Château de Charance

The Château de Charance, a former 12th-century fortress, is located in Gap (Hautes-Alpes). Renovated multiple times, it has housed the administrative offices of the Écrins National Park since 1973. Its gardens host the Alpine Plant Conservatory.

Partially listed as a historic monument in 1987, the château was owned by bishops until the French Revolution. It was looted during the Wars of Religion and rebuilt several times. In 1791, it was auctioned as national property. In the 19th century, the estate was transformed with English-style gardens, cascades, and a lake.

Gap acquired the château in 1973, making it public. The terraced garden, covering 9,000 m², was labeled a 'Remarkable Garden' in 2005. It features fountains, canals, and a collection of 1,000 rose varieties, along with historic fruit trees. At 1,100m altitude, the site includes wooded areas and the Gap Canal.

Address
Route de l'Audet 13, Gap, France

Established
12th century