The town of Gap is in the Provence region of south-east France, where it sits on the crossroads of two valleys. It is this strategic position that led to the growth of Gap as an important market town in the Hautes Alpes.
Gap sits on one of the roads linking Grenoble to the Mediterranean in the south and the road from Valence to Briançon in the East.
This position let to prosperity in Gap but with this it became a target in various wars. The town was largely destroyed during the 'Wars of Religion' and again a century later.
Explore Gap
Nowadays Gap is a peaceful town full of restaurants and bars but without major sights to see.
The Place Jean-Marcellin is an attractive square surrounded by buildings painted in pretty pastel colours. This is the place of the Saturday morning market though there are also markets on Tuesday and Wednesday in different squares.
The Esplanade de la Paix is dominated by the large sculpture of three female figures created by Milthon.
Also to see in Gap are the 19th century cathedral Notre-Dame et Saint-Arnoux, the town hall and the Musée Departmentale.
Exploring around Gap
The Domaine de Charance is just four kilometres from the centre of Gap and has an attractive garden which has been awarded the 'Jardin Remarquable' label. It is fairly modern in style and includes an alpine garden and a rose garden.
Take a drive along the beautiful Valgaudemar valley. At the end of the valley there are the start points for a couple of hiking trails.
The nearby Lake Serre-Poncon is one of the biggest lakes in Europe and not only has some beautiful drives around its edges but you can come here to practise canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing and wind-surfing. There are also plenty of walks that you can do.
You can find more travel ideas in the Hautes-Alpes guide and the Provence guide.
Photos of Gap
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Arrange a visit to Gap
Hotels in Gap
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Map of Gap and places nearby
Visit near Gap with France This Way reviews
Lake Serre-Poncon
Among many beautiful Alpine lakes we mention the Lac de Serre-Poncon because of its spectacular setting and wide range of leisure activities
Lake Serre-Poncon guide
Valgaudemar Valley
The valley of Valgaudemar is one of many picturesque natural highlughts in the high Alps region
Valgaudemar Valley guide
Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette
The church and mountainous setting of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette are the second most important pilgrimage destination in France
Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette guide
Seyne-les-Alpes
In the mountain village of Seyne you can see various parts of the medieval defences that once stood here, and a pretty village
Seyne-les-Alpes guide
Embrun
The historic centre of Embrun is usually visited at the same time as the leisure lake of Lac de Serre Poncon
Embrun guide
Mens
The small town of Mens is quite isolated but certainly worth exploring if you are nearby
Mens guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Hautes-Alpes
Address: Gap, Provence, 5000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.5594, longitude 6.0786
Plan your visit to Gap, Hautes-Alpes
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Domaine de Charance: remarkable garden (3 km)
- Poligny: town of art and history (15 km)
- Lac de Serre-Poncon: site of natural beauty (22 km)
- Clue de Barles: site of natural beauty (39 km)
- Sisteron: recommended detour (42 km)
- Mont-Dauphin place forte (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (45 km)
- Place Forte de Mont-Dauphin: national monument (45 km)
- Source - Verdon: site of natural beauty (46 km)
- L'Argentiere-la-Bessee: recommended detour (46 km)
- Cirque d'Archiane: site of natural beauty (50 km)
- Col d'Allos: site of natural beauty (50 km)
- Mont Aiguille: site of natural beauty (52 km)
Market days in Gap, France
Regular market(s) are held in Gap each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Gap (Francais)