In the surroundings

Welcome to Réotier: a small village perched high above the sea, with fresh air guaranteed!

Nestling in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes between Guillestre and Briançon, Réotier is a small mountain village that may not be the size of a capital city, but when it comes to charm and nature, it has all the makings of one. Clinging to the mountainside at an altitude of almost 1000 metres, this peaceful hamlet overlooks the Durance valley and offers breathtaking panoramas!

When it comes to picture postcards, all the boxes are ticked: old stone houses, charming fountains, quiet little streets and a church perched on a hill overlooking the peaks. But Réotier is best known for its Petrifying Fountain, a rare geological phenomenon where limestone-laden water forms concretions with a fantastic twist. The place is listed and protected!

All around, nature reigns supreme: larch forests, flower-filled meadows, torrents and hiking trails galore: it’s a feast for the eyes. It’s also a dream spot for walkers, cyclists, lovers of beautiful panoramas and photographers of all kinds.

In short, Réotier is a little Alpine gem to discover at your own pace, and a real bubble of authenticity. But don’t forget your good walking shoes!

Côté carte postale, toutes les cases sont cochées : vieilles maisons en pierre, fontaines charmantes, ruelles tranquilles et une église perchée avec vue sur les sommets. Mais ce qui fait la réputation de Réotier, c’est surtout sa Fontaine Pétrifiante, un phénomène géologique rare où l’eau chargée en calcaire forme des concrétions avec une petite note fantastique. L’endroit est d’ailleurs classé et protégé !

Autour, la nature est reine : entre forêts de mélèzes, prairies fleuries, torrents et sentiers de randonnée à foison : c’est un plaisir pour les yeux. C’est également le spot rêvé pour les marcheurs, les cyclistes, les amoureux de beaux panoramas et les photographes en tout genre.

En résumé, Réotier est un petit bijou alpin à découvrir à votre rythme et une vraie bulle d’authenticité. Mais n’oubliez pas vos bonnes chaussures de marche !

A kayak trip on the Durance: between landscapes and sensations

For all those who love gentle (or strong, depending on the stretch!) sensations and beautiful landscapes, the Durance is the perfect spot for a kayaking adventure at your own pace. Just outside Réotier on the edge of the campsite, this wild and playful river flows through breathtaking scenery and offers a natural playground accessible to all!

And it’s up to you to choose the route: For beginners, take the calm sections between Saint-Clément-sur-Durance (5kms from the campsite) and Embrun (17kms from the campsite). No big rapids here, just enough to let yourself be carried along by the current, enjoy the coolness of the water, observe the surrounding mountains and maybe come across a heron or two along the way, who knows…

Fearless paddlers: head for the livelier sections, with a few playful rapids and well-placed eddies to test your balance (and your composure). Don’t worry: everything is supervised by professionals and the neoprene wetsuits are there to cushion a surprise dip… just in case!

The local water sports centres offer a range of options: half-day trips, water treks, or guided outings with an instructor who will show you the best passages (and avoid the treacherous pebbles). All in a friendly atmosphere often punctuated by splashing and good humour!

As a side note, the water of the Durance may speak to you: although cool, it is of a rare purity. Perfect for cooling off after a good session in the sunshine of the Southern Alps.

Hiking around Réotier: a feast for the eyes and a day to unwind!

For those who dream of wide open spaces, peace and quiet and spectacular views: there’s no shortage of choice around Réotier and the campsite. Whether you’re a weekend walker or a seasoned hiker, there’s a trail for everyone… It’s not easy to know where to start among all the choices, so we’ve selected some for you!

Start calmly with a short loop from the campsite: forest paths, flower-filled clearings and tranquil views over the Durance valley. Perfect for families or leisurely strollers. Special mention should be made of the walk to the Petrifying Fountain, which is as short as it is amazing!

If you’ve got a bit more energy to spare, try climbing to the crests of Vars, the Col de Moussière, or even a section of the famous GR50, which passes nearby. Up there, there’s the promise of breathtaking views of the Écrins hills. And who knows, you might even spot a shy marmot… The more adventurous can take on more challenging routes, such as the climb to Lac de l’Hivernet or the balcony routes above Guillestre. Don’t forget your camera (and your lungs…).

Nature and discovery around Eygliers: on the lookout for marmots!

At around 5km from the campsite takes you to the sublime village of Eygliers and its many hilltop hamlets. In addition to its particularly high level of sunshine, this village, rich in ancient heritage, rises to an altitude of 2,617 metres, at the foot of the foothills of the Catinat ridges. Its broad palette of colours is also home to a wealth of flora and fauna, including the region’s star animal: the marmot! For a chance to spot them, follow the signposted trail from Eygliers-gare. Not very shy, these little creatures can be seen from April to October (and like their peace and quiet to be preserved!). On the higher ground, you can see the historic fort of Mont-Dauphin, overlooking the valley.

Nature and discovery around Eygliers: on the lookout for marmots!

Just a few minutes from the campsite, how about a day in the great outdoors? Head for the Plan d’Eau d’Eygliers, the perfect spot to alternate between lazing around, swimming and activities of all kinds. Situated at the foot of the majestic stronghold of Mont-Dauphin, this little haven of peace offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and a relaxing atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of crowded beaches. On the agenda: swimming! With its fine sandy beaches and vast shaded green spaces, the lake is the perfect place to put down your towel and soak up the Alpine sunshine. Swimming is supervised in summer! For holidaymakers who like their thrills a little more intense, the water sports centre offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes: kayak, paddle and pedalo hire… Perfect for a leisurely stroll on the water or a gentle introduction to water sports. For our tourists who like to relax, the beach is equipped to keep the whole family occupied: play area for the little ones, picnic area, restaurants, trampolines, fitness trail… Everything you need for a great day out in the Durance Valley. Fishing is available all year round (permit required). In summer, the site offers a range of activities designed to help you discover the art of fishing.

Getaway to Mont-Dauphin: the perched fortress that leaves no one indifferent!

About 5km from the campsite, proudly overlooking Mont-Dauphin, is the kind of village that gives you the impression of stepping into a film set… but a very real one! Built in the 17th century under Louis XIV and designed by the famous Vauban, this fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combines military genius with mountain charm: that’s what it’s all about!

Perched on a rocky plateau at an altitude of 1050 m, between the Guil and Durance rivers, Mont-Dauphin dominates the valley with elegance. Ramparts, bastions, powder magazine, arsenal: everything is extremely well preserved. But it’s not just an open-air museum. Here, you can live, visit and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this timeless place. Take a guided tour of the fortress to discover its well-kept secrets!

Mont-Dauphin is also home to craftspeople, exhibitions, an art centre and sometimes even open-air concerts. In short, it’s a great way to combine culture, heritage and fun!

Simoust waterfall: guaranteed freshness in a picture-postcard setting

Nestling between Réotier and Eygliers, the Simoust waterfall is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. You don’t need to be a keen hiker to get there: a short stroll is all it takes to reach this little corner of unspoilt nature, where the water flows peacefully over the rock in a 100% natural setting. A wild and soothing atmosphere, the song of the water and the sensation of having discovered a well-kept secret: immerse yourself in the heart of nature! It’s the perfect place for a cool picnic break…

Nature: the waterfall is set in lush greenery, lined with pine trees, moss and rocks of all shapes and sizes. Children will be able to claim to be adventurers!

And for the more adventurous, a dip in the cool (very cool) water in the basin at the foot of the waterfall is a real shot of vitality. Also popular with fishing enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone.

Explore the Hautes-Alpes region around Réotier on a mountain bike: plenty of thrills and nature!

Around Réotier, mountain biking is a religion! With its well-marked trails, picture-postcard panoramas and vertiginous descents, the area is a little paradise for off-road mountain bikers of all levels. Here, you can pedal through larch forests, fragrant mountain pastures, ridge paths and even a few nervous single tracks.

Beginners can take the rolling trails at the bottom of the valley or the family-friendly routes to the Eygliers lake. The climb is gentle and you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Intermediates will enjoy the loops around Mont-Dauphin, Saint-Clément or Guillestre, with a little more relief, technicality… and a little pride at the finish! As for the experts, they’ll love the balcony routes or the technical descents towards the Guil or Durance rivers. Watch out, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

There are mountain bike hire companies (both classic and electric) in Guillestre and Mont-Dauphin, and the local tourist offices have handy maps with signposted routes.

Rafting and canyoning near Réotier: thrills and spills guaranteed!

For thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, we’ve got just the package to spice up your stay! Go rafting: available from spring onwards, rafting on the Durance is one of the region’s top activities. The stretch between Saint-Clément-sur-Durance and Embrun is perfect for discovering the joys of rafting in a group: not too nasty rapids, a few more technical sections to get you going and, above all, a great atmosphere on board! Guided by professionals (who know every eddy like the back of their hand), you slalom down the river between the rocks… often ending up soaking wet. It’s the ideal activity for families or friends.

Another activity not to be missed is canyoning, for the more intrepid. This sport consists of descending narrow gorges, alternating between walking, jumping into natural pools, abseiling down waterfalls and sliding down slippery rocks, in a truly natural setting! Near Réotier, a number of well-known spots await you, including the Fournel and Chichin gorges. Supervised by qualified instructors, canyoning is practised in complete safety, with suitable equipment and courses for all levels, including children aged 8 and over. Ready for a challenge?

Via ferrata and paragliding: a vertiginous adventure on a cliffside or in the air

Around Réotier, you can’t just take it easy on the flat paths (although the adventure is nice). If you’re looking for adventure and a challenge (and not too afraid of heights), the via ferrata and paragliding are waiting for you!

Somewhere between vertical hiking and safe climbing, the via ferrata is an activity that’s accessible to anyone who’d like to see the mountains up close and feel the emptiness beneath their feet. The good news is that there are plenty of them in the region, some just twenty minutes from the campsite. These include the via ferrata at Rocher de l’Aigle, in Pelvoux, which is perfect for a first-time climber (and what’s more, the view is incredible) and the via ferrata at Torrent de la Combe, near Freissinières: more aerial and a little more challenging. Equipped with your harness, helmet and lanyard, you climb along cables, metal rungs and even suspension bridges. All supervised by professionals, or on your own if you’re already comfortable with heights.

You can also take to the skies with a first paragliding experience! There are several flying schools in the valley, notably at Saint-Crépin, Guillestre and Ceillac, offering tandem first flights accessible to all (even children). A gentle take-off from the mountain pastures is followed by a great visual plunge into the Durance valley: over hilltop villages, forests, fields… and time to admire all this scenery! Flights are available throughout the summer, with professional instructors to suit your level.

Day trip to Briançon: the highest town in France!

Less than 30 minutes from Réotier, Briançon is a hilltop town with everything you could wish for: listed heritage, mountain scenery all around, charming little streets and an atmosphere that’s part high-altitude village, part historical city. A breath of fresh air and a great dose of culture! Start with a stroll through the Vauban town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (yes, it’s everywhere). Ramparts, fortified gates, moats, bastions: it’s a real open-air history book. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets, admire the colourful facades and the famous gargoyle (a small canal that runs right down the middle of the main street). You’ll also find pretty craft shops, galleries and cafés with sunny terraces.

Briançon is also home to museums such as the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire. There are also temporary exhibitions and live shows in summer!

Last but not least, Briançon is also home to many fine restaurants, traditional brasseries, a lively market and terraces where you can sip a génépi (in moderation) to recuperate from the day.