Gap

Gap is a commune in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France, sitting in a wide valley between several mountain ranges. The settlement rests at about 750 meters (2460 feet) above sea level and serves as the capital of the department, with public buildings, schools, and a hospital.

The settlement was founded in Roman times as Vappincum and served as a stopping point along a major trade route between Turin and Sisteron. During the Middle Ages, the town grew as an episcopal seat and maintained its role as an administrative center through the centuries.

The name Gap comes from the Latin word Vappincum, a reminder of the town's Roman past. Visitors notice the contrast between the modern prefecture buildings and the narrow streets of the old quarter, where shops and cafés line the sidewalks.

Those exploring the old town will find most shops and street cafés around the cathedral in the center. The streets are easy to walk, and on warm days locals seek shade under the arcades.

Gap is the highest prefecture in France and was awarded Alpine Town of the Year in 2002. At the center stands a 19th-century fountain that recalls earlier times when water was brought down from the mountains into town.

Location: Hautes-Alpes

Location: canton of Gap-Campagne

Location: canton of Gap-Centre

Location: canton of Gap-Nord-Est

Location: canton of Gap-Nord-Ouest

Location: canton of Gap-Sud-Est

Location: canton of Gap-Sud-Ouest

Location: arrondissement of Gap

Elevation above the sea: 1,107 m

Shares border with: Châteauvieux, La Fare-en-Champsaur, Forest-Saint-Julien, La Freissinouse, Jarjayes, Laye, Lettret, Neffes, Le Noyer, Pelleautier, Poligny, Rabou, Rambaud, La Roche-des-Arnauds, La Rochette, Saint-Laurent-du-Cros, Dévoluy

Address: 05000 Gap, France

Phone: +33492532424

Email: mairie@ville-gap.fr

Website: https://ville-gap.fr

GPS coordinates: 44.55861,6.07778

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:02