The snow-covered Montclar ski resort — ©The Montclar ski resort in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department|AD04/LLeroy

Things to do in Montclar if the weather is bad

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

At the edge of the Blanche and Ubaye valleys, Montclar is a delight, in winter and in summer, for all those who love outdoor activities – skiing, hiking, mountain biking, riding… And when the weather turns bad, from well-being breaks to cultural visits, nothing can spoil the pleasure of an outing.

Relax in a Nordic bath

Or the swimming pool

Immerse yourself in Nordic bath at 38°C in the middle of nature, eyes fixed on the peaks… This is something unique, and the experience brings even stronger sensations in rain or snow. In Montclar, the Les Bains des Bois well-being centre invites you to try it, a bath which brings many benefits to body and mind. The Nordic bath soothes muscle and joint tension, generates deep relaxation, reduces stress and mental fatigue and contributes to a restful sleep. If you’re feeling more athletic, head for the aquatic centre in Seyne, a covered pool with a big pool and a water games area. The little extra: its bay windows open onto a terrace with a garden.

A woman bathing in a Nordic bath at Les Bains des Bois in Montclar — ©Les Bains des Bois de Montclar, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department|CFerrand

View of the interior of La Maison du Mulet, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department — ©The House of the Mule, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department|TVergoz

Stroke an alpaca

Or go to the Maison du mulet

Nestled in the heart of the Blanche valley, the Au Doux Mélèze farm invites you to meet something unexpected – their alpacas, take part in a workshop on wool, or pierce the secrets of how saffron is grown. Products from the farm are sold in the shop. And still on the theme of animals, the Maison du Mulet in Seyne-les-Alpes, in a former 19th-century farm, tells the history of local mule breeding and trade. In heritage mode, be tempted by a visit to Seyne’s Vauban Fort, erected at the end of the 17th century to protect the border. You’ll see real cannons, the impressive reservoir and the old bread oven. Surprise: the fort also has its own escape game! Vauban has left you clues to find his most secret plan, « the ultimate plan », in its depths. Secret codes, games, puzzles.. Think you can solve the riddle?

Stock up on local products

At La Ferme aux saveurs

Jams, honey, cheese, charcuterie, essential oils, wine, liqueurs, and aromatic and medicinal plants… Bad weather sometimes helps us to (re)discover the best local Alpine specialities. In Montclar, the delicious terroir products of around thirty farmers and producers, at very attractive prices, are grouped in the cooperative La Ferme aux Saveurs. And if the sun isn’t always out, stop off in Selonnet and discover some delicious beers – IPA, Christmas beer, beer with rosehip and even with lentils, in the Brasserie artisanale de l’Aubrée.