Who we are

We came up with Undiscovered Alps when we found a beautiful little corner of the French Alps that wasn't on the map. Well when we say map, of course it is on the map - it's just not in the Brit's guide to the Alps - none that we could find anyway! The more we got to know the area, the more we fell in love with it, and the rest is history!

We are:

Sally Jackson

I discovered the mountains in my teens when I went on an outdoor course at college. Despite spending most of the time in the mist, rain and wind, the magic of the mountain environment captured me. And every holiday since was exploring the various mountain ranges around the world - I haven't been to all of them yet but they are on my liist! I studied science and outdoor education at university and became a teacher. I then had a brief career change, before setting up Undiscovered Alps, and went to work for the BBC where I learnt to make films. Setting up Undiscovered Alps and living in France is a dream come true and I can genuinely say, "I love my job!"

Annie Jackson

I'm only two so haven't done much yet, but I like sledging, rolling in the snow, going for walks and riding my bike. I went skiing for the first time this year and loved putting on the ski boots and helmet but the actual skiing was a bit tricky! My favourite sport at the moment is husky dog sledding! My mummy says I can try any sport I like so I'll have a go at everything and when I grow up maybe I'll be good enough to be your guide!

Our Guides

We employ local guides who all speak English and know the valleys like the backs of their hands. They are all passionate about the valleys and each of them has their own favourite spot or secret they will share with you. All our guides are fully qualified and experienced in their field.

Matthieu Reynier

I was born in Champsaur and have lived here all my life - except for a short city blip when I went to Paris. I've travelled all over the world and spend a lot of time in the mountains of South America, but here is where I am at home. I'm passionate about the mountains particularly the wildlife and have been studying the golden eagles that live here. It took me two years to fnd one of the nests!! I am a fully qualified accompagnateur en montagne, so I can take you walking in the mountains in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. I don't do ropes so all my walks are on (relatively) easy paths and I can make them as long or short as you like.

Yannick Blancard

I was brought up in these mountains and love them passionately. I've also travelled around the world but this is my favourite place and I've written up some of the best mountain biking, walking and snowshoeing routes for the local topo guide. I am a fully qualified accompagnateur en montagne and a moniteur cyclist francais, so I can take you walking, snowshoeing or mountain biking. I do all the different mountain biking disciplines - from downhill to cross country and have competed in downhill - I know a few good routes that aren't on the map!! I also love my food and have just set up the valley's first organic and vegetarian (quite controversial in France!) restaurant.

Laurent Pellissier

I was born here and discovered paragliding when I was 'younger'! It's quite an addictive sport - be warned - I've flown virtually every day for 'a few' years! I qualified 20 years ago and have the Brevet d'etat de parapente, qualifier biplace et vole. That means I can teach you to fly on your own or you can fly tandem with me. I absolutely love paragliding and go all over the world to do it. Of course I think flying here is better than anywhere else - the views are spectacular and lets face it we have the perfect weather for it.

Sylvie Zucco

I came to the Champsaur valley 10 years ago. I'd always wanted to live in the mountains and fell in love with here! I'm passionate about the environment and love trees. I am a fully qualified accomanagteur en montagne and have a diploma in accrobranche (tree climbing). I can show you all the different species of trees we have in Champsaur - some are easier to climb than others ! And if you are interested in plants and flowers you should come walking with me in the spring - there is loads to discover, plants to eat, plants for medicine....

Gilles Gaillard

I am an accompagnateur en montagne and moniteur cyclist francais. My passion is the flora and fauna of the mountains and I have spent many years studying the properties of all the plants that grow here.

Next year I will be producing my own essential oils ! I can take you montain biking, snow biking (which is quite a laugh!), walking and snowshoeing and while we're out I'll show you what you can eat, what's good for flu and even some plants you can use to wash your hands with!

Eric Fauroux

I arrived in Champsaur by accident about 10 years ago and never left. I spent the first couple of years underground exploring all the cave systems and then decided my skin needed a little UV exposure so ventured above ground to the canyons.

I am a fully qualified caving and canyoning instructor and I love both sports passionately. We have canyons for all abilities in this region and the caving - well there's over 600 to choose from, including the famous ice cave.

Bernard Guillaume

I'm from Gap and have lived and worked in the mountains of the Southern Alps all my life. I love it here - think I am a bit addicted to the sun and I like the wildness and quiet of our mountains.

In the winter I am a ski instructor - mainly for the military but I do have private clients too and in the summer I am a high mountain guide.

So if you fancy canyoning, climbing, doing a via ferrata, alpinism, a bit of ski mountaineering or any other mountain adventures I'm your man!

Pascal Burguiere

I am an accompanateur en montagne and have a particular passion for environmental science and generally everything that makes the world tick - especially in the mountains.

I also love music and spend a lot of time playing my guitar.

I've worked all over the world for different companies but decided to come back to Champsaur and Valgaudemar for the weather and its charm.


Philippe Ayasse

I'm a high mountain guide and live in Gap so the mountains of Champsaur, Devoluy and Valgaudemar are my home ground. I've travelled a fair bit around the world - mainly in the mountains and am still always drawn back to the charm and of course the sunshine of our Alps and the Ecrins National Park.

I can take you canyoning, on a via ferrata or on an apline adventure in the Mountains... Les Rouies, La Meije, Barre des Ecrins, Les Bans, L'Olan.... the choice is yours - although I can definitely help you choose!!

Anne Marquis

I have always loved horses and the mountains and it is my dream come true to have my own riding school in the Champsaur valley.

I am a fully qualified horse riding instructor and have several horses and ponies suitable for all levels of riders.

We do competitions, treks, over night adventures and classic horse riding lessons and it is always a pleasure to have visitors from other countries to show off our favourite bridleways to.