Orcières, Mountain commune in Hautes-Alpes, France
Orcières is a mountain commune in the Hautes-Alpes that spans from 1170 to 3117 meters in elevation and consists of roughly 22 hamlets with numerous lakes spread across the territory. The terrain rises and falls dramatically, creating a varied landscape where villages are scattered across different slopes.
The settlement began in medieval times as a mountain community and grew through farming and seasonal herding activities. Later, road development and modern infrastructure opened the area and led to the creation of winter sports facilities in the twentieth century.
Residents keep alive traditional mountain farming while running modern ski resorts that draw visitors throughout the year. This blend of old crafts and newer tourism shapes the rhythm of daily life here.
You can reach Orcières by car from Gap in about 45 minutes, with regular bus connections serving the region. The best time to visit depends on whether you prefer winter sports or summer hiking.
About half of the territory sits within the protected zone of Écrins National Park, featuring mountain lakes like Estaris, Pisses, and Jumeaux. These lakes become accessible during warmer months and offer a natural gateway into the mountain wilderness.
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