Hautes-Alpes, France: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Hautes-Alpes, France? If you're planning to go to Hautes-Alpes, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Hautes-Alpes, France

Based on the climate and weather in Hautes-Alpes, France, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Hautes-Alpes, France

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Hautes-Alpes, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Hautes-Alpes, France by month

January

January in Hautes-Alpes is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Hautes-Alpes is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March in Hautes-Alpes is cold. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Hautes-Alpes is cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you visit Hautes-Alpes during May, you are likely to find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

June

If you vacation in Hautes-Alpes during June, you are likely to notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you get the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July in Hautes-Alpes is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August in Hautes-Alpes is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

September

If you go to Hautes-Alpes in September, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

October

Traveling to Hautes-Alpes in October, you will notice that it is crisp. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November in Hautes-Alpes is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to get the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you are traveling to Hautes-Alpes in December, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hautes-Alpes. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

What to do in Hautes-Alpes, France

Nestled in the southeast region of France, Hautes-Alpes boasts of breathtaking natural landscapes, charming towns and villages, and unique cultural experiences. From the stunning snow-capped mountains to the picturesque valleys and glistening lakes, Hautes-Alpes appeals to all types of tourists.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Hautes-Alpes, France:

1. Les Ecrins National Park: With over 150 peaks reaching the altitude of 3,000 meters, Les Ecrins National Park is a haven for nature and adventure lovers. Spread across 91,800 hectares, the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including the rare Alpine ibex, bearded vultures, and golden eagles.

2. Serre Chevalier: A popular winter sports destination, Serre Chevalier is a vast ski area located between the towns of Briançon and Chantemerle. The ski resort has over 250 kilometers of runs for skiers of all levels, and also offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.

3. Briançon: Known as the highest city in Europe, Briançon is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors can explore its well-preserved fortified walls, Vauban citadel, and charming town center.

4. Lac de Serre-Ponçon: Located at the foothills of the Alps, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is the largest artificial lake in Europe. The lake offers a range of water activities such as swimming, boating, sailing, and fishing, and is surrounded by picturesque villages and scenic trails.

5. Les Orres: A popular ski resort in winter, Les Orres transforms into a summer paradise during the warmer months. Visitors can hike, mountain bike, and explore the Alps' flora and fauna, as well as visit the village's traditional alpine farms.

6. Queyras Regional Park: A protected park since 1977, Queyras Regional Park is home to small villages, untouched landscapes, and a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. Visitors can also visit the Astronomical Observatory to observe the night sky.

7. Mont-Dauphin: Built in the 18th century, Mont-Dauphin is a fortified town steeped in history. Visitors can wander through its narrow streets, explore the Vauban citadel, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

In conclusion, Hautes-Alpes has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Its natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor activities make it a must-visit destination in France.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Ben Tre, Vietnam, Irbit, Russia, Agios Efstratios, Greece, Sounio, Greece, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Akyaka, Turkey, Avellino, Italy, Grande Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Podlaskie, Poland, and Groton, Massachusetts, United States of America.