Valgaudemar, Glacial valley in Hautes-Alpes, France
Description
Valgaudemar is a U-shaped valley in the Hautes-Alpes with steep granite walls and a flat valley floor that extends across different elevations. The valley takes its distinctive form from glacial erosion that carved through the landscape over thousands of years.
History
The valley took shape roughly 100,000 years ago through intense glacial erosion that transformed an original V-shaped valley into its current U-form. This geological transformation created the landscape where human settlements later developed.
Culture
The villages scattered through the valley display traditional stone houses and small churches that show how people have adapted to mountain life over centuries. The way buildings are arranged reflects the practical needs of living in alpine terrain.
Practical
You can enter the valley through several points such as Saint-Firmin or Saint-Jacques, with a visitor center in La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar providing information about local hiking trails and conditions. This center serves as a helpful starting point before exploring the various routes available in the area.
Did you know?
The Haute-Vallée de Séveraisse section within the valley functions as a protected nature reserve where chamois, mouflons, and golden eagles make their home. This protected zone offers visitors a chance to observe rare alpine animals in their natural habitat.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (La Chapelle-en-Valgaudémar).
Écrins National Park
10 km
Olan
6 km
Vieux Chaillol
9.5 km
Les Rouies
10 km
Pic Turbat
4.4 km
Aiguille des Arias
8.8 km
Pic des Souffles
5.4 km
Réserve naturelle nationale de la haute vallée de la Séveraisse
8.4 km
Crupillouse Glacier
8.2 km
Église de Saint-Maurice-en-Valgodemard
4.4 km
Chapelle Saint-François-d'Assise du Roux
3 km
Église de la Motte-en-Champsaur
11.2 km
Église de Saint-Firmin
10.4 km
Chapelle de Molines-en-Champsaur
8 km
Église Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur-et-Saint-Philippe de Saint-Jacques-en-Valgodemard
9.5 km
Église Saint-Laurent des Préaux
10.3 km
Église Sainte-Anne de Villar-Loubière
1.1 km
Chapelle de la Chalp
11.2 km
Chapelle du Bourg en Valgaudemar
6.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Sébastien de la Loubière
1.7 km
Chapelle des Paris de Saint-Jacques-en-Valgodemard
10.9 km
Chapelle Saint-Joseph des Andrieux
1.4 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Lumières de la Tour
3.2 km
Chapelle de la Chaup en Valgaudemar
5.7 km
Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Navette
4.8 km
Chapelle de Lallée
10.2 km
Chapelle du Séchier
7.7 km
Chapelle Saint-Laurent de l'Ubac
3.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes