At Baie de Chanteloube, the view of the Viaduc de Chanteloube, a shady beach at the tip of the bay and a small harbour are among the area’s defining features. A snack bar and special watersports opportunities are also available in a natural setting. The bay is therefore a watersports hub, while historic structures, cycling and walking trails, and local produce offer other ways to enjoy a stay in Chorges.
Bays and beaches on Lake Serre-Ponçon
Plage des Pommiers on Baie Saint-Michel has a grassy area, a paved access to the water, a shaded picnic area, a beach volleyball court, a recreational jetty and toilets. At Plage des Trémouilles in Chanteloube, grass and shingle meet a shaded picnic area, barbecue spots, beach volleyball and pétanque courts, and toilets. The two beaches offer different ways to take a break by the water. Swimming conditions can vary by season. You can also check the current watersports options and activities at Baie de Chanteloube for your visit.
Fountains, a viaduct and marble
The Fontaine de la Place Lesdiguières stands in the village centre. Built from marble from the quarries of Chabrières and Guillestre, the fountain dates from the second quarter of the 16th century and bears the year 1548. It is protected as a historic monument. Its precise date and the stone used make it a specific point of interest if you are interested in the area’s architectural heritage.
The Viaduc de Chanteloube, also known as the Viaduc des Moulettes, tells a different story. This unfinished railway structure was part of a project for a line connecting Grenoble and Barcelonnette. Work began in 1910 and was halted in 1934 in favour of the Veynes–Briançon line. The pink marble quarries of Salados, meanwhile, were already used by the Romans who lived in the region in antiquity. Their stone was used mainly locally. The largest construction project it supplied was Gap Cathedral in the late 19th century.
Explore by bike and on foot
Les balcons de Chorges is a moderately difficult, 32.4-kilometre circular cycling route. It starts in Chorges and includes 834 metres of ascent. Following small roads, the route crosses varied landscapes on both sides of the Avance Valley, from the plain to the mountain passes. The final climb offers a panorama of Lake Serre-Ponçon. The distance, elevation gain and difficulty give you concrete details to help plan your ride; also check local conditions before setting off.
A walking trail near Chorges passes through landscapes featuring the lake, black-earth gorges, forests of Scots pine, agricultural plateaus and more untouched areas. At Belvédère des Curattes, an outlook overlooks the bay and Chapelle Saint-Michel. When planning your visit, bear in mind that views from the viewpoints depend on the weather.
“Sur la piste du Loup” combines a nature walk suitable for families with an educational workshop. It focuses on the ecology, life, history and presence of wolves, as well as the tracks of other animals; in winter, the activity is offered as a snowshoe walk. “La montagne étoilée” has a different focus: this astronomy event is for all ages and combines optical equipment with explanations of the cosmos, constellations and their legends. It takes place on Wednesday evenings throughout the year; from spring to autumn, the meeting point is in Chorges. Check the current dates and meeting-point details for both activities before making plans.
Local ingredients and hands-on activities
Histoire de biscuits is a mountain bakery in the historic centre of Chorges. Visitors can take part in a sociable biscuit-making workshop there. Only organic and local ingredients are used: the flour, eggs, honey and plants come from the Hautes-Alpes, in some cases even from the neighbouring village. The unique recipes, shaped by the mountain landscape, are developed in Chorges. If you plan to take part in the workshop, check current availability and details of the products and activities before booking.
You can also visit a brewery in Chorges to learn how beer brewed with spring water from the Moulettes is made. At the neighbouring Apex Brew Pub, a range of seasonal beers are served on site. As the tour programme and beer selection may depend on your travel dates, check the current options in advance.
Getting your bearings
In the village centre, the Bureau d’Information Touristique de Chorges – Serre-Ponçon provides in-person advice and information on activities, walks, accommodation, events and local specialities. You can also book activities there. Opening arrangements vary by season; check them if you would like to include a visit in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Baratier, Sainte-Catherine, Savines-Le-Lac, Saint-Firmin, Châteauroux-Les-Alpes, Eygliers, La Freissinouse, Réallon.
For the wider travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.
