A hiking trail in the Ubaye scenery at the Col de la CayolleUbaye scenery at the Cayolle pass
©Ubaye scenery at the Cayolle pass |Vidrasca V.

The Tour de l’Ubaye in 5 days:

between Haute-Provence and the Mercantour
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  5. The Tour de l’Ubaye in 5 days: between Haute-Provence and the Mercantour

Between protected valleys and majestic peaks, the Tour de l’Ubaye offers an unforgettable immersion into the heart of the French Southern Alps. An itinerary filled with magnificent panoramas, heritage and encounters with nature.

An itinerary to discover in 4, 5 or 9 days

Also known as the GR®56, the Tour de l’Ubaye is a long-distance hiking itinerary marked in red and white. It starts in Méolans Revel and crosses the beautiful Ubaye Valley and part of the Mercantour National Park. With its 158 km of trails, 9 stages and a height difference of more than 8000 metres, this adventure has everything needed to attract seasoned hikers and those who love nature and marvellous views. Le tour de l’Ubaye is generally done in 9 days, but depending on levels and wishes, it can be shorter or longer. There is also a « short » version: either by staying in the northern part, on a 4-day itinerary which links Larche and Méolans-Revel, or staying in the southern part, on a 5-day itinerary which goes from Méolans-Revel to Larche. The northern tronçon takes you through the high mountains and Alpine valleys which are so characteristic of the Ubaye, while the southern way has a varied itinerary with Alpine pastures, forests and mythical cols.

A woman contemplating the panorama around Lac d'AllosPanoramic view of Lac d'Allos
©Panoramic view of Lac d'Allos |Dragon.S
    A mother and her son observing the green Lauzanier valley through binocularsObserving the Lauzanier valley through binoculars
    ©Observing the Lauzanier valley through binoculars |Dragon.S

      From alpine pastures full of flowers to the high peaks

      From magnificent cols, high mountain lakes with varied environments, and protected wildlife, each stage of the GR®56 is filled with wonders and exceptional views. Starting with the Vallon du Laverq, a lush green setting crossed by the waters of the Riou-de-la-Blanche which marks the first stage towards serenity. When you reach the Grande Séolane, an emblematic summit, it’s time for contemplation as you make the most of a sweeping view of the valley. Head now for the Col d’Allos, and take some time to observe the sources du Verdon which you’ll meet on your way. For the fittest, you can join up with the GR®56B which will take you to the majestic  Lac d’Allos,the largest high mountain lake in Europe in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. And while we’re on the subject of records, the road to La Bonette, which crosses the route of the GR®56 near Bousiéyas and reaches 2802 metres at the Col de la Bonette, is the highest in Europe. After having crossed several times this mythical road the Col des Fourches gives you a spectacular view over the Vallon de Salse Morene. And while you’re hiking, keep your eyes peeled, the Tour de l’Ubaye, especially around the Lac du Lauzanier, is a great place to see marmots!

      Meet historical and cultural heritage

      The Tour de l’Ubaye isn’t just magnificent landscapes: it’s also a dive into local history and culture, revealing unique architectural and heritage treasures. On the first stage of the itinerary, you will discover the remains of the Abbaye du Laverq, nestled in a protected dale, the silent witness of an ancient monastic past. The other witnesses of time are the sundials to be found regularly on the facades of the hamlets you go through. On the itinerary, you can also discover former military structures, such as the Fort de Tournoux, an impressive fortress on the side of the mountain overhanging the valley, and also the Batterie de Viraysse, perched at over 2,700 metres, or the Camp des Fourches, a high-mountain barracks which was built in 1888. And of course, the Tour de l’Ubaye is the perfect opportunity to discover the vernacular architecture of the dales and valleys you cross with charming hamlets where wood and stone go together harmoniously, such as Fouillouse, Les Pras or Bousiéyas, the highest hamlet in the Alpes-Maritimes.

      A bird's eye view of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, a small authentic village in the Ubaye regionView of the authentic village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage
      ©View of the authentic village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage |M.Royon
        View of the Col d'Allos refuge and the Mercantour massifPanoramic view from the Col d'Allos Refuge
        ©Panoramic view from the Col d'Allos Refuge |Simon.A

          Gîtes and huts: some good addresses

          Along the itinerary, several gîtes and huts offer comfort and a warm, friendly welcome. Among them:

          • The refuge du Col d’Allos : a wide view ovdr the Mercantour from the paorami terrace. On the me,u, specialities of ravioles de l’Ubaye and macarons d’Allos !
          • The refuge-hôtel de Bayasse: all the comfort of a hotel in the middle of nature aux portes du cœur du Mercantour National Park.
          • Stopover gite in Bousieyas: a ressourçante stop at an altitude of 1,880 metres in a 100% mountain setting and good home cooking.
          • Stopover gite GTA Le Refuge in Val-d’Oronaye: a comfortable break in the village of Larche and just 5 km from the Italian border.
          • Gîte-refuge Les Granges: a superb 18th-century farm nestled at the foot of the Chambeyron massif.
          • Stopover gite grocery La Souste: a warm welcome in this “souste”, which means  “shelter”, perched in the Haute-Vallée de l’Ubaye.
          • Stopover and group gite Le Belvédère : a warm, friendly place at the entrance to the Vallon du Parpaillon and just next to the ski resort of Sainte-Anne-la-Condamine.
          • Refuge de la Pare : an old frm entirely renovated in the mile of a larch forest, abov ethe Ubaye Valley.

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