Saint-Véran

Saint-Véran is a commune in Hautes-Alpes, France, with a ski area that spreads across several slopes between 1750 and 2830 meters (5740 and 9280 feet) elevation. The runs include green beginner zones and steeper red descents served by multiple lifts.

Copper mining brought settlers here during the Middle Ages, establishing the village at an altitude later recognized as Europe's highest permanent settlement. The church from the 17th century replaced earlier chapels and was expanded using timber from surrounding forests.

Wooden houses called fustes stand close together along narrow lanes, their balconies carved with sun motifs and dates from past centuries. Local families still use the ground floors for storage while living upstairs, following the layout that kept people and animals warm together through winter.

The terrain suits families and less experienced skiers, as most runs slope gently and are well groomed. The commune offers equipment rentals and lodging in wooden houses or small inns within walking distance of the lifts.

More than thirty sundials are mounted on house walls throughout the village, showing time with mathematical precision developed by earlier inhabitants. Many carry Latin inscriptions and complex dials that also mark the passage of seasons.

Location: canton of Aiguilles

Location: Hautes-Alpes

Location: arrondissement of Briançon

Elevation above the sea: 2,428 m

Shares border with: Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, Ceillac, Molines-en-Queyras, Pontechianale

Address: 546 Rte de Saint-Claude, 05350 Saint-Véran, France

Opening Hours: Monday-Tuesday 09:00-12:00; Thursday-Friday 09:00-12:00

Phone: +33492458391

Email: mairie.stveran@wanadoo.fr

GPS coordinates: 44.70000,6.86833

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:43