Here’s where to go in the Southern Alps for an unforgettable summer!

When the peaks of the Northern Alps don their first persistent snows at altitude, the Southern Alps awaken under a different light. Between the Mediterranean influence that warms the slopes and the mineral austerity of high altitude massifs, this region offers exceptional terrain for lovers of wide open spaces. Here, rock expresses itself in ochre and grey tones, larch forests capture golden light, and trails wind through pastoral traditions and historical heritage.

Choosing where to set your backpack down in this vast territory can become a dilemma given the great diversity of landscapes. To guide you, we have selected 5 unmissable destinations, the fruit of our decades of field exploration with Grand Angle.

Where to go in the Southern Alps this summer: our top 5!

1. Queyras
2. Mercantour National Park
3. Büech and Dévoluy
4. Ubaye Valley
5. Verdon

1. Queyras

Queyras is undoubtedly the massif that best embodies alpine authenticity. Isolated by its high passes, it has managed to preserve traditional architecture made of timber houses and sundials. In summer, the Queyras circuit is a must-do for those seeking total immersion in nature. The geology is varied, offering accessible summits like Caramantran Peak, which reveals a breathtaking panorama of Viso.

2. Mercantour National Park

Mercantour is a land of contrasts. This is where the Alps literally plunge into the Mediterranean. The massif is famous for its exceptional biodiversity and the renowned Valley of Wonders, rich with thousands of rock carvings. Exploring the Wonders of Mercantour means walking in the footsteps of human history while observing chamois and ibex, undisputed kings of these steep cliff faces.

3. Büech and Dévoluy

Often overlooked by conventional circuits, Büech and Dévoluy offer wilder, almost discreet hiking. It is the realm of carved limestone relief, scenic ridge trails and perched villages where time seems suspended. The Reconnection in Büech-Dévoluy experience is an invitation to disconnect, at the heart of landscapes where Mediterranean flora begins to give way to alpine meadows.

4. Ubaye Valley

Ubaye Valley, with its summits exceeding 3000 metres and military forts inherited from history, is the haunt of high mountain enthusiasts. Between forests of Scots pine and wild passes, trekking possibilities are endless. Whether for free-roaming hiking or a more engaging trek, the valley exudes a particular energy, that of border lands where each trail tells a chapter of alpine history.

5. Verdon

Verdon is not just about its famous dizzying gorges. It is also a massif where hiking takes on Provençal character. Walking here means alternating between plunging views over the turquoise-watered canyon and lavender plateaus. It is an ideal destination for combining physical effort with Provençal way of life.

The Southern Alps do not simply offer you landscapes; they offer you a sensory experience where pure mountain air meets the warmth of the southern sun. Whether you are an enthusiast of long-distance trekking on the GR5 trails or seeking shorter star-based stays, each step in these massifs is a renewed discovery.

Need advice on choosing your route? Contact our Grand Angle experts. With our knowledge of the terrain since 1983, we are here to design with you the journey that matches your pace and your desire for wide open spaces. Discover all our stays in the Alps and set off on your adventure this summer.