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La Grave

Visit La Grave (Provence, France)

La Grave is high in the mountains 40 kilometres north-west of Briancon. it is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

Because of the mountains opposite the village it is also known as La Grave - La Meije, and it is these imposing mountains around the village that also make it so scenic.

Exploring La Grave

Because of the altitude of the village there are no wooden chalets to be found, because there are no trees (and because earlier fires in the town further discouraged the idea). The buildings are therefore made of stone, with stone rooves. The houses are constructed largely with volcanic rock, held together by a mortar made from earth.

The village itself sits on a slope nestled into the mountainside with a myriad of narrow streets winding between the sturdy houses, and a small roman style church built in the 12th century in La Grave centre.

The village is proud, and rightly so, that it has managed to avoid the visual impact of tourism on the town, and the facilities that are here are well integrated into the rest of the village.

The views from the village, and in the surrounding countryside, are magnificent, and if you visit during the summer you can enjoy walking in the region. rockclimbing is also very popular around the village.

La Grave skiing

La Grave is best known as a ski resort, and in particular attracts more adventurous skiers. It is a location for very experienced skiers with no established pistes and skiing often on glacial ice.

From the village skiers can reach (via tram and lift) what is said to be one of the best ski runs in Europe, with a vertical drop of over 2000 metres, all in a magical setting that attracts many experienced skiers looking for a new challenge and experience.

Attractions nearby

Labeaume is in the northern part of the Ecrins National Parc with numerous leisure opportunities both during the summer and winter.

Photos taken within 10 km

Tourist classifications for La Grave

La Grave is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)

Address: Grave, Briançon, Hautes-Alpes, Provence, 5320 || GPS: latitude 45.044, longitude 6.3064

Map of La Grave & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

More suggestions: Valgaudemar Valley 27km; Serre Chevalier 27km; Briancon 31km; L'Argentiere-la-Bessee 34km; Val Thorens 35km; Les-7-Laux 37km; Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette 38km;

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near La Grave.
See Provence and Hautes-Alpes (the region and department for La Grave) for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near La Grave, France

• Jardin alpin du Lautaret - remarkable garden (2km)
• La Meije - site of natural beauty (4km)
• Aiguilles d'Arves - site of natural beauty (9km)
• Col de la Croix-de-Fer - site of natural beauty (22km)
• Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - recommended detour (26km)
• Vallee de la Claree - grand site of france (30km)
• Briancon - secteur sauvegarde (30km)
• Briancon fortifications (Vauban fortifications) - heritage site (31km)
• L'Argentiere-la-Bessee - recommended detour (34km)
• Poligny - town of art and history (44km)

Market days in La Grave: Regular market(s) are held in La Grave each Thursday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at La Grave (Francais)