Who we are

Undiscovered Alps is a UK limited company and we have an office in the UK that deals with our marketing and a satellite office in France where we welcome guests.

Undiscovered Alps was set up in 2005 after years of holidays in France, a dream to spend more time here, eventually finding this beautiful little corner that wasn't on the Brit's guide to the Alps and falling in love with it.

The first few years were tough, spent learning French, developing contacts in the area, learning about the tourist industry and setting up the company, all from a tiny studio apartment and as a single mum.

In 2006 we had 26 guests and since then the company has gone from strength to strength and we now welcome over 400 people per year. Small enough to be personal but big enough to make a living!

We've had some high profile clients like Sale Sharks Premiership Rugby Club and Molesey Rowing Club and have been featured in the Independent Newspaper and a range of specialist magazines including Country Walking, Outdoor Pursuits, France, Irish walking and TGO.

To complete the picture... on one very memorable trip to Les Rouies summit with clients, Bernard, the high mountain guide and I fell in love, made a baby, got married and now work together on Undiscovered Alps!

Incidentally, two of the clients on that trip, Helen and Dan, have recently got married and named one of their wedding tables 'Les Rouies'!

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

We are committed to sustainable tourism and the protection and preservation of the mountain habitat. As such we abide by and support local conservation projects and policies for the continued evolution and protection of the mountain environment and its inhabitants. And we choose to work with guides, companies and accommodation who share the same values.

Have a look at our Responsible Travel Policy

Sally Guillaume

I discovered the mountains in my teens and 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 list! 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!"

Bernard Guillaume

I'm from Gap and have lived and worked in the mountains of the Southern French 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. I was an accompagnateur en montagne and a ski instructor before achieving my dream of becoming a UIAGM high mountain guide.

I am passionate about mountain wildlife and have been tracking the evolution of wolves and lynx in the Southern French Alps and the effect on the local populations of chamois, mouflon and ibex.

Annie

I am five and I like climbing and pony riding and in the winter I love husky dog sledding!. This winter I mastered skiing and got my 'premier etoile'! I love flowers and wildlife and have my own pair of binoculars that I use to spy on the chamois behind our house! 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!

Tommy

I am only two but have already been camping, tried climbing and on lots of walks. I don't know what sports I am going to like but I love being outside with mummy, daddy and Annie and I'm lucky to have the chance to try out everything so I'll let you know in a few years!

In The Office

Along with Sally we have a small team of dedicated staff to help you choose the best holiday for you. Passionate outdoories with a thorough knowledge of the area and activities and a professional and organised approach, they will make sure your enquiries are looked after with care and attention .

Susie Scorer

Secretary

I am Sally's sister and the Undiscovered Alps part time secretary! It's me who receives your booking forms, all the bills and basically manages the office administration of Undiscovered Alps alongside my other job as occupational therapist at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

I am a keen cyclist and you'll see me in all weathers on my bike! I love the outdoors and spend most of my holidays visiting Sally in the Alps or doing something outdoory!



Emily Fishlock

Sales and Marketing

I first discovered the Hautes Alpes in the winter of 2008 when, like many other graduates fresh out of university, I decided to head for the snow-capped mountains of the French Alps for a few months of fresh-powder and après-ski – a last taste of freedom before launching myself into the big, scary working world.

I studied Archaeology at university and have always had a passion for history and love the traditional culture of the Champsaur valley. My other great passion is for travelling, and I have travelled far and wide from a young age but feel that the spectacular scenery, the peaceful nature and the homeliness of this little-known Alpine region all contribute to making it a place I will always want to come back to. I have worked in various jobs before starting with Undiscovered Alps, and am delighted to be promoting this beautiful corner of the Alps.

Our Guides

Along with Bernard, we use local guides who all speak English (some better than others) 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.

Lucie Garnier

I am passionate about horses and it has been my life long dream to have my own riding school in the mountains that I adore. I finally took the plunge and set up my own school in 2010. I am a fully qualified horse riding instructor and my school is fully insured and licensed. It is a dream come true for me and I am loving every minute of it.

I have 31 horses and ponies altogether and can arrange anything from a first ever ride on a pony to a full on 3 day hack. My specialism is families - there is nothing more magical than a ride out 'en famille' discovering the Alps on horseback together!

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 in the French Alps. 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 in the alps and i also 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 mountain 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.

Francois Lisbonne

I love the Southern Alps, especially the rivers and have explored every river, torrent and stream there is to find here.

The variety in the region is second to none and that's why I love it - the rivers are all so different and they change from year to year - which keeps you on your toes!!

I have a 1st degree brevet d'etat d'educateur sportif for canoe and kayak, which means I can take you down all the rivers here in either a kayak, a raft, hydrospeed or hot dog so that you can have some white water fun! I also run the kayak courses.


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!!