tour de France regularly passes through Gap, and the Monte Carlo Rally makes the town one of its main stops.
Museums and Culture
The Musée Muséum Départemental spans 2,600 square meters, with collections of archaeological findings, paintings from the 14th to 20th centuries, and regional artifacts. Join educational workshops or research at the library. At the Ecomuseum, see reconstructed workshops showing local trades from 1790 to 1950, including peasants' tools, clog making equipment, and blacksmith forges.
Plateau Bayard Activities
Ten kilometers from Gap, Plateau Bayard stretches across 250 hectares at 1,250 meters altitude. In winter, ski on 50 kilometers of cross-country trails. During summer, play at the 18-hole golf course among pine forests and mountain meadows. Multiple hiking and mountain biking trails start from the plateau.
Getting Around Gap
The Linea bus network runs 12 free routes throughout the city. A summer shuttle connects the town center with Domaine de Charance and Gap-Bayard. Drive to Marseille and Aix-en-Provence via the A51 highway, or take the N85 (Route Napoléon) to Grenoble. The train station connects to major French cities.
