Ubaye Valley

An exceptional natural space

To the north of the Mercantour National Natural Park, the Ubaye Valley is a natural area of great beauty and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Chamois, ibexes and mouflons frolic in the steep mountain reliefs, while wild boars prefer wooded areas. In the mountain pastures, as danger approaches, marmots whistle before reaching their burrows. Wolves, who came from Italy, have regained possession of their former territories and have settled in the Ubaye valley. If you are lucky enough, you might observe one of them.

Many birds of prey can be observed in the sky such as the golden eagle or the bearded vulture. The particular climatic and geological influences of the Ubaye valley have enabled the development of an exceptional flora. In the Lauzanier valley, for example, the Eryngium blooms. It is an endemic species that has been saved from extinction at the very last moment.

The high valley of the Ubaye is partly located in the Mercantour National Natural Park, in the towns of Jausiers, Meyronnes or Larche. The fauna and flora are protected.

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Une publication partagée par Dindine (@claunature) le 27 Mai 2020 à 8 :30 PDT

Nature and outdoor activities

Hiking is not the only outdoor activity that can be enjoyed in the Ubaye valley.

When it gets sunny, cycling enthusiasts will discover the roads and passes of the Southern Alps. Peaking at 1,911 meters, the Larche pass can be ascended rather easily from Les Gleizolles with a difference in altitude of 682 meters for an average slope of 4,24%. From Les Gleizolles, cyclists can also get to the Col de Vars, which peaks at 2108 meters. A difference in altitude of 798 meters for an average slope of 5,66% requires the cyclists to have trained. The most experienced sportsmen and women can ride to the Bonette-Restefond pass, which culminates at 2,802 meters. It is the highest road pass in France and has been ridden by Tour de France champions. From Jausiers, the cyclists face a 1,589-meter difference in altitude, for an average slope of 6,62%.

Mountain biking is also very popular. In summer, several mountain resorts offer packages that allow you to take the ski lifts with your bike, for a sporty descent rich in thrills.

Saint-Vincent-les-Forts benefits from a particular aerology, which makes it THE spot to go paragliding in France and in Europe. Experience there a first flight in a tandem paraglider, with a qualified instructor. Alpine cliffs also attract climbing enthusiasts who have the choice between climbing routes or via ferrata.

Each year, whitewater sports attract a growing number of tourists who are looking for thrill and new challenges. You can practice canyoning, rafting or canoeing. You can also go swimming or practice many water activities at the Serre-Ponçon lake such as boat or stand-up paddle, towed buoy or jet-ski session.

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Une publication partagée par @ubayebeautydlls le 30 Mai 2020 à 9 :34 PDT

A remarkable architectural heritage

The Mexican villas are not the only architectural treasures of the valley. Discover the mountain heritage of the hamlets and villages, home to churches and chapels with sober and elegant lines, wash houses, fountains and sundials.

On the border between France and Italy, the Ubaye has long been a disputed territory that needed to be protected. Numerous fortifications were built all along the valley. The fort of Tournoux, located in the communes of Condamine-Châtelard and Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, is made of several remarkable works spread over 700 meters of difference in height. This tourist attraction is one of the best examples of the fortresses built in the Southern Alps in the XIXth century.

Five museums and ecomuseums are scattered throughout the Ubaye valley and allow you to meet the women and men who have lived there for centuries and have made this territory a unique and welcoming place.

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Une publication partagée par Ubaye – Vallée de Barcelonnette (@valleedelubaye)