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HAUTES-ALPES
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Recommend an establishmentThe Hautes-Alpes is the department every motorcyclist dreams about the moment they hear the words Izoard, Galibier or Agnel. This is the Southern Alps at their most intense : legendary passes, wild valleys, and villages perched above 2,000 metres. From the vast lake of Serre-Ponçon to the remote Queyras plateau, passing through the lunar landscape of the Casse Déserte and the pristine Clarée valley, the 05 offers a rare diversity of scenery. Briançon, the highest city in France, is a natural base, but Gap to the south or Guillestre in the heart of the Queyras work equally well for day rides. Motorcycle season runs from May to October, with passes opening progressively depending on snowfall. Roads are generally well maintained but demanding : tight bends, variable surfaces at altitude, heavy campervan traffic in July and August. Carry water, fill up at Guillestre or Briançon before tackling the major passes, and always check road conditions via the InfoRoute 05 service.
Iconic passes
Izoard, Galibier, Agnel
Max altitude
Col Agnel: 2,744 m
Riding season
May to October
The Hautes-Alpes overflows with sites to explore between hairpin bends. Briançon, a UNESCO-listed fortified city, deserves a proper stop in its medieval old town with steep cobbled streets and Vauban ramparts. The lake of Serre-Ponçon, a vast artificial reservoir ringed by mountains, offers spectacular viewpoints along its shores, especially toward the Baie Saint-Michel with its half-submerged church. The village of Saint-Véran, perched above 2,040 metres in the Queyras, is one of the highest communes in France and its timber chalets exude an incredible serenity. The Casse Déserte, that otherworldly landscape of ochre rocks cut through by the Izoard road, is a mandatory stop. The Écrins National Park and the Queyras Regional Natural Park protect absolutely pristine Alpine scenery. In Embrun, the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral Notre-Dame-du-Réal towers above the Durance river. The Demoiselles Coiffées of Pontis, striking glacial rock formations, are well worth the detour. Fort Queyras, a castle remodelled by Vauban, guards the Guil valley. Don't miss the tourtons du Champsaur, traditional stuffed fritters, and stop by Gap for its lively market.
UNESCO-listed fortified city with Vauban ramparts, the Grande-Gargouille street, and panoramic views over the Durance valley.
One of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, surrounded by mountains, with beaches, water sports and breathtaking viewpoints.
Mythical pass at 2,361 m with a lunar landscape of ochre rocks, a regular stage on the Tour de France.
One of the highest communes in France at 2,040 m, member of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, with iconic timber chalets.
Alpine giant at 2,642 m offering sweeping panoramas over the Écrins and Cerces massifs : a bucket-list pass for every rider.
Pass at 2,058 m open year-round, home to a celebrated Alpine botanical garden with over 2,000 mountain plant species.
Wild massif peaking at 4,101 m at the Barre des Écrins, a paradise for trekking and alpinism with glaciers and unspoiled valleys.
13th-century fortress remodelled by Vauban, dominating the Guil valley at the heart of the Queyras Regional Natural Park.
UNESCO-listed fortress perched on a rocky spur, with bastions, barracks and a stunning panoramic view over the surrounding valleys.
Spectacular glacial rock formations: stone columns topped with a rock cap, located between Pontis and Le Sauze-du-Lac.
Authentic village deep in the Queyras, at the gateway to the Haute Vallée du Guil nature reserve.
12th-century Romanesque listed monument perched on a cliff above the Durance river and Serre-Ponçon lake.
Wild and unspoiled valley north of Briançon with authentic villages, flowering meadows and the scenic Lac Rond.
Spectacular limestone gorges in the southern part of the department, carved by the Méouge river and perfect for a refreshing swim.
Second highest road pass in France at 2,744 m, little-trafficked and spectacular, right on the Italian border.
Typical Queyras village with scattered hamlets in the alpine pastures, a stone sculpture trail and an authentic mountain atmosphere.
Beautiful alpine clearing serving as the starting point for the hike to the Glacier Blanc, with views of the 4,000 m peaks of the Écrins.
12th-century Romanesque abbey listed as a historic monument, lovingly restored by passionate volunteers over four decades.
In the 05, every motorcycle outing is an event. The D902 is the backbone of any rider's trip: it links Briançon to Guillestre via the Col de l'Izoard (2,361 m), cuts through the Casse Déserte, and continues to the Col de Vars (2,109 m) toward the Ubaye valley; A full day of riding that barely scratches the surface. To the north, the D1091 climbs from Briançon to the Col du Lautaret (2,058 m), then connects to the Galibier via the D902b (2,642 m), an absolute must, closed in winter, magical from May to October. Into the Queyras, the D947 from Guillestre winds up the Guil valley to Fort Queyras, while the D205T pushes on to the Col Agnel (2,744 m) toward Italy : little-known, vertiginous and sublime. To the south, the D942 skirts the shores of Serre-Ponçon between Embrun and Gap with constant views over the turquoise water. For riders who enjoy a Provençal twist, the D942 heading toward the Gorges de la Méouge offers a smooth transition from high pastures to garrigue. The entire department forms the alpine heart of the iconic Route des Grandes Alpes, from the Galibier all the way down to Vars.
From Briançon, a technical 19 km climb to 2,361 m through tight bends and an absolutely unique landscape of ochre rock columns.
From the Col du Lautaret (D1091), the D902b ascends to the Galibier at 2,642 m : total panorama over the Écrins and Cerces massifs.
Main north-south axis, smooth and scenic, running alongside the Guisane river with views of the Meije. Open year-round.
From Molines-en-Queyras, a climb to 2,744 m : a narrow, lightly trafficked road with a magnificent setting on the Italian border.
A wild valley ride from Guillestre to Château-Ville-Vieille, through preserved Queyras scenery on a smooth and enjoyable road.
From Guillestre, crossing the Col de Vars at 2,109 m to drop into Barcelonnette : a perfect loop when combined with the Izoard.
Panoramic road skirting the lake between Embrun, Savines-le-Lac and Chorges, with constant views over this mountain inland sea.
The legendary north-south route through the 05: Lautaret, Izoard, Guillestre, Vars, the alpine heart of this historic itinerary.