Gap offers a variety of themes for a stay: history in its alleyways and collections, art in public spaces, and gardens and parks. The season also plays a role in planning: the art trail is a recurring summer event, while the Gapen'cimes Trail takes place in autumn. You can tailor your travel dates to cultural sites, nature, or a seasonal event.

Culture and History in Gap

The Musée muséum départemental has been open to the public since 1910. Its collection of Alpine archaeology spans 13,000 years of history and includes the monumental Mausolée de Lesdiguières. This museum brings together a long historical perspective and a clearly identified monumental work.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Arnoux is listed as a historic monument. Its polychrome façade and imposing bell tower define Gap’s skyline. The cathedral is free to visit year-round, except during religious services. If you plan to include it in your visit, take this restriction into account.

The historic centre preserves narrow, interconnected alleyways and tall houses as traces of Gap’s past as a fortified town. The city’s historic layout is reflected not only in individual buildings, but also in the network of alleyways and houses. The Chapelle des Pénitents offers another perspective on historic use: the former place of prayer is now used as a concert hall.

The Route Napoléon is also part of the city’s history. In 1815, Gap was a stop on Napoleon’s return from Elba along this route.

Gardens and Parks

The Jardin alpin de Gap-Charance showcases 20 natural and near-natural habitats of the French Alps, placing a clear focus on alpine habitats. Parc de la Pépinière offers a different kind of park experience: centuries-old trees and shaded paths define its character. The park also has a children’s play area, swings and picnic tables.

The Domaine de Charance welcomes walkers, sports enthusiasts and families. It is open free of charge every day from April to the end of October. If you plan to visit Charance, check this seasonal opening period before your trip.

Seasonal Events

The recurring summer art trail “À ciel ouvert…!” turns Gap’s squares, streets and parks into open-air galleries with sculptures and installations. At its 14th edition in 2026, eight new works were added to those already in the city. This summer event focuses on art in public spaces, while the Musée muséum départemental presents its collections.

The Gapen'cimes Trail is an autumn trail-running event launched in 2008. Depending on the edition, the range of routes includes several distances from 1 to 50 km, including a children’s trail and a route for the Challenge des supers héros. The formats may vary from one edition to the next. Check the dates and routes for the relevant autumn edition before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Barret-sur-Méouge, Crévoux, La Joue Du Loup, Saint-Jacques-En-Valgodemard, Crots, Chabestan, Arvieux, Ristolas.

For the full travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.