Gorges de Daluis France

Day 86 Wednesday 29 July 2026

Today we turned around to head back north towards our finishing point in Montluel, near Lyon. But first we drove south from Guillaumes through the Gorges of Daluis. We had previously done the drive in our first year in 2013. We decided to do the drive early in the morning so that we had more opportunities to stop to take in the views. The drive heading in the southerly direction included an extraordinary 17 tunnels.

We continued along the road and stopped to have breakfast on the banks of the aqua blue Lac de Castillon.

We had a brief stop at the service point in Saint Andre les Alpes before parking up in Barreme to go and visit the ancient lavender distiller museum. 

As we walked back to Bluey we popped in to have a look at the church.

Our next stop was to visit the Vauban Citadel in Seyne (€6pp).  It bears witness to a strong history with its impressive stone walls, it also offers a breathtaking view of the mountains and the village from the top of the Great Tower listed as a Historic Monument. There was lots of historical information about the fort but also about Vauban's work.

From here we drove another 83km through some lovely country side, avoiding Gap and then up to the ski resort of La Joue du Loup, arriving at 6pm. So it was time for a drink and dinner..

We also chose the location to have a bit of reprieve from the heat in the lower altitudes. It is a winter sports resort located in the commune of Le Dévoluy, in the Hautes-Alpes, 40 km northwest of Gap. It was created in 1976 following the “village” resort model, with shops at the center and small wooden-clad or wooden-built apartment houses and chalets scattered across a green landscape. Its authentic and friendly character is appreciated by family visitors.

224km