Embrun Campground

A gateway between the lake and the mountains

Embrun is an ideal starting point for combining water sports, hiking, and exploring the Hautes-Alpes. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Durance Valley, the town offers a delightful balance between water-based activities and mountain adventures: the local body of water is perfect for peaceful family days, Lake Serre-Ponçon offers a wide range of water sports, and the surrounding hills invite you to hike among larch trees and alpine meadows.

From a campground in the Hautes-Alpes, it’s easy to tailor your itinerary to whatever you feel like doing that day. A morning strolling through the historic streets can be followed by a swim, while a more active day might take you to the trails of Mont Guillaume or the whitewater of the Durance.

The comfort of a 4-star campground in Embrun

A 4-star campground in Embrun offers a comfortable setting to return to after a day outdoors. Depending on the package chosen, vacationers can opt for a fully equipped rental to travel light or a campsite to enjoy the spirit of camping in a tent, trailer, or RV.

This level of comfort is especially important at an active destination. Being able to take your time in the morning, have lunch on your terrace, or relax in a pleasant space at the end of the day makes your stay more enjoyable. This way, your vacation retains its sense of freedom, with the lake and the mountains just a short getaway away.

Accessible walks near the water

From Embrun, the most accessible walks are around the lake, along the banks of the Roc, and across the Durance plain. The loop around the lake follows the riverbanks and the levee, while the walk along the banks of the Roc offers views of the plain, the water, and the mountains. The walk around the plain beneath the Roc follows the Durance River through fields, gardens, and pastures irrigated by ancient canals.

These walks are easy to fit in between other activities. A pair of comfortable shoes, water, and sunscreen are still useful, even on a short hike. A campground near the trails also gives you the freedom to choose each morning between a family stroll and a more challenging route.

Mont Guillaume and Lake Hivernet for experienced hikers

The hills around Embrun offer more challenging goals. Mount Guillaume, which rises to 2,552 meters, overlooks the Embrun region and offers views of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the lake itself, and the surrounding peaks.

A larch forest lines part of the approach before giving way to the more open high-altitude landscapes.

Lac de l’Hivernet is another challenging hike, winding through forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain. For these outings, you should check the difficulty level, elevation gain, duration, trail conditions, and weather forecast before setting out. An early morning start gives you more leeway and allows you to pack the necessary gear without rushing. Staying at a campground in the mountains makes it easier to alternate between active days and rest periods.

Exploring the Embrunais by Bike

Embrun also serves as a starting point for road biking, mountain biking, and gravel biking routes. The routes run from the lake’s shores to the banks of the Durance River, then head into more hilly or mountainous terrain. This variety lets you choose a ride based on your skill level rather than attempting a route that’s too ambitious.

Before setting out, check the terrain type, elevation gain, and the listed difficulty level. Be sure to bring a helmet, water, repair kit, and appropriate clothing, even for a short loop. For first-time riders, the trails near the lake offer a gentler introduction; the routes heading into the hills are better suited for cyclists accustomed to alpine terrain.