department of Hautes-Alpes

department of Hautes-Alpes
Department	Hautes-Alpes
Number	05
Region	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Prefecture	Gap
Subprefectures	Briançon
President	Jean-Marie Bernard
Population	141,284
Pop date	2021
Area km2	5549
Cantons	15
Communes	162

department of Hautes-Alpes is a department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. Named for its location in the high Alps, it is one of the highest departments in the country, with its prefecture at Gap and its sole subprefecture at Briançon. The department is renowned for its dramatic mountainous landscapes, forming part of the Dauphiné Alps and the Cottian Alps, and is a major center for alpine tourism and winter sports.

Geography

The department is dominated by the Alps, featuring high peaks such as Barre des Écrins in the Massif des Écrins and the Queyras regional natural park. Major rivers include the Durance, which flows through Gap, and its tributaries the Guil and the Buech. It borders the departments of Savoie, Isère, Drôme, and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, as well as Italy across the Alpine passes such as the Col du Montgenèvre. Notable valleys include the Clarée Valley and the Vallouise, with significant bodies of water like the Serre-Ponçon lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe.

History

Historically part of the Dauphiné province, the territory was annexed by the Kingdom of France in 1349 under the Treaty of Romans. The department was created during the French Revolution in 1790, primarily from the former province of Dauphiné. The area has been strategically important for centuries, with fortifications like the Fortress of Mont-Dauphin designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban and the Fort des Têtes in Briançon. It was a site of military conflict during the Wars of Religion and saw significant activity during World War II, including the Battle of the Alps and operations by the French Resistance in the Vercors Massif.

Administration

The department is divided into two arrondissements: Gap and Briançon. It is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and is further subdivided into 15 cantons and 162 communes. The Departmental Council is based in Gap, and the current president is Jean-Marie Bernard. The department elects representatives to the National Assembly and the Senate, and falls within the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal of Grenoble. Key administrative bodies include the Prefecture of Hautes-Alpes in Gap and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Demographics

With a population of approximately 141,284 as of 2021, it is one of the least densely populated departments in France. The largest urban areas are Gap, followed by Briançon, Embrun, and Laragne-Montéglin. The population saw significant growth in the 19th century but declined during the rural exodus of the 20th century, with a recent resurgence driven by tourism and amenity migration. Historically, the population practiced Transhumance and spoke Occitan dialects, influences still present in local culture and place names.

Economy

The economy is heavily centered on tourism, particularly alpine skiing and outdoor sports, with major resorts including Serre Chevalier, Montgenèvre, Puy-Saint-Vincent, and Vars. Agriculture remains important, with livestock farming for the production of Banon cheese and lamb, as well as fruit orchards in the lower valleys. The department is a leader in renewable energy, with extensive hydroelectric power generation from dams like Serre-Ponçon and growing solar power installations. Other industries include small-scale manufacturing and the production of liqueurs such as Génépi.

Culture and heritage

The department boasts a rich cultural heritage, with the Fortifications of Vauban in Briançon designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traditional festivals include the Fête du Roi de l'Oiseau in Le Puy-en-Velay and the International Festival of Military Music in Gap. Local cuisine features dishes like Tourton and Ravioles du Champsaur, and the area is part of the Route Napoléon. Notable cultural figures associated with the region include the writer Jean Giono and the painter Auguste Raffet. The Musée Départemental de Gap and the Musée de la Mine in La Motte-d'Aveillans preserve its historical and industrial legacy.

Category:Departments of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Category:Departments of France