The Resort
Summer is the perfect time of year to explore Orcieres and discover the riches of the surrounding valleys of Champsaur and Valgaudemar... From gentle, rolling hillsides to steep and dramatic alpine backdrops, traditional farms and shepherd's cabins, herds of sheep and cows, a traditional alpine heritage with delicious local produce and specialities, a full range of activities... An area with unique character !
A unique alpine territory
Orcières is at the heart of Champsaur and Valgaudemar... Discover pretty postcard villages like Prapic, medieval towns like Saint Bonnet, little hamlets with their chapels, sun dials, stone bread ovens, fountains...
Explore the contrasting natural beauty: the network of hedgerows criss-crossing the mountain-sides of Champsaur - the last alpine valley to have preserved this ancient technique - the Himalayan valley of Valgaudemar, with the dramatic, glaciated 'cirque' of Gioberney and the Voile de la Mariée waterfall, the rustic Champoleon valley...
Taste the mountains : local produce and specialities like tourtons (filled pastry parcels), creuzets (pasta and cream dish), ravioles, (potato and cheese delicacy eaten with honey or jam), local cheeses like the Tome d'Orcieres, Champsaur tarts (jam tarts made with local fruits and berries)...
Discover the mountains
The diversity of the mountains lining the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valleys from Orcieres is such that there are a thousand and one ways to explore them...
Easy strolls along nature trails and paths, unlimited and varied walking and trekking, notably in the Ecrins National Park, downhill and cross country mountain biking, white water sports, paragliding, climbing, horse riding, high ropes adventure, road biking, swimming in the lakes, fishing in rivers and high altitude lakes...
Want to enjoy more smoothly? Orcières 1850 offers a complex of leisure and relaxation in the heart of the resort, for an approach well-being of the mountain, swim in front of the panorama of the valley of the Black Drac, enjoy the ice, the relaxation area (sauna, hammam...), cinema...
Fayres and festivals
The Champsaur and Valgaudemar locals have committed themselves to being the best at celebrating the summer in Orcieres and the villages. There are numerous country fayres throughout the summer celebrating rural life with traditional costumes and folk music ....
An abundance of more contemporary festivals: the circus and street arts festival in Orcieres, the Chaillol Festival... and numerous sporting events and competitions: The "Ultra Champsaur" trail (mountain or fell running), the "Raid Urcinia des Familles" (multi activity adventure race for families), "Montée Historique" (classic car rally)...
