Grande Autane, Mountain summit in Hautes-Alpes, France.
Grande Autane rises to 2,782 meters above sea level, forming a distinctive pyramidal rock structure that dominates the landscape of the Dauphiné Alps near Gap and Ancelle.
The mountain has served as a traditional landmark for centuries, guiding shepherds and travelers through the Champsaur valley and surrounding alpine regions of southeastern France.
Local folklore in the Hautes-Alpes region celebrates Grande Autane as a sentinel peak, with regional stories recounting tales of explorers who reached its summit to witness panoramic Alpine vistas.
Hikers can access the summit via established trails from Ancelle, following the demanding T3-classified Crête des Autanes route that requires experience with rocky terrain and steep sections.
Despite ranking as the 14th most prominent peak within Parc national des Écrins among 544 summits, Grande Autane remains relatively unknown to international tourists compared to neighboring Alpine destinations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
