Hautes-Alpes is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It consists of the southeast of the former province of Dauphiné and the north of Provence. Napoleon passed through Gap when he returned to reclaim France after his exile on Elba.

Serre Chevalier is one of the major French ski resorts, although not as well known as the likes of Chamonix and Meribel! Located in the south part of the Alps, close to the Parc National des Ecrins, it boasts a skiing area of 250 km of slopes and very sunny weather, with 300 days of sunshine a year. Serre Chevalier lies close to the old town of Briancon. The French ski champion Luc Alphand was born in the valley and there is a black run named after him.

In the summer Serre Chevalier becomes an area dedicated to kayaking, walking, cycling, mountain biking, climbing, rock climbing, paragliding and a place to generally enjoy one of the most gorgeous mountain areas in Europe.  The Ski Lifts are open in peak summer months for walking and cycling.

Briancon is the nearby old town, which at 1,350 meters is the second highest city in Europe after Davos. The historical center is a fortress town, built by Vauban to defend the region from Austrians in the 17th century. The town was defended by many other fortresses constructed in the mountains that surround the city. It is a lovely place to explore with its cobbled streets and variety of restaurants and shops.