La Freissinouse: Nature, Trails and Chapel

This includes Lac de Pelleautier, Chapelle Notre-Dame (Les Pons) and various route connections. The first thing to consider is what you would like to do: take a scenic drive, go hiking, ride mountain biking trails or visit with a focus on culture. The details below will help you distinguish between these options and decide what to focus on during your stay.

Scenic drives and Terres de Gap

The “Itinéraire des Villages Perchés” is described in connection with 16 villages and hamlets in Terres de Gap, including La Freissinouse. The scenic drives combine nature, culture and agriculture, and offer panoramic views ranging from 180° to 360°. You can travel along the itinerary by car, motorcycle or bicycle. These three modes of transport give your planning a concrete framework: if you choose the scenic drive as your main focus, you can consider which of the listed vehicles suits your plans. The range of panoramic views adds another aspect to the nature, culture and agriculture featured on these routes.

Lac de Pelleautier and trails

The area designated as a ZNIEFF, Lac de Pelleautier, includes the lake and its shores and is located in the communes of Freissinouse and Pelleautier. The natural area is therefore defined by more than just the body of water: its shores are also included, and the designated area spans two communes. A hike from Chapelle Sainte-Anne to Lac de Pelleautier starts in La Freissinouse. The starting point and destination are therefore specified for this route; check trail conditions before setting out. One route meets the signposted long-distance hiking trail, GR de Pays entre Ceüse et Durance, near Chapelle des Pons. There is a picnic table at Chapelle des Pons along the route described. Lac de Pelleautier/La Freissinouse is also one of the starting points for mountain biking, or VTT, trails.

Chapelle Notre-Dame (Les Pons)

Chapelle Notre-Dame (Les Pons) is a chapel in La Freissinouse. The entrance door of Chapelle des Pons was restored; a September 2023 municipal bulletin mentions the work. This adds a named building with a historical detail to the landscape and route connections. The chapel provides a specific cultural focus to help you get to know the area, alongside the outdoor activities described.

Choosing a trip by activity

You can decide what to focus on for your trip based on how you want to get around. The Itinéraire des Villages Perchés can be travelled by car, motorcycle or bicycle; the trip from Chapelle Sainte-Anne to Lac de Pelleautier is described as a hike. Mountain biking, or VTT, trails add another option, with a starting point at Lac de Pelleautier/La Freissinouse. This lets you plan your trip around a scenic drive, a walk or VTT before comparing hotels in La Freissinouse.

Discover more destinations: Manteyer, Ribiers, Saint-Julien-En-Beauchêne, Embrun, Puy-Sanières, Orcières, Champoléon, Aspres-Sur-Buëch.

For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.