If the weather is pretty good, that should change in the coming weeks. But don't panic: we have the ideal program for gray days!
After a somewhat catastrophic summer in terms of climate in almost all places in France, we are experiencing a rather very hot month of October. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and this clearing should also end in the coming weeks, for give way to autumn weather, then winterwith gray, rainy and cold days. Depressing? On the contrary ! This is the opportunity to rediscover your region from another angle, with this short list of activities to do in the Hautes Alpes when it starts to rain.
Alp'Squash in Briançon, the sport and relaxation solution
Let's start with the most exciting activity on the list! Well, not necessarily: the Alp'Squash complex also offers less physical activities, such as Aquabike, or the Japanese sauna. But generally, the establishment is oriented towards sports practices to be practiced indoors. Squash, badminton, Electro-myo-stimulation or even InfraslimX, a little gem of technology which combines infratherapy, ozone therapy, oxygen therapy, light therapy and aromatherapy. Located in Briançon, it is the ideal place if you want to exercise, or gain muscle tone, improve blood circulation, and even strengthen your immune system, according to the establishment's website.
The Gap Departmental Museum, the historical alternative
For those who don't want to spend rainy days in a gym, no worries, there's no need to feel guilty: we understand you perfectly. And we even have a solution for you! A solution that should delight the curious and history enthusiasts: the Muséum Départemental des Hautes-Alpes, located in Gap. Officially opened in 1910 (even if it replaced other existing museums in the town of Gap), the establishment will welcome you from Tuesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. With a whole program at your disposal: a collection of paintings and sculptures, sometimes very old, a space dedicated to naturalist collections, another dedicated to ethnology, but also a very extensive library and decorative arts. Events are organized regularly as well as temporary exhibitions on very specific themes, such as the “Night” exhibition at the moment. Do not hesitate to go to the official website of the Museum for all the information.
The House of Geology in Puy-Saint-André, the rock solution
When it rains, as you will have understood, it is also the ideal time to cultivate yourself and explore new things, areas that you would not necessarily have explored the rest of the time, like geology for example! And that's good, there is precisely a splendid House of Geology and Geopark, located in Puy-Saint-André, which opened its doors in 2016. Located in a former holiday center, the establishment is specially dedicated to scientific tourism and is divided into two parts. An indoor geological interpretation center, and an outdoor geodrome, which will explain to you precisely how the Alps were formed. For those who have their heads turned to the stars, there is even a planetarium. When you leave here, you will be knowledgeable about everything related to stones! An ideal place for a visit with children. For more information, click here!
The Verdon Gorges Prehistory Museum in Quinson, a journey through time
Prehistory is a period that has long fascinated us, we imagine that this must also be the case for you. It was following archaeological excavations carried out in the Verdon during the 1960s, then others during the following decades, that the Prehistory Museum of the Gorges du Verdon was created. The establishment brings together most of the finds made in the region over the last 60 years, but where it stands out from other museums of this style is because it offers completely innovative visits, with for example the Cave of Baume Bonne, a 400,000 year old monument. Enough to teach you about our ancestors and the way in which humans established themselves in the region, at a time when it was much more hostile than today. Immersion and amazement guaranteed! To schedule your visit, go to the museum website.
The Hôtel des Mystères in Manosque, the innovative Escape Game
We are absolutely not obliged to play sports or go to work out just because it's raining. You can just as easily have fun, and be (a little) scared, which is exactly what the Hôtel des Mystères de Manosque offers us. A rather special kind of escape game, totally imagined by the inventive mind of Mélodie-Neige, the creator of the place. Games, riddles, puzzles, you will find all the range of escape games that you know, but in a truly unique and very neat setting. At the moment, it's Sybille, a young woman who recently arrived at the hotel, who needs your help to accomplish a very specific mission… We won't tell you any more! What we can tell you is that this escape game is family-friendly, almost artisanal, far from the big franchises which are gradually becoming cash machines without much soul. If you want to have fun with family or friends, don't hesitate, this is where it happens!
