Ubaye Vallée de Barcelonnette
The Ubaye: an invitation to travel and to be amazed
At the crossroads of the Alps and Provence, the Ubaye Valley is a formidable mountain playground cradled by the gentle south. A subtle mix of Provençal dolce vita and an explosive cocktail of activities.
Situated at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park, it seduces with its still wild and preserved nature.
Its warm welcome and ideal weather conditions, a perfect mix of abundant snow and generous sunshine, combined with its breathtaking panoramas, make the Ubaye Serre-Ponçon Valley a privileged holiday destination conducive to disconnection.
Succumb to the authentic and singular charm of each of its 13 villages. Whatever your choice of holiday, whether you want to stay in a resort to take advantage of the large domains, in the heart of the town to explore the valley, or in Haute Ubaye to enjoy the silence and nature, you will find the holiday that suits you.
Settings at the end of the world
From the Italian border to the lake Serre-Ponçon, the Ubaye Valley reveals its wild nature, a promise of total disconnection, between summits, snowy forests and frozen lakes.
There is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy these breathtaking landscapes, between 800 and 3400 m in altitude. For lovers of skiing and wide open spaces, Pra Loup, Le Sauze and Sainte-Anne, the 3 alpine ski areas, offer skiers an incredible diversity of panoramas, from the snow fronts to the summits.
Almost inaccessible, the summits of the majestic massifs can be seen in the background. The list is long, but we can mention the most emblematic ones: Brec du Chambeyron, Meyna, Chapeau de Gendarme, Grande Séolane, Tête de Fer... So many names that turn the heads of adventurers eager for ascents and virgin snow. Many of the ubayan summits are perfectly suited to ski touring. The mountain professionals will be happy to tell you all about them.
At the foot of these mountains: those which gave its name to our valley: the river Ubaye and the lake Serre Ponçon in which it ends its course after more than 80 kilometres.
The Ubaye is also the high mountains within reach. In Saint-Paul sur-Ubaye and Val d'Oronaye, the Nordic areas take you to the end of the world, to the heart of a sumptuous and immaculate nature where wild life still has all its rights. Sublime itineraries to discover on cross-country skis, snowshoes or sled dogs for a magical atmosphere.
Here you will find all the atmospheres of winter, as many exceptional sites to live unique experiences.
A territory rich in history
Marvel at the unique historical and architectural heritage of the Ubaye Serre-Ponçon Valley. The numerous cultural sites and remains that are scattered throughout the area bear witness to the richness of our history and the region's history.
The "Mexican" villas of Barcelonnette and Jausiers add a curiously exceptional aspect to these towns. Built between 1880 and 1930, these beautiful bourgeois houses narrate the story of the thousands of Ubayans who left for America in the 19th century intent on developing their expertise and skills, particularly in the textile industry. Some returned to the country, having made their fortunes, and constructed these sumptuous villas as a testimony to their success. Even today, there are still deep links between the Ubaye Valley and Mexico.
The exceptional geographical features of the Ubaye Serre-Ponçon Valley mean it is a veritable crossroads between Piedmont, Savoy and Provence, and therefore of major strategic military interest between the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the Ubayan mountains have been transformed into real fortresses, a number of which have now been opened as museums. The most impressive and perhaps emblematic of these constructions remains the Fort of Tournoux. Nicknamed the ‘Military Versailles', it is made up of several batteries distributed over more than 700 metres of uneven ground.
