Hautes-Alpes: Provençal Flavors and Endless Mountain Views
Staying at our Hautes-Alpes campsite opens the door to an exceptional region. The Buëch region, nestled between the Alps and Provence, is one of the best-kept destinations in southern France. Here, the landscape transitions between high mountains and Provence, with lavender fields, mid-altitude peaks, and verdant valleys. A region that remains wild, authentic, and generous—ideal for active family vacations, romantic getaways, or trips with friends.
From Camping Solaire du Petit Buëch in Veynes, just 27 km from Gap, you’re at the heart of it all. Rivers, gorges, hilltop villages, climbing cliffs, hiking trails, heritage sites… every day brings a new adventure. Here’s our guide to making the most of the Buëch region!
Water Activities in the Petit Buëch Valley
The Buëch is much more than a river—it’s a constant invitation to enjoy water in all its forms. This 85 km tributary of the Durance flows through colorful valleys scented with lavender and thyme, in a Natura 2000 classified area recognized for its ecological richness. Trout, white-clawed crayfish, bullhead fish… the aquatic wildlife is remarkable.
Swimming and Cooling Off
Just a 2-minute walk from Camping Solaire, the Buëch River and Veynes municipal lake welcome you for free, supervised swimming. The lake has a designated swimming area, a dock, restrooms, and rinse showers. There are also lovely swimming spots near Aspres-sur-Buëch and Val Buëch-Méouge, a few kilometers from Veynes.
Fishing in the Buëch
Fishing plays an important role along the waterway. The Buëch is classified as second category between Serres and Sisteron, and first category upstream from Serres. A French fishing license is all you need to fish in the Buëch and Petit Buëch.
Whitewater Sports
For thrill-seekers, the Buëch region and surroundings offer plenty of opportunities: rafting, canoeing and kayaking, canyoning, hydrospeed, stand-up paddleboarding… Our partners Eau Vive Passion, En Montagne, Les Guides des 2 Vallées, and Passion Canyon organize outings for all skill levels. De Bleu à Blanc also offers numerous routes and watercraft: stand-up paddle, inflatable kayak, two-person expedition canoe… Flyers and contact information are available at the campsite reception.
For canoeing and kayaking on the Durance, several routes are available depending on your preferences and skill level: 8 to 38 km of river between La Saulce and Sisteron, through breathtaking landscapes. Starting at Easter, Randonnée Canoë Kayak Nature (RKCN) rents canoes daily.
Outdoor Activities in the Buëch Region
The Buëch region’s terrain ranges from 500 to 2,700 meters in altitude, offering adventurers extraordinary panoramas of fruit orchards, ridges, and cliffs. An exceptional playground for all outdoor enthusiasts!
Aerial Sports
The Aspres-sur-Buëch airfield is the ideal starting point for trying paragliding or gliding. From this plateau overlooking the valley, the views of the Buëch region are spectacular. Introductory flights and lessons are offered by experienced professionals—ask at the campsite reception for contact details.
For the more daring, the Gap-Tallard airfield offers tandem skydiving: one minute of freefall with the Alps as your backdrop. An unforgettable experience!
Caving and Via Ferrata
The limestone massifs of the Buëch region contain numerous caves and cavities for caving enthusiasts. Guided outings are organized for all levels. Ask at the campsite reception for local providers.
Horseback Riding
Discover the Buëch region on horseback… horseback riding excursions through the Hautes-Alpes, in the Buëch valley, are offered by local providers. A wonderful way to explore the trails at a different pace, with family or in a group.
Land of Challenges
Mountain Sports Activities in the Hautes-Alpes
The Buëch region is a paradise for athletes. Hikers, cyclists, climbers, paragliders… everyone finds what they’re looking for. Here’s an overview of the region’s top activities.
Hiking
In summer, hikers can explore numerous marked trails winding through varied, panoramic landscapes, such as the famous Montagne de Céüse trail, offering stunning views of the Southern Alps. Routes for all levels are accessible from Veynes, from simple family paths to multi-day treks.
Discover all our favorites on our Hiking Paradise page.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
For those who prefer to stay on the ground, mountain biking and hiking are top activities in the Buëch region. Legendary mountain passes, panoramic routes, technical descents… the Buëch region is an exceptional playground for cyclists of all levels. Find all our favorite routes on our Cycling Paradise page.
Climbing
The region’s mild climate allows climbers to scale high cliffs year-round, particularly around Orpierre where you’ll find excellent climbing sites of various grades, perfect for beginners or improving your skills. The cliffs of Orpierre and Ceüze are internationally renowned and welcome climbers from around the world every year.
Veynes: A Town Steeped in History
Just steps from Camping Solaire, Veynes is an essential stop. Stroll through this quintessential railway town—it holds surprising historical and architectural heritage for a town of this size.
Continue to the Veynes media library, a welcoming space where you can browse books, temporary exhibitions, and cultural activities for all ages. Nearby, the performance hall hosts concerts, theater productions, and local events throughout the year—check the schedule before your stay! Film lovers will appreciate the town’s small cinema, which offers screenings in an intimate, warm atmosphere.
Finally, don’t miss the night market featuring local producers and artisans held at the Veynes lake, an essential gathering on beautiful summer evenings: artisans, local producers, and entertainment come together in a festive, friendly atmosphere, perfect for extending the day with family or friends.
Explore the Region’s Small Villages
The Buëch region blends high mountains with jagged peaks, Provençal villages, olive groves, and lavender fields. Villages with plane tree-shaded squares where pétanque is played, charming small towns adorned with Romanesque churches, beautiful houses lining the streets, hilltop castles… the Buëch breathes the art of living well.
Among the must-visit villages:
- Montmaur: its classified castle offers summer cultural programming. With its Sainte-Philomène chapel at the foot of the mountain, it’s one of the Buëch region’s essential villages.
- Orpierre: with its typically Provençal pastel houses, this hilltop village is also the starting point for the famous climbing cliffs
- Serres: a small medieval town nestled between the river and a rocky ridge, with lively markets and charming streets
- Rosans: a village of character with vibrant Provençal traditions
- La Roche-des-Arnauds: gateway to the Dévoluy massif
The Buëch is a paradoxically simple yet rich region, mountain-oriented but not exclusively: typical villages, swimming in streams, outdoor activities, evening festivities… there’s something for all tastes and all ages.
To plan your stay effectively, also check the Sources du Buëch Tourist Office website, which lists all events, markets, and activities in the region.
Essential Cultural Sites and Museums Around Veynes
Traveling the roads of the Baronnies Provençales and the sources of the Buëch, you’ll find real treasures: churches, chapels, historic homes, castles, and manor houses. Here’s our selection of cultural sites not to miss around Camping Solaire:
- The Veynes Railway Worker’s Ecomuseum in Veynes: local railway history told in a lively, accessible way for everyone
- The Costume and Trades of Yesteryear Museum in Veynes: immersion into the traditions and crafts of the Buëch region
- Montmaur Castle: classified site with cultural events during summer season
- The Departmental Museum and Botanical Conservatory in Gap: ideal for a cultural day trip 27 km from the campsite
- The Orthodox monastery in La Faurie, an original and peaceful visit on the border of Buëch and Dévoluy
Every Tuesday in July and August, the Copernic association in La Roche-des-Arnauds offers telescope sky observation sessions starting at 9 PM, a magical activity for the whole family!
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