Gap, with its 38,000 inhabitants, at an altitude of about 800m, is in south-east France, 100km south of Grenoble and 150km north of Aix en Provence, on the well-known "Route Napoleon" . It is the capital of the Hautes-Alpes department, and the largest town in the Southern Alps, lying at the crossroads between the massive alpine ranges and the gently rolling landscapes of Provence. Nearby are the Serre-Ponçon lake and "Les Ecrins" National Park.
Gap and its surroundings enjoy a mediterranean climate, with 300 days of sunshine a year. The air is also particularly clear, due to the combination of altitude, lack of pollution, and very low humidity : pollution is out of question here !
Gap is the tourist centre of the Southern Alps.
In winter you can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing in the numerous nearby ski resorts.
From spring to autumn the exceptionally unspoilt environment provides endless possibilities for walking, hiking and climbing. There is a great variety of flora, and the National Botanical Conservatory is only a few kilometres from the town. The region around Gap is renowned for the varied outdoor activities on offer : white-water rafting down mountain rivers, sailing and wind-surfing on the lake Serre-Ponçon, gliding and parachuting at the aerodrome Gap-Tallard , climbing, mountain-biking, riding and golf, to name but a few.
In the old town centre are lively pedestrian streets of shops and cafes.
The museum, cathedral and various churches are worth a visit.