The Hautes Alpes are found in the central section of the French Alps, sandwiched between the departments of Savoie and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Somewhat outshone by the Alpine areas to its north, the Hautes Alpes contains some of the most beautiful scenery in Eastern France along with some excellent skiing facilities. French property in the department is often less expensive too, making it a location worthy of serious consideration if you're looking for an inexpensive chalet or villa in France close to a good ski resort.
The Hautes Alpes is dominated by two of the largest regional parks in the French Alps. In the west of the region is Ecrins National Park. Ecrins is in fact the largest National Park in France and has 23 villages and ski resorts contained within its boundaries. There are also over 680km of signed footpaths across the National Park, making the area very popular during the summer with hikers.
In the east of the region is the Queyras Regional Park. It covers an area of 650 sq km, which takes it up to the Italian border. The Queyras valley passes through its centre, from where a glut of mountain trails across the Park begin. Separating the two parks from each other is the River Durance, which flows from the mountains around Briancon in the north-east quadrant of Hautes Alpes down into the Provence and through Luberon, before joining the Rhone near Avignon.
Haute Alpes property mainly consists of townhouses, apartments, villas and chalets in small villages and ski resorts. In l'Argentiere la Besse on the Durance, midway between Briancon and Guillestre, a 4-bed Hautes Alpes property can be acquired for only 120,000 euros. French property in Puy st Vincent - one of the region's best skiing resorts - is just as cheap. A studio apartment here can be purchased for less than 40,000 euros.
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