Foil Sports Fair at Serre-Ponçon
Foil water sports fair in June 2026 on the shores of Lake Serre-Ponçon. Tests, competitions, and demonstrations in Savines-le-Lac.
Plizio Visual Lab
A local specialty of fried pastry filled with potato, cheese, or meat; grab them at the market.
Small potato-based dumplings typical of the Hautes-Alpes, available in traditional restaurants.
Look for local beekeepers selling their honey in the central square shops.
Held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, it's the best place for fresh Alpine products and crafts.
Explore the pedestrian streets of the rocky plateau for handmade ceramics and local art.
Take a quiet walk near this historic tower for remarkable, unobstructed views of the Durance Valley.
A calm lakeside area great for a relaxing afternoon away from the town center.
Water temperature…
Foil water sports fair in June 2026 on the shores of Lake Serre-Ponçon. Tests, competitions, and demonstrations in Savines-le-Lac.
An exhibition of unique ceramic pieces titled "Utile et Terres" showcasing local craftsmanship.
Experience the thrill of a major European mountain bike downhill race in the heart of the Alps!
From New York to Hollywood: a string orchestra concert celebrating 20th-century North American masterpieces.
Discover the vibrant ceramicists' market in Embrun, featuring unique handcrafted pieces.
Introductory or advanced pottery workshop at Arteralya farm. Explore your creativity through modeling and turning techniques with professional guidance.
The Marseille Astronomy Association presents a talk on the summer sky, followed by stargazing with instruments. Please bring a flashlight.
Les Orres, with the Marseille Astronomy Association, offers lectures and sky observations, focusing this year on the Sun and the upcoming eclipse.
A charming ceramics market featuring local artists in Baratier.
Learn about our star followed by night sky observations using professional instruments with the Marseille Astronomy Association.
Embrun is a spectacular destination in the Hautes-Alpes department, affectionately known as the "Nice of the Alps" due to its remarkably sunny, dry climate and animated southern atmosphere. Dramatically perched on a steep rocky escarpment high above the Durance River valley, the town has a rich history as a powerful archbishopric. The crown jewel of this heritage is the magnificent 12th-century Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Réal. This monumental structure is famed for its remarkable Lombard-style porch supported by stone lions, beautifully preserved ancient frescoes, and a richly carved wooden organ case that is considered one of the most beautiful in all of France. Strolling through the pedestrian-friendly historical center, visitors can admire grand patrician houses, colorful pastel facades, and lively squares where locals gather at sunny café terraces. Down in the valley, right at the foot of the town, lies the Plan d'Eau d'Embrun, a dedicated recreational lake separated from the massive expanse of Lake Serre-Ponçon by a small dike. This pristine waterpark is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering grassy beaches, swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding in a spectacular mountain setting. Furthermore, Embrun serves as a handy basecamp for exploring the rugged peaks and deep valleys of the nearby Écrins National Park.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -2 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 8 | 2 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 43 | 52 | 57 | 74 | 54 | 39 | 43 | 53 | 74 | 90 | 62 |
See what it looks like near Embrun right now.
Embrun · 1.8 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your morning absorbing the local atmosphere at Place Barthelon, grabbing a quick coffee to awaken your senses. Then, delve into Embrun's history with an unhurried visit to the Maison des Chanonges, appreciating its timeless architecture. By midday, transition towards the magnificent Notre-Dame-du-Réal Cathedral, letting the black and white marble porch awe you. Take your time inside, exploring the silent medieval corners. In the early afternoon, make the short but rewarding climb up Tour Brune for sweeping valley vistas. The views of the Durance river winding through the Alps are completely unforgettable. Finally, end your walking tour unwinding at Jardin du Roc. This cliffside sanctuary offers the perfect spot to rest your feet while watching the late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the majestic mountain peaks.
In the morning, we seek cover in the narrow streets around Place Barthelon. At noon, Maison des Chanonges provides a dry sanctuary filled with local history. In the afternoon, we linger inside the cathedral to avoid the heaviest showers. We end the day at Jardin du Roc, where the rain intensifies the scent of alpine herbs and the mist dances over the valley, creating a moody atmosphere.
The morning starts fresh in the crystal-clear mountain air of Place Barthelon. At noon, we warm up in the heated rooms of Maison des Chanonges. The afternoon is spent in the quiet, cool cathedral before rushing to Jardin du Roc. Here, around 4:30 PM, we catch an early, golden sunset over the snow-capped peaks before the winter darkness envelops the village.
Kick off your cycling journey in the historic center, breathing in the fresh morning air at Place Barthelon. A swift ride brings you to the imposing Cathedral, setting a majestic tone for the rest of your active day. Before lunch, cycle out to the edge of the plateau to explore Jardin du Roc. The panoramic views from the cliffside garden provide a perfect transition before heading downhill toward the waterfront. Glide down to the Plan d'Eau d'Embrun to soak in the lakeside ambiance, perhaps jumping in for a swim. Afterward, pedal over to the mini-golf course for some lighthearted afternoon competition. Conclude your ride along the expansive shores of Lake Serre-Ponçon. The shimmering turquoise waters framed by alpine peaks create a stunning backdrop to end a beautiful day on two wheels.
We start cautiously on the wet cobblestones of the town center. At noon, we cycle down to Plan d'Eau, watching out for muddy patches along the shore. The afternoon is spent actively by the lake despite the rain, before taking shelter under the covers at Lake Serre-Ponçon. The return journey requires full concentration due to limited visibility and slippery curves.
A frosty start leads us through the quiet streets of Embrun. At noon, we enjoy the sun at Plan d'Eau, glistening on the partially frozen water. The afternoon ride requires warm layers for the descent to the big lake. Around 4:30 PM, temperatures drop rapidly as we catch the last rays of light at Lake Serre-Ponçon before heading back.
Start your road trip deeply rooted in history at the magnificent Notre-Dame-du-Réal Cathedral. Taking your time here sets a culturally rich foundation before you leave the town limits for nature's playground. Drive down to the Plan d'Eau d'Embrun for a scenic midday break. The smooth waters and well-maintained shores make it an ideal stop to stretch your legs and enjoy a lakeside lunch. Continue your journey to the massive Lake Serre-Ponçon, finding a viewpoint to admire its deep blue hue. Later, venture further out to discover the secluded and tranquil Lac Brun nestled among the trees. Wrap up the day's adventure at Lac de Siguret as the evening approaches. The peaceful alpine setting offers a quiet, breathtaking moment to reflect on your journey before driving back.
We start comfortably in the dry car by the cathedral. At noon, we drive to Plan d'Eau, where raindrops on the lake create a soothing atmosphere. The afternoon is spent cruising along the Serre-Ponçon shore while wipers clear the view of mystical clouds. Finally, we ascend to Lac de Siguret, which in the rain feels almost like a Scottish highland moor.
With seat heaters on, we start the clear winter morning at the cathedral. At noon, the drive leads to the sparkling Plan d'Eau, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, we cruise along the deep blue Serre-Ponçon. The trip ends at Lac de Siguret, where around 4:30 PM we enjoy the last sunlight over the deep snowy plateau before the hard frost sets in.
