A holiday in the Alpes de Haute Provence

The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region in south-eastern France boasts a diversity of landscapes, from the Alpine peaks of Ubaye to the plateaux of Haute-Provence, from the spectacular Verdon gorges to the lavender fields of the Valensole plateau.

With a surface area of 6,925 km², this department is one of the largest in France.

The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with around 300 days of sunshine a year, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

Nature lovers can explore the Mercantour National Park, of which Ubaye is the northern gateway, which is home to exceptional flora and fauna, or explore the many hiking trails that criss-cross the département.

Perched villages such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, or Sisteron, with its citadel overlooking the Durance, bear witness to a rich historical and cultural heritage.

The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is also renowned for its gastronomy, with local products such as Banon cheese, Haute-Provence olive oil and lavender honey.

In all seasons, this region offers a multitude of activities, from winter sports in family-friendly ski resorts, to swimming in turquoise lakes, to cultural discoveries at the many local festivals and events.

The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a choice destination for travelers in search of authenticity, unspoilt nature and a rich heritage.

Ubaye: an unspoilt alpine valley

The Ubaye l'Ubayelocated at the eastern end of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, is a valley of glacial origin stretching for some 80 kilometers. It is surrounded by peaks peaking at over 3,000 meters, such as the aiguille de Chambeyron (3,412 m). The Ubaye river, which rises in Lac de Longet at an altitude of 2,655 m, crosses the valley before flowing into the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The valley is renowned for its wild landscapes, authentic villages such as Barcelonnette, and numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and white-water sports. The Tour de l'Ubaye (GR®56) is a long-distance hiking trail that allows you to discover the diversity of landscapes and rich heritage of this unspoilt valley.

TheUbaye valley offers a mosaic of landscapes, from flower-filled alpine meadows to larch forests and crystal-clear high-altitude lakes. This diversity is home to a rich fauna, including chamois, marmots and golden eagles, a delight for naturalists and photographers alike.

Barcelonnette, the valley's main town, has a unique architecture, inherited from the "Barcelonnettes". Barcelonnettes "who left for Mexico in the XIXᵉ century, bringing back a Mexican influence visible in the colorful villas. The villages of Jausiers, with its Tournoux fort, and Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, with its traditional houses, offer a journey back in time and bear witness to the region's rich history.

The valley is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The rivers and streams are ideal for rafting and kayaking, while the clear skies attract paragliders. Marked trails, including the GR®56, offer itineraries for all levels, allowing you to discover breathtaking panoramas. In winter, ski resorts such as Pra Loup and Le Sauze offer runs for all skiers, from beginner to expert.

The GR®56 is a long-distance hiking trail that circles the Ubaye valley. For around 150 kilometers, it crosses high passes, mountain pastures and forests, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Usually completed in around ten days, this route offers total immersion in the unspoilt Ubaye countryside. Refuges and gîtes line the itinerary, offering hikers a welcoming stopover.

All in all, the Ubaye valley is a destination of choice for nature lovers, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts, offering an authentic experience in the heart of the Southern Alps.

The Haute Ubaye, nestled between majestic Alpine peaks, is an unspoilt valley stretching from Jausiers to the hamlet of Maljasset. This region offers breathtaking scenery, characterized by towering mountains, verdant alpine meadows and picturesque villages.

Jausiers, at the entrance to the Haute Ubaye, is a charming village that serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the valley. Up the valley, the road winds through authentic hamlets such as La Condamine-Châtelard and Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, offering travelers a glimpse of traditional architecture and local culture. The hamlet of Maljasset, perched at an altitude of 1,920 meters, is particularly popular with hikers and mountaineers. It is the starting point for numerous hikes, notably to the Marinet lakes and the Col de Mary, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks.

Rising to 2,108 metres, the Vars pass links the Ubaye valley to the Queyras. It is particularly popular with cyclists for its regular ascent and varied scenery. The climb from Guillestre offers a wide, well-maintained road with moderate gradients, making it accessible to many cyclists.

At 2,802 metres, the summit of the Bonette is often claimed to be the highest asphalt road in Europe. It offers spectacular panoramic views and is a major challenge for cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts. The climb from Jausiers is long and demanding, with steep gradients, but the panoramic views at the summit more than reward the effort.

At an altitude of 1,996 meters, this pass marks the border between France and Italy. It is accessible via a well-maintained road and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding massifs. The Col de Larche is also a historic crossing point, used for centuries for trade between the two countries.

Haute Ubaye is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails such as the GR5 and Via Alpina criss-cross the region, offering itineraries for all levels. The lakes of Marinet, nestling at the foot of the Chambeyron needle, are popular destinations for hikers in search of unspoilt alpine scenery.

In winter, the valley lends itself to Nordic activities, with ski touring and snowshoeing itineraries, particularly around Maljasset.

The villages of Haute Ubaye, with their traditional architecture and cultural heritage, offer an authentic immersion in mountain life. Visitors can discover ancient churches, frescoed chapels and stone houses with lauze roofs, bearing witness to a rich historical past.

In short, Haute Ubaye, with its grandiose landscapes and mythical passes, is a must-see destination for mountain lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Massif de la Blanche: between mountain pastures and forests

The Massif de la Blanche, located south of the Ubaye valley in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is a mountain range characterized by verdant alpine meadows, coniferous forests and rounded peaks. It culminates at Grand Puy, at an altitude of 1,800 metres, offering exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The massif boasts a diversity of natural environments, from alpine meadows to spruce and fir forests. This variety of habitats fosters a rich biodiversity, including emblematic species such as chamois, mouflon and a diverse avifauna. Botany enthusiasts will discover typical alpine flora, including endemic and protected species.

The Massif de la Blanche is an ideal playground for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Numerous hiking trails, suitable for all levels, allow you to explore the massif's varied landscapes. The routes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and adjacent valleys. Mountain bikers will also find marked routes, while the cliffs and rock faces attract climbing enthusiasts. Paragliding is another popular activity, offering thrills and unique views of the region.

In winter, the Massif de la Blanche becomes a popular destination for snow sports. The family-friendly ski resorts of Montclar, Chabanon and Le Grand Puy offer a variety of activities for all ages and abilities.

Situated between 1,350 and 2,500 meters above sea level, Montclar offers 50 km of runs on two slopes, with panoramic views over Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the Vallée de la Blanche. Montclar is innovating this winter with its Fun Zone, featuring a toboggan run, an airbag jump and a boardercross.

Perched between 1,600 and 2,050 meters above sea level, Chabanon boasts 40 km of pistes, including night runs on one of Europe's longest lit pistes, ideal for prolonging the pleasure under a starry sky.

The Grand Puy resort has decided to stop operating its ski area. However, it still offers a wide range of winter activities, such as sleigh rides with Siberian huskies, snowshoeing and hiking in the snow to discover the peace and quiet of the heights.

These human-scale resorts are ideal for family holidays, offering adapted infrastructures and a warm atmosphere.

The Massif de la Blanche is also home to picturesque villages such as Seyne-les-Alpes, classified as one of the Villages et Cités de Caractère des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Seyne-les-Alpes boasts a rich architectural, historical, natural and religious heritage. The Citadelle Vauban and its listed medieval tower overlook the village, bearing witness to the region's medieval past.

The upper Verdon valley: between gorges and plateaus

The Upper Verdon Valley, nestled upstream of the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, is a region of mountains and plateaus, home to the source of the Verdon, a river of rare purity. The region's authentic charm and rich cultural heritage are its hallmarks. Among the valley's jewels, the fortified village of Colmars-les-Alpes stands out for its impressive Vauban fortifications, a 17th-century legacy designed to defend the French border from the Duchy of Savoy. The village also boasts picturesque lanes and traditional houses, immersing visitors in the atmosphere of a past rich in history.

A little further afield, Allos attracts nature lovers with its eponymous lake, Europe's largest natural high-altitude lake, nestled at 2,228 meters. This emblematic site is a starting point for hikes offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks and alpine flora. The lake is also an oasis for local wildlife, where marmots, ibex and golden eagles can be observed in their natural habitat.

The valley's varied landscapes alternate between alpine meadows in bloom in spring, vast larch forests in golden hues in autumn, and deep gorges sculpted by erosion. These contrasts make the valley a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking on marked trails, canyoning in the white waters of the Verdon and wildlife watching. In winter, the valley reveals a completely different face with the resort of La Foux d'Allos, part of the Espace Lumière ski area. This area, linked to Pra-Loup in Ubaye, offers a multitude of winter activities, including downhill skiing on more than 230 kilometers of pistes, snowboarding, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing in unspoilt surroundings.

Part of this valley is protected by the Mercantour National Park, one of France's environmental gems. This park, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, is home to over 2,000 plant species, some of them endemic, as well as a diverse fauna ranging from wolves, which have returned naturally to the region, to rare butterflies.

The Pre-Alps of Sisteron, Digne and Castellane: between mountains and Provence

The Pre-Alps of Sisteron, Digne and Castellane form a transitional region between the Southern Alps and Provence, characterized by limestone reliefs, arid plateaus, impressive gorges and lavender fields.

Known as the "Gateway to Provence", Sisteron is dominated by its medieval citadel perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views over the Durance valley. The town is criss-crossed by the GR®6, a long-distance hiking trail that takes in its picturesque lanes, andrônes (typical covered passageways) and historic heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, mountain biking and climbing on the surrounding cliffs.

A sub-prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, Digne-les-Bains is renowned for its thermal baths, offering wellness treatments thanks to the therapeutic properties of its sulfurous waters. The town is also home to the Alexandra David-Néel museum, dedicated to the explorer and writer, as well as the Haute-Provence geological nature reserve, Europe's largest, which bears witness to the region's geological wealth. Visitors can also take the Route du Temps, an itinerary linking Digne to Sisteron, dotted with remarkable natural and cultural sites.

Castellane 's 184-metre-high cliff overlooking the town is crowned by the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel, accessible via a footpath offering breathtaking views over the Verdon valley. The town is the ideal starting point for exploring the Verdon gorges, whether hiking, canoeing or climbing. Castellane's medieval streets, lined with colorful houses and craft stores, invite you to stroll. The town is also crossed by the famous Route Napoléon, taken by the emperor on his return from Elba.

The region offers a multitude of outdoor activities, including hiking on the Grande Traversée des Préalpes (GRP® GTPA) trail, which links Sisteron to Digne-les-Bains, passing through varied landscapes and typical villages. Climbing enthusiasts will find quality limestone walls, while white-water sports enthusiasts can enjoy rafting and canyoning in the tumultuous rivers. The 200,000-hectare Haute-Provence geological nature reserve is home to remarkable fossils and unique geological sites, bearing witness to the Earth's history over 300 million years.

In short, the Pre-Alps of Sisteron, Digne and Castellane offer a rich natural and cultural heritage, ideal for discovery and adventure, between the Alpine mountains and the mild Provencal climate.

Sainte-Croix and Castillon lakes: turquoise jewels of the Verdon

The lac de Sainte-Croiximpounded in 1973, is a 22 km² stretch of turquoise water, 11 km long and up to 3 km wide.

The lake's clear waters are ideal for a variety of water sports. Several watersports centers, notably in the commune of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, offer boats such as canoes, kayaks, pedalos and electric boats.

White pebble beaches such as those at Bauduen and Les Salles-sur-Verdon are ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Perched on a hill, the village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area. Its picturesque lanes, lined with stone houses, invite you to take a stroll. The village also boasts a well-equipped beach, ideal for family bathing.

Upstream from the Verdon, Lac de Castillon stretches over 8 km between Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes, covering almost 500 hectares.

The village of Saint-André-les-Alpes is renowned for its outdoor activities, particularly paragliding, thanks to the updrafts generated by the surrounding relief. The shores of nearby Lac de Castillon offer beaches ideal for swimming and water sports.

The gateway to the Gorges du Verdon, Castellane is dominated by its famous 184-metre rock, topped by the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel. The village, with its medieval streets and lively squares, is an ideal starting point for exploring the gorges and enjoying activities such as rafting and hiking.

In short, the lakes of Sainte-Croix and Castillon, with their turquoise waters and enchanting landscapes, are must-see destinations for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts, offering a unique experience in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, with its diversity of landscapes, rich heritage and numerous outdoor activities, is a destination of choice for nature lovers, history buffs and sports enthusiasts of all kinds.

The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region boasts a breathtaking diversity of landscapes, from Alpine peaks to lavender fields and impressive gorges. This natural wealth offers an ideal setting for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The department is home to outstanding natural sites such as the Verdon regional nature park, the Méouge gorges and Serre-Ponçon lake, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, climbing and water sports. For thrill-seekers, there's paragliding, canyoning and rafting on tumultuous rivers.

Perched villages, medieval citadels and archaeological sites bear witness to a rich and varied heritage. Towns like Sisteron, with its citadel overlooking the Durance, or Digne-les-Bains, renowned for its thermal baths and museum dedicated to the writer Alexandra David-Néel, offer a journey through Provençal history and culture.

Local gastronomy will delight gourmets with specialties such as Sisteron lamb, Banon cheese, lavender honey and Pierrevert wines. Provencal markets are the perfect opportunity to discover these authentic flavors and meet passionate producers.

Committed to an ecotourism approach, the département promotes the preservation of its natural areas and respect for local lifestyles. Visitors are invited to adopt responsible practices to help protect this exceptional environment.

You may also be interested in these articles: