05 – Hautes-Alpes

05 – Hautes-Alpes

The Hautes-Alpes is the most alpine department of the PACA region, dominated by high mountains, glacial valleys and upland plateaus. Its fauna and flora are shaped by altitude, long winters and short growing seasons, supporting cold-adapted species, alpine specialists and some of the region’s most intact natural landscapes.

Wild Places

These are listed by order of importance, National, Regional Parks, Reserves and local hotspots that should be of interest to all nature lovers, whether serious listers or casual observers.

Waiting To Be Discovered Are:

ecrins national park

Ecrins National Park

The Ecrins peaks clamber for the fresh high altitude air then tumble out beyond the confines of our region creating a dramatic exit away from our beautiful door step.

The Baronnies Regional Park

2 000 plant species and 203 animal species protected at either national or regional level (including 54 species of common interest such as vultures)

2 000 plant species and 203 animal species protected at either national or regional level (including 54 species of common interest such as vultures)

The Queyras Regional Park

15 summits higher than 3 000 metres and an average altitude of 2 300 metres

15 summits higher than 3 000 metres and an average altitude of 2 300 metres

RNN – Ristolas – Mont-Viso

The Ristolas–Mont-Viso National Nature Reserve protects one of the most striking high-mountain landscapes in the southern Alps. Lying at the head of the Guil valley on the Italian border, the reserve is dominated by steep cirques, glacial valleys, scree slopes and alpine meadows beneath the unmistakable pyramid of Mont Viso.

This is a landscape shaped by altitude, ice and time — remote, exposed and largely free from human modification.

RNN – Séveraisse Valley

The Séveraisse Valley National Nature Reserve protects a dramatic alpine landscape shaped by ice, water and altitude. The valley follows the course of the Séveraisse river from its high mountain sources down through steep-sided gorges, alpine meadows and ancient pastoral routes.

This is a place where raw geology and living systems collide — glaciers feed torrents, scree slopes spill into grasslands, and wildlife moves freely between cliffs, forests and high pastures. 44 nesting bird species are just a small portion of what can be discovered here.

RNR – Partias

Stretching between 1,600 to 2,940 meters above sea level, the regional nature reserve of the Partias covers the montane, subalpine, alpine stages, and reaches the limit of the nival stage. All the natural environments corresponding to this gradient are found on the site: larch forest, mountain meadows, alpine and subalpine heaths and grasslands, mountain bogs (bas-marais), scree slopes, and cliffs. Additionally, the nature reserve is home to two small mountain lakes.

Additional Wildlife Hotspots

These sites fall outside formal protected area boundaries but are widely recognised for their ecological significance.

Small but ecologically significant wetland complex within the upper Durance basin, comprising permanent and seasonal ponds, reedbeds and wet meadows.

Why this site matters:
One of the more functionally intact freshwater systems in the upper Durance, supporting amphibians, freshwater invertebrates and wetland-dependent mammals in an otherwise dry landscape.

Species of interest:
Southern Hawker · Emperor Dragonfly · Common Blue Damselfly · European Beaver · European Water Vole

Small river system with intact floodplain meadows, hedgerows and damp pasture.

Why this site matters:
One of the best remaining low-altitude wet-meadow networks in the southern Hautes-Alpes, particularly important for amphibians and invertebrates.

Species of interest:
Yellow Wagtail · Common Toad

Rolling limestone hills with scrub, open grassland and traditional agriculture.

Why this site matters:
Among the warmest and driest sectors of the department, supporting assemblages absent from higher alpine zones.

Species of interest:
Short-toed Eagle · Rock Bunting

Broad alpine river corridor with gravel banks, secondary channels and riparian woodland.

Why this site matters:
The primary ecological axis of the department, enabling movement, dispersal and recolonisation while supporting specialised riverine assemblages.

Species of interest:
Little Ringed Plover · Common Sandpiper · Eurasian Otter

High limestone plateau with open grasslands, cliffs and karst landscapes, largely outside formal protection.

Why this site matters:
One of the most extensive open alpine plateaux in the southern Alps, maintaining low-intensity land use and strong habitat continuity.

Species of interest:
Rock Partridge · Citril Finch · Alpine Chamois

Best Times to Visit

Spring (April–June)
Lower valleys and south-facing slopes become productive first as snow retreats. Breeding activity increases across open landscapes and transition zones, with strong botanical interest at low and mid elevations.

Early Summer (late June–July)
Peak accessibility for higher elevations as alpine terrain opens up. True alpine species and habitats are most visible, though weather conditions can change rapidly.

Late Summer & Autumn (August–October)
A quieter period with reduced disturbance. Raptors, post-breeding dispersal and mammal activity increase, particularly in valleys and open basins.

Winter (December–March)
Highly access-dependent. Lower valleys remain viable, while snow cover at altitude restricts movement but can concentrate wildlife locally.

Field Notes & Responsible Practice

Please refer to our code of conduct page for responsible recording and observation.