Gourmet Walking Holiday in the French Alps - 8 Days

Your Gourmet Alpine Walking Holiday begins! We’ll collect you from Gap train station at 17:30 and transfer you to your first accommodation, where you’ll settle in and enjoy a delicious evening meal.

The walks outlined are examples and may be adapted by your guide according to weather, local conditions and the group. You can generally expect to walk around 6–10 km per day with 400–650 m of ascent, at a steady pace with plenty of time for photos, picnics, wildlife watching and enjoying the views.

• 6 km
• 250m

Begin with a beautiful warm-up walk from La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, following the valley towards Les Portes through alpine meadows, waterfalls and cascades. Along the way, discover the remains of Navette, an abandoned farming village whose fascinating history your local guide will bring to life.

The return takes you past the dramatic Devil's Cauldron, a powerful gorge filled with rushing water. Afterwards, spend some time exploring La Chapelle and perhaps sample the village's famous tourtons or enjoy a drink at a local bar.

Distance: 6 km Ascent: 250 m Altitude: 1,101–1,336 m

Travel to the head of the Valgaudemar Valley for a spectacular mountain walk beginning at the Gioberney refuge and the famous Bride's Veil waterfall.

Climb through dramatic alpine scenery surrounded by high peaks and glaciers, passing mountain streams, waterfalls and wild berries before reaching the beautiful Lac du Lauzon. Enjoy your picnic surrounded by views into the Écrins before completing the circuit back to Gioberney, where there may be time for a well-earned ice cream on the terrace.

Return to your accommodation for another evening of local food and hospitality.

Distance: 11 km Ascent: 795 m Altitude: 1,642–2,423 m

After checking out of your first accommodation, head to Pic de Gleize for a rewarding mountain walk with panoramic views across the Champsaur, Valgaudemar, Dévoluy and Gap valleys.

Climb steadily towards the summit before descending along a dramatic rocky ridge. Afterwards, stop in the medieval village of Saint-Bonnet-en-Champsaur to explore its narrow streets, historic architecture and lively village centre.

Continue to the Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse, where Jean and Meg will welcome you before a gourmet dinner lovingly prepared by Meg.

Distance: 6 km Ascent: 437 m Altitude: 1,694–2,161 m

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax at the farmhouse, swim, read, take a self-guided stroll or choose from other activities available locally.

Food lovers can opt for lunch at Les Chenets, whose chef holds the prestigious French Maître Restaurateur title and prepares homemade dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can reach the restaurant on foot via an easy 4.5 km walk or we can arrange a taxi.

A visit to the local farm that supplies cheese for the farmhouse cheeseboard may also be possible. Optional activities and visits are at an additional cost.

Walk from the hamlet of Les Borels into a beautiful mountain valley, following a sparkling river towards the Refuge du Tourond. This former shepherd's hut has been lovingly transformed into a remote mountain refuge surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.

Enjoy lunch on the refuge terrace and keep watch for marmots and ibex on the surrounding slopes. Those wanting a little more walking can continue to the impressive La Pisse waterfall before returning to the valley.

If time allows, visit the local shepherd's museum for an insight into traditional mountain pastoralism and how today's shepherds coexist with predators such as wolves.

Distance: 8 km Ascent: 432 m Altitude: 1,289–1,705 m

Discover Prapic, the last inhabited village at the head of the Champsaur Valley, where traditional alpine architecture and a handful of year-round residents preserve a fascinating mountain way of life.

From the village, walk onto a beautiful plateau alongside a mountain stream before reaching the Saut du Laire waterfall. Your guide will reveal the story behind its unusual name while you keep an eye out for the valley's abundant marmots and chamois.

Finish with a well-earned ice cream at the Auberge Prapicoise before returning to the farmhouse for your final evening.

Distance: 10 km Ascent: 496 m Altitude: 1,568–2,059 m

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the Southern French Alps. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of the mountains, local food and people you've discovered along the way — and perhaps a few new recipes to try at home!

We'll collect you at 09:00 and transfer you to Gap, arriving at approximately 09:45 for your onward journey. Transfers at other times can be arranged by private taxi for an additional charge.