Things to do in Pra Loup and Le Sauze if the weather is bad

Ideas of activities for when it rains or snows, or if it’s very cold

Pra Loup and Le Sauze, the emblematic resorts of the Ubaye valley, attract those who love mountains both in summer and in winter. But what is there to do when the weather is cold and grey? No worries: from wellbeing breaks to cultural discoveries and local flavours, both resorts offer a thousand ways of enjoying a day sheltered from the weather.

Make the most of a cocooning moment

When the clouds start piling up over the valley and the mountains of the Ubaye, that’s the perfect time to take care of yourself. In Pra Loup, l’ElioSpa by Sothys, nestled at 1,600 metres at the foot of the runs, offers 400 m² of wellbeing area in the Marmotel. You’ll find cutting-edge care treatment signed by Sothys, and a sauna, a hammam and a whirlpool bath with a view over the mountains and the resort. A minute or two from Pra Loup, Hotel Les Blancs also has a well-being area with pool, sauna and an infinity-edge jacuzzi with a wide view over the Ubaye valley. In Le Sauze, the heated pool is open all year round with a semi-olympic pool heated to 28 °C and, of course, the complete well-being trio: jacuzzi, hammam and sauna.

Explore the cultural and recreational activities in the Ubaye Valley

There’s no lack of cultural activities in the Ubaye valley. In Méolans-Revel, La Maison du Bois et de la Forêt will delight the whole family: models, workshops and recreational exhibitions plunge you into the world of wood and artisanal work. In Barcelonnette, the Villa de la Sapinière, the only Mexican villa open to the public, houses the Musée de la Vallée, which traces the saga of the “Gens de l’Ubaye” who left to try their luck in Mexico. On another subject, mechanics enthusiasts will just love the Musée de la Moto in Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, with its exceptional collection of two-wheelers. And for those who love solving riddles, there are several escape games where you can test your logic and perceptiveness: the Escape Forest in Pra Loup, the Fort de Saint-Ours or the Escape Avalanche in Le Sauze. And for a more relaxed atmosphere, Barcelonnette’s bowling alley and its gaming area are good for time with friends or family.

Meet local producers and artisans

In Jausiers, the Maison de Pays de l’Ubaye is a real showcase of local savoir-faire. In this warm area, the producers and artisans of the valley show the best of their creations and the best of the Ubaye terroir: Alpine pastures cheese, creamy honeys, scented jams, mountain charcuterie, artisanal beers… but also pottery, artisanal objects in leather or wood, and even photos. And if you like local craftsmanship, you will certainly appreciate a visit to the Distillerie Lachanenche, in Méolans-Revel. For generations, this family enterprise has been cultivating the art of making Alpine plants into refined, organic spirits: whisky, gin, pastis and other liqueurs. And to end the visit on a lovely note, you’ll get a delicious tasting! With moderation, of course.