What to see in France

Saint-Véran, camping on the roofs of Europe

Le village de Saint-Véran sous la neige
Le village de Saint-Véran sous la neige

 

Nestling in the heart of the Southern Alps, at an altitude of almost 2,040 metres, Saint-Véran is one of the highest villages in Europe. This little mountain paradise, voted "Most beautiful village in France", invites you to immerse yourself in the nature and authenticity of the Queyras valley. In summer, the campsite becomes the starting point for your hikes, and in winter the ski slopes of the Saint-Véran ski area are the favourite sports ground for snow lovers. If you love stunning scenery and traditional architecture, Saint-Véran offers an idyllic setting for a camping experience.

Which campsites are ideal for Saint-Véran?

Imagine waking up each morning to the sound of mountain pastures, surrounded by majestic mountains. Camping at Saint-Véran allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of the area while being close to exceptional natural sites. Here is our selection:

Caravaneige open all year round - Two star campsite

Camping Queyras Caravaneige ** in Abriès, 21 km from St-Véran, in the heart of the Queyras Regional Nature Park, 100 m from a lake and on the banks of a river where you can go fishing. The campsite is open all year round for those who want to discover the village of Saint-Véran by hiking or skiing.

Cheaper campsites in the mountains

Also in Abriès, the Municipal campsite offers 40 pitches but is only open in summer from July to September. Pets are allowed in the accommodation. Situated in the beautiful, unspoilt valley of the Queyras Regional Nature Park, it is at an altitude of 1900 metres. There is a GR trail just outside the campsite, a river less than 300 metres away and, of course, an uninterrupted view of the mountains at. A motorhome parking area with water and electricity connections is also available.

 

Camping du Chardonnet in Abriès-Ristolas is 26 km from the village of St-Véran in the heart of the Queyras Regional Nature Park. You can enjoy the scenery on the GR 58 trail, with Mont Viso nearby. Authentic local restaurants are available on site from May to September, as well as bakeries, launderettes and local produce.) Refreshments are also available for hikers. Open-air shows and concerts are organised in summer.

Three-star campsite in the mountains

La Ribière *** campsite in Guillestre is 33 km from Saint-Véran, voted one of France's most beautiful villages. On the banks of a river, it offers canoeing-kayaking, fishing and rafting. There is also horse-riding and organised walks. The campsite is open between June and September, but rentals are available all year round for those who want to make the most of the snow.

Four-star campsite - Mobile homes in the mountains

For those who prefer more comfort, the Parc Le Villard campsite **** also in Guillestre (35 km from Saint-Véran) has 28 rentals all year round and 100 pitches from May to September. The campsite also has an outdoor swimming pool so you can soak up the sun in summer and spend some quality time with the family. Kayaking and rafting are available on the river, as well as mini-golf, volleyball and table tennis for sporting activities. In the summer, there's dancing and entertainment on offer.

Discover all of the campsites in Hautes-Alpes and a selection of our favourite campsites in Hautes-Alpes.

What is there to see in Saint-Véran?

Renowned for its old-world charm, traditional architecture and exceptional natural surroundings, here are a few must-sees when visiting Saint-Véran:

Traditional architecture

Stone and wood houses: This village is a veritable open-air museum, with its dry-stone houses and lauze roofs. The buildings are constructed using ancestral techniques adapted to the mountain environment, and the lauze (flat stone) roofs are particularly characteristic.

The "balconies" of the houses: A typical architectural feature of Saint-Véran and the Queyras. The houses often have carved wooden balconies, adding to the picturesque charm of the village.

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Typical stone house with wooden balconies
Typical stone house with wooden balconies© iStock

 

The Soum Museum

The Musée du Soum is a small museum in the village of Saint-Véran dedicated to the life and traditions of the local people, with a particular focus on local history, village architecture and traditional crafts. The term "Soum" refers to a small hamlet or highland area in the mountains, a name that testifies to the close links between the inhabitants and their environment. You'll discover:

Traditional mountain life: The museum features everyday objects used by Queyras inhabitants, as well as exhibitions on local farming and craft techniques, such as woodworking and wool production.

Mountain architecture: You can explore the distinctive architecture of Saint-Véran, with its stone and wooden houses, slate roofs and narrow passageways.

The Heritage Museum

This museum showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of Saint-Véran. In particular, it presents the traditional architecture of mountain houses and chalets, construction techniques, as well as temporary and permanent exhibitions on local culture, costumes and the history of the region.

Although they are similar in their focus on local heritage, the two museums have different approaches, so it's worth visiting both.

The church of Saint-Véran

The church is a remarkable example of the architecture and religious history of the region. The village is perched at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, which gives the church a special charm, both in terms of its position and its atmosphere. The church features traditional Alpine architecture, with a simple nave and stone bell tower, typical of medieval buildings in the region. The decorative elements and materials used highlight the close relationship between the village and its mountain environment. As is often the case in mountain villages, the church was a central place for community life, both spiritual and social. It was built at a time when the inhabitants sought protection from invasions and harsh climatic conditions. The village of Saint-Véran, founded in the Middle Ages, has seen its church evolve over the centuries, with renovations and additions that bear witness to its religious and local history.

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View of the church of Saint-Véran
View of the church of Saint-Véran © iStock

 

The two hamlets of the village

The hamlet of La Chalp is located at the entrance to the village, on the main road leading to Saint-Véran. It is an old residential area, with traditional stone houses typical of Alpine architecture. The lauze roofs, exposed stonework and characteristic vegetable gardens add to their picturesque charm. La Chalp is often a starting point for hikes in the surrounding mountains, particularly to the Col de la Chalp, where you can join other trails to the summits.

The hamlet of Le Raux is further from the heart of the village and at an even higher altitude. It is often described as a little more isolated and tranquil and is also popular with walkers for its natural beauty and peace and quiet. The hamlet of Le Raux is best known for its location, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

Crafts and skilled trades play an important role

The exceptional mountain setting has naturally encouraged the development of various forms of craftwork, linked to local resources and age-old traditions. Crafts in Saint-Véran are closely linked to the history and culture of the mountains. Because of its isolation and difficult environment, the local people have had to develop specific skills, often linked to nature and the materials available in the region. Wood has been one of the main resources in this mountainous region. There are many craftsmen and women working with wood to create traditional furniture, decorative or utilitarian objects such as wooden skis, walking sticks and kitchen utensils. Woodworking in the Hautes-Alpes has a long history, and in Saint-Véran, the craftsmen carry on this tradition by creating objects that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The old Saint-Véran mine

The Saint-Véran mining site bears witness to the region's industrial past, in particular the exploitation of natural resources such as copper, which was abundant in the area in the 19th century.

Guided tours are sometimes organised, particularly by local associations or guides specialising in mines and old industrial sites. Some parts of the mine may be accessible, but other areas may be dangerous, unsecured or protected for safety or preservation reasons. It is advisable to check with the Saint-Véran Tourist Office or local guides for current access arrangements and to ensure that the visit is open to the public.

 

 

 

 

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