There’s something very wholesome about Camping La Source. Firstly, there’s the air. Clean, pure breezes roll off the mountains and filter through the trees to fill every inch of expansive sky that dominates this charming campsite. Secondly, with only ten plots, it’s never crowded, which explains the tranquillity. Birdsong and crickets provide a steady background chatter, adding to the all-natural ambience. A walk through the campsite’s woods reveals a surprising variety of trees, including pine, cherry, lime, and walnut, but the stars of this woodland show are the giant sequoias. These towering trees are genuinely impressive; their thick trunks rising from the pine- needle-strewn ground so high that you have to crane your neck to follow them.
The purified atmosphere extends to the nightlife. You won’t find any nightclubs here, but there are bars at the Auberge de la Tour, Saint Pierre D’Argençon, (2 km), and Aspres-sur-Buëch (7 km), but venture a little further afield to Veynes or Serres, (about 15 minutes drive), and you will find popular village centres where the locals and visitors alike, prop up the bars and sit outside in the warm summer evenings. The sleepiness of the local villages perpetuates the calm back at La Source, where you will find there is no light pollution. So why not try your own star gazing night at La Source? Stock up with wine lay out in the open spaces and gaze - fantastic jet black skies, unbelievable stars, and shooting stars, (regular occurrence).
Whether you’re just relaxing or using the campsite as a base for hiking from one picturesque village to the next, and fishing or swimming in the lakes, the wholesome hat trick that greets you every morning is the view. Whichever plot you pick, you’ll be overlooked by mountains close enough to glide from – a fact that some hang- gliding regulars take advantage of by flying from the peak and landing right back at their tents.
Camping La Source
We say
Ten pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes/campervans. A cute wash-block has 2 hot showers with sinks, 3 bathroom sinks (2 with private cubicles), and 3 washing-up sinks. A separate toilet block has 4 English WC’s – with seats, and a urinal, all cleaned twice a day. Washing machine from €3. Badminton court and boules pitches for sporty moments. A kids’ play area and communal BBQ. No campfires or charcoal BBQs are allowed on pitches (fire risk), but electric or gas BBQ’s are allowed. 5 B&B rooms are available for hire, also.
Tents, caravans and motorhomes/campervans, dogs, (under control), couples, young families, large groups, young groups (if they’re sporty) – yes. Groups must be pre-booked.
Please note: no noise between 11:00pm – 7:30am.
It’s all about the Great Outdoors. Nearly 4,350 miles (7,000 km) of walking trails cover the Hautes-Alpes region, so pack your hiking boots.
At Aspres-sur-Buëch, (7 km), Christian Breton sells everything from creamy local cheeses to spicy sausages and local wine, and you will also find a Vidal, (small supermarket), boulangerie, tabac, (cafe/bar), and butcher. Large supermarkets are located in Veynes and Serres, both about 15 minutes drive away. For eating out, try the Auberge de la Tour, (highly recommended, 2 km), Pont La Barque, Les Tilleuls or Cafe de la Place, all within 10 minutes drive. You will find local cuisine and speciality foods of the region in all these establishments, and you can buy take-away pizzas from Les Tilleues to bring back to the camp site.
Tent/Caravan/Campervan €4.00 per night, adults, (7 years +) €3.00 per night, children under 7 years €1.50 per night, visitors tax, (13 years +) €0.20 per night. Electricity €3.00 per night. Electric hook-ups €3.00 per night. Dogs €1 per night. Chambre d’hôte, including breakfast, €42–€45 for 1–2 people per night, visitors tax, (13 years +) €0.40 per night.
Camping - Mid April - mid October. Chambre d’hôtes - Open all year, (winter months with reservation).
You say
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be brave08/11tent pitch28/03/12
They say
The camp site is open mid April until mid October. Secluded pitches are located in our beautiful woodland area, and are suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes/campervans. Electric points, hot water, showers and toilets are onsite, as well as pot washing facilities and a washing machine.
No campfires or charcoal barbies are allowed on the pitches, (fire risk), but a large camp site charcoal barbie is available for campers to use, (electric and gas barbies can be used on pitches). Pitches to be vacated by 12:00 am on the day of departure, and please note our no noise rule between 11:00pm and 7:30am. Groups by reservation only. For reservations please email us at: info@lasource-hautesalpes.com.
The magnificent Jouffan Mountains (1564 metres), tower above La Source and provide a superb backdrop to the two hectares of stunning woods and grassland that surround La Source. Our woodlands are dominated by some superb examples of the giant sequoia trees, some of the biggest in the area, and there are also cherry, pine, lime, walnut and many other trees, making the La Source woodland a wonderful place to relax and unwind.
The Hautes-Alpes has many spectacular winding gorges, leading to mountain summits interchanging with wonderful forests, alpine pastures and lime perfumed fields. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, the Hautes-Alpes and La Source is a perfect location to explore this stunning French region.
The GR94 national walking route runs beside La Source, and our site is an ideal refuge for walkers on this popular year round long-distance route. The hang-gliding centre, La Longeagne is above La Source on the Jouffan Mountains, and there is an allocated landing field nearby at Saint Pierre D'Argençon.
The Hautes-Alpes region offers superb climbing, walking and cycling routes, suitable for beginners and seasoned pros alike, and motor cyclists and car clubs will also find the winding secluded roads up to the many cols, an exhilarating driving experience.
There are several restaurants, bars and supermarkets between 5-15 minutes from La Source, while Gap, the capital centre for this region, is about 40 minutes drive away. Secure storage is available at La Source for caravans, gliders, hang-gliders etc. For further information please email us at: info@lasource-hautesalpes.com.
Photos
Getting there
Head south to A51, turn off to Sisteron/Aix-en-Provence/Nice, follow the signs right, to St-Pierre-d’Argençon, turn left and you’ll see the sign.
La Source is one of the best for carless campers. Fly to Grenoble. Trains to Aspres-sur-Buëch.
Contact
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