Camping La Clarée

If angling’s your sport, fishing is popular in the Clarée river next to the site; in the Durance and Cerveyrette rivers; and around the many mountain lakes near Val-des-Prés. A good golf course also lies 13 kilometres away in La Guisane. Popular hikes begin not far from base: from nearby Val-des-Près you can trek along the 16-kilometre Col de Dormillouse. Or venture over to Névache, 40 minutes’ bike ride away (or 20 minutes by car), to take an easy and pleasant trail up through the Clarée valley to the Fontcouverte waterfall, or explore the Col des Thures for spectacular views over Chavillon lake. Other good routes include the Aiguille Rouge from the Col de l’Echelle, and those around three of the region's lakes, Clarée, Rond and Grand Ban. Kayaking's another a tiptop pick around here, around Névache, Montgenèvre, Serre-Chevalier and Briançon; the latter is also a prime paragliding spot for braver souls. The Serre Chevalier Vallée is the spot for for skiing and snowboarding, and the Galibier, Izoard, Granon, Echelle and Montgenèvre mountain passes are top picks for cycling. Another spot within easy reach is Les Grands Bains du Monêtier, around half an hour’s drive away near the border of the Ecrins National Park, to visit the thermal springs for wellness treatments or long soaks.