Activities

Of course you can relax in and around the house, at the picnic table, on the couch or in the hammock. We do recommend that you also explore the area, the possibilities are countless:

Hiking

From MaisonNel, various hikes are possible, ranging from a ½ hour hike to a 10-hour trip to 2,400 meters altitude. There are various hiking-trails in the surrounding area. We know most of the hiking trails in the entire Champsaur and Valgaudemar valley and are happy to give you advice and information. Maps are also available.

See our Hiking-package at the bottom of this page.

This is also a fantastic hiking area in winter, with or without the so-called "raquettes" (snow-shoes).

Cycling

To be fair: for cycling in this area you need to be in good shape. There are fantastic routes and for the real enthousiasts a number of well-known cols from the Tour de France such as the Col du Noyer, the Col de Manse, the Col de Moissiere, Orcières Merlette and Col Bayard.

ATB-ROUTES

There are many kilometers of signposted, beautiful ATB routes in the valley. Regular bicycles and E-Bikes can be rented in Saint Bonnet.

To ski

There are no fewer than 6 stations in the valley; from very small (Laye, Chaillol, Saint Lèger and Mélèzes, Serre-Eyraud), to medium-sized (Ancelle), to large (Orcières Merlette). Ideal for both beginners and advanced.

Cross country skiing

Various possibilities in the Champsaur and Valgaudemar valley , a total of no less than 130 km of trails.

Climbing

Various possibilities in the valley and in the slightly wider area are also fantastic climbing areas: Céüse, Devoluy, Valgaudemar. From sport climbing to hooked and unhooked disciplines.

Swimming

A nice hike and less than 5 kilometers From MaisonNel is the delightful Plan d’eau du Champsaur, a recreational lake where the clear water of the Drac flows through. With large lawns, play areas, a cozy terrace, pedal boats, water slide, and kayak lessons. For those who appreciate less entertainment: just walk a little further and enjoy wonderful, quiet places among the trees.

In case of bad weather or during the cold season, Saint Bonnet en Champsaur has a beautiful new indoor swimming pool.

Golf

Also about 8 km away lies the beautiful 18-hole Bayard Golf Course, with magnificent views.

Villages and the town

Besides Saint Bonnet en Champsaur, Ancelle en Pont de Fossé are also pleasant villages with some shops and restaurants. Almost every village, no matter how small, has a weekly market.The well-known 'Vide grenier'(flea market) often takes place in the summer months. Orcières Merlette is a real ski resort, with all the entertainment that comes with it. Prapic is a very idyllic village, where time stands still and the mountain marmots eat out of your hand. Gap, the capital of the department, has a cozy old center with plenty of shops and a number of squares with many terraces. Domaine de Charance, with a beautiful view of the city, is also worth a visit.

Many more options

Horse riding, canyoning, paragliding, rafting, bowling, tree climbing park, etc.

Do you feel like touring? This part of France has countless beautiful and special destinations: Notre Dame de la Salette, Notre Dame de Laus, Lac de Serre Poncon, Embrun, Sisteron, round Devoluy via the Col du Noyer, Fort de Mont-Dauphin, etc.

Our hiking-package:

There are plenty of long-distance paths in France. A well-known hiking trail is close to us: the GR50. This route runs around the Ecrins National Park; fantastically beautiful mountain area, but not at very high altitude, no dangerous or scary passages and no overnight stays in the middle of nowhere. What do you find? Grandiose views, beautiful forest and mountain paths, birds, butterflies, plants and flowers. In our valley at Champsaur, at least six day trips can be made from this GR50.

How our hiking package works:

During you stay at MaisonNel we help you plan a trip for one or more days and discuss the different routes available. You drive yourself to to starting point of the trail. You do need to bring your own equipment and lunch. When you are ready to return you hike to the nearest road where we can pick you up and drive you back to your car.

For whom

For everyone who likes to hike and in good condition. Large parts of the trajectory are fairly flat, but occasionally there will be descent or ascent. Mountain experience is not necessary; the route is nowhere dangerous or difficult. The route is signposted, but the paths are unpaved everywhere. A day-trip can vary from 3 to several hours, you can often determine that yourself.

Required equipment:

You should know what to take with you on a long walking tour. We advise you in any case:

— Good walking shoes (A / B or B shoes), preferably waterproof (you sometimes pass streams).

— Good (day) backpack, lunch, lots of drinks, an extra vest/jacket, etc.

— Possibly walking sticks

Terms and costs:

— We charge an additional of € 10.00 per day for collection service and remote guidance (max. 4 persons)

—You will receive a walking map of the route from us and you can always call us if you have any questions or problems while on the road.

— Walking is entirely at your own risk, we are not walking guides and therefore do not participate.

— Collection and/or delivery service applies to the routes between Saint Firmin (north of us) and the Col de Moissière (south of us).

Summarizing:

— You decide how many days you want to walk

— You can also determine the distance per day yourself, even during your walk

— You only have your day backpack with you, no heavy pack for overnight stays

— You will receive the walking map of the route

—You don't have to walk or lift back to your starting point; we pick you up and bring you back to your car

—You can always call us with questions or problems while on the road

—You sleep in your 'own' bed at MaisonNel every night