Risoul Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, where to stay, how to get there and more in our ultimate guide to Risoul, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France


Introduction to Risoul

Nested in the heart of the French Alps in the department of Hautes-Alpes, Risoul is a mountain paradise that enchants visitors from around the world. It is an enchanting blend of diverse terrains, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Risoul is renowned for its winter sports, but with the onset of the summer season, it also draws hikers, mountain bikers, paragliders and other adrenaline seekers. Apart from adventure sports activities, Risoul has a rich cultural history to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Risoul

Below is a list of must-visit places in Risoul:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Briancon Fortifications - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Briancon is a beautifully preserved fortified town.
  • Musée de la Main et de la Vigne - A museum located in Châteauvieux explores the history of the vineyards, lavenders, and arboriculture of the region.
  • Chateau les Escoyeres - Located in Guillestre, this medieval castle dates back to the 13th century.

Natural Attractions of Risoul: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Col d’Izoard - The highest pass in the Southern Alps offers breathtaking views.
  • Parc Naturel Régional du Queyras - A popular spot for hiking, wildlife spotting, and skiing in winter.
  • Lac de Serre-Ponçon - A beautiful lake that offers stunning views and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Risoul

Risoul offers over 90 km of hiking trails and 25 km of mountain bike trails. Below are some of the best routes:

  • Lac Miroir Hike - A 12 km hike that takes you to the beautiful Lac Miroir.
  • Col de la Pousterle - A 4 km hike with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Lac Rond Loop Hike - A 7 km hike that takes you through stunning terrain, with views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

For mountain bikers, some great routes include:

  • Tour du Lac de Serre-Ponçon - A stunning 80 km trail that takes you around the lake.
  • From Briançon to Montgenèvre - A 16 km route that takes you through the scenic valley with stunning views.

Best Things to Do in Risoul: Activities and Tours

  • Go Mountain Biking - Risoul offers over 25 km of mountain biking trails, perfect for people of all skill levels.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding - Risoul is a renowned ski resort with over 180 km of ski slopes.
  • Hang Gliding and Paragliding - With stunning views and perfect wind conditions, Risoul is a popular destination for hang gliders and paragliders.
  • Rock Climbing - For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Risoul offers numerous challenging climbing routes.
  • White-rafting - Another popular activity in Risoul, white-water rafting offers exciting and thrilling rapids.

Week-Long Itinerary for Risoul

Here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your week in Risoul:

Day 1 - Visit Briançon Fortifications

Day 2 - Go Mountain Biking

Day 3 - Hike to Lac Miroir

Day 4 - Ski or Snowboard in the mountains

Day 5 - Hang Glide or Paraglide

Day 6 - Go Rafting

Day 7 - Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Risoul.

Food and Drink Scene of Risoul

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fario Trout - Freshwater trout cooked with garlic, butter, and local herbs.
  • Tarte des Alpes - A savory tart made with potatoes, bacon, onions, and cheese.
  • Beignets de Courgette - Fried zucchini dipped in Chickpea flour - a delicious and healthy snack.

Local Beverages

  • Pisse-de-Mouton - A locally-produced herbal liquor.
  • Vin de Savoie - A wine produced from grapes grown in Savoie region.

Where to Stay in Risoul: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Risoul offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Some popular options include:

  • Club Med Serre-Chevalier - A five-star resort with amazing views of the mountains and excellent amenities.
  • Hotel Edelweiss - A two-star hotel located close to the ski slopes, offering spacious and comfortable rooms.
  • Auberge de l’Echauguette - A cozy guesthouse located in a restored tower.

What to Buy in Risoul: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Honey - Risoul is known for its delicious honey, harvested from local bees.
  • Cheese - The region is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, including bleu du Queyras.
  • Lavender - The region also produces fragrant lavender, which is used in perfumes and essential oils.

Local Culture and Customs of Risoul

Risoul is known for its distinctive local culture, with strong regional traditions like mountain crafts, culinary specialties, and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Risoul

Risoul is primarily a winter sports destination, but it is equally stunning in the warmer months. The best time to visit Risoul depends on your preferred activities. For skiing, December to March is the ideal time, for hiking and biking, June to September is the best time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Risoul

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and follow the Leave No Trace principles.
  • Hike and bike with caution and follow safety guidelines.
  • Allow enough time for your activities, and take breaks when needed.

Don’t:

  • Ignore weather warnings on the ski slopes or in the mountains.
  • Litter or disturb the natural environment.
  • Engage in risky behavior or participate in extreme sports without proper training.

Safety and Health

Safety in Risoul

The mountains can be dangerous, so it is essential to take precautions. Always hike and bike with caution, and follow safety guidelines.

Health in Risoul

Before traveling to Risoul, it is advisable to get a health check-up and ensure that all required vaccinations are up to date.

Getting to Risoul: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Risoul

The nearest airports to Risoul are:

  • Turin Airport in Italy - 138 km from Risoul.
  • Côte d’Azur International Airport in Nice, France - 198 km from Risoul.
  • Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport in France - 202 km from Risoul.

Bus Stations Near Risoul

  • Briançon Bus Station - The nearest bus station to Risoul is around 20 km away.

Other Options

  • Car Rental - Rental cars are available from major cities like Nice, Marseille, and Lyon.
  • Private Transfer - Private transfer services are available from airports and major cities.

How to Get Around in Risoul

It is easy to get around Risoul on foot, or by public transportation. The resort also has a shuttle bus service that runs regularly.

Where to Go Next from Risoul: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Marseille -A vibrant port city, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.
  • Montpellier - Another vibrant city with excellent cultural attractions and nightlife.
  • Annecy - A popular destination known for its beautiful lake and charming old town.

Conclusion

Risoul is a mountain paradise that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a winter sports enthusiast, an adrenaline-seeker, or simply love to explore new cultures, Risoul will delight you. With its charming towns, stunning natural beauty, and excellent food and drink scene, Risoul is a vacation destination you’ll never forget.

At the bottom of the slopes At the bottom of the slopes