Car hire in Gap places you at the crossroads of the Southern Alps, where Alpine peaks meet Provençal sunshine. This capital of the Hautes-Alpes department offers access to Écrins National Park, ski resorts, and some of France’s most spectacular mountain driving. The combination of high-altitude passes and Mediterranean climate makes Gap a year-round base for Alpine exploration.
Getting Around Gap by Car
Gap’s centre is walkable, with the old town and Place Jean-Marcellin within 15 minutes of each other. Street parking is affordable (€1 per hour). The A51 connects to Grenoble (90 minutes north) and the Mediterranean (2 hours south via D roads). The N85 is the famous Route Napoléon.
Driving in the Southern Alps is dramatic — high passes, steep climbs, and stunning views. Roads are well-maintained but winding. In winter, chains are mandatory on certain routes. Check conditions before setting out.
Gap is ideally positioned between Grenoble, the Verdon Gorge, and the Mediterranean — a gateway to both mountains and coast.
Day Trips from Gap
Écrins National Park, 30 minutes east, offers hiking and Alpine scenery. The Plateau d’Emparis has panoramic views of the Meije glacier. Drive to La Grave for mountaineering access. The park is wilder than the northern Alps.
Serre Chevalier, 30 minutes east, is one of France’s largest ski areas. In summer, hiking and mountain biking replace skiing. The villages of Briançon and Monêtier are charming. Briançon’s Vauban fortifications are UNESCO-listed.
Route Napoléon, south on the N85, follows Napoleon’s 1815 march from Elba to Paris. The road climbs through dramatic scenery to the Col Bayard (1,248m), then descends to Sisteron. Allow 2 hours to Sisteron.
Lac de Serre-Ponçon, 30 minutes southeast, is an artificial lake offering swimming, boating, and beaches. The drive is scenic. Continue to Embrun for the cathedral and lake views.
Valensole Plateau, 60 minutes south, is famous for lavender fields (June-July). The purple fields stretching to the horizon are iconic. Continue to the Verdon Gorge.
Driving Tips for France
Mountain passes: The Col Bayard and Col d’Izoard are high-altitude passes with dramatic scenery. Check conditions — some close in winter. Use lower gears on descents.
Winter driving: Chains are mandatory on certain roads from November to April. Rental cars in the region usually include them. Learn to fit chains before you need them.
The A51 north to Grenoble is scenic but has sections under construction. The N85 (Route Napoléon) is one of France’s most beautiful drives — allow time for stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gap a good base for skiing?
Yes — Serre Chevalier is 30 minutes away, with 250km of runs. Orcières-Merlette is 45 minutes. For harder terrain, La Grave offers extreme skiing. The Mediterranean climate means more sun than northern resorts.
Can I drive to the Verdon Gorge?
Yes — 90 minutes via the Valensole plateau. The route passes lavender fields (in season) and offers stunning views. The Verdon Gorge deserves a full day — combine with Valensole in summer.
When is Route Napoléon open?
Year-round, though high passes may have snow in winter. The road is cleared regularly. In severe weather, the Col Bayard may close — check conditions. The drive is spectacular in any season.