Discover the hidden treasures of the Alpes de Haute Provence

The Alpes de Haute Provence, located in the south-east of France, are distinguished by a diversity of landscapes ranging from the Alpine peaks of Ubaye to the plateaus of Haute-Provence, passing through the spectacular Verdon Gorge and the lavender fields of the Valensole plateau.

This department, with an area of ​​6 km², is one of the largest in France.

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

Nature lovers can explore the Mercantour national park, of which Ubaye represents the northern gateway, which is home to exceptional flora and fauna, or explore the many hiking trails that crisscross the department.

Hilltop villages, such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, or Sisteron, with its citadel overlooking the Durance, bear witness to a rich historical and cultural heritage.

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

In all seasons, this territory offers a multitude of activities, whether it be winter sports in family ski resorts, swimming in turquoise lakes, or cultural discoveries during the many local festivals and events.

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

Ubaye: a preserved alpine valley

The valley of Ubaye, located at the eastern end of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is a valley of glacial origin extending over approximately 80 kilometers. It is surrounded by peaks reaching over 3 meters, such as the Aiguille de Chambeyron (000 m). The Ubaye River, which rises at the Lac de Longet at an altitude of 3 meters, crosses the valley before flowing into the lake of Serre-Ponçon. The valley is renowned for its wild landscapes, authentic villages such as Barcelonnette, and its many outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and white water sports. The Ubaye tour (GR®56) is a long-distance hiking route that allows you to discover the diversity of landscapes and the rich heritage of this preserved valley.

The valley of theUbaye offers a mosaic of landscapes, from flowering alpine meadows to larch forests and crystal-clear high-altitude lakes. This diversity is home to a wealth of wildlife, including chamois, marmots and golden eagles, delighting naturalists and photographers.

Barcelonnette, the main town in the valley, seduces with its unique architecture, inherited from the “ Barcelonnettes » who left for Mexico in the 19th century, who brought back a Mexican influence visible in the colorful villas. The villages of Jausiers, with its Fort de Tournoux, and Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, with its traditional houses, offer a journey through time and bear witness to the rich history of the region.

The valley is a haven 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 routes for all levels, allowing you to discover breathtaking panoramas. In winter, ski resorts such as Pra Loup and Le Sauze offer slopes for all skiers, from beginners to experts.

The GR®56 is a long-distance hiking trail that runs around the Ubaye Valley. Over approximately 150 kilometres, it crosses high passes, mountain pastures and forests, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. This route, generally completed in around ten days, allows for total immersion in the unspoilt nature of the Ubaye. Shelters and lodges line the route, offering welcoming stops for hikers.

In short, 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 the majestic Alpine peaks, is a preserved valley that extends from Jausiers to the hamlet of Maljasset. This region offers breathtaking landscapes, characterized by imposing mountains, green alpine pastures and picturesque villages.

Jausiers, located at the entrance to the Haute Ubaye, is a charming village that serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the valley. As you travel 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 metres, is particularly popular with hikers and mountaineers. It is the starting point for many hikes, particularly to the Marinet lakes and the Mary's Pass, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks.

Culminating at 2 meters, the Vars pass connects the Ubaye valley to the Queyras. It is particularly appreciated by cyclists for its steady climb and varied landscapes. The climb from Guillestre offers a wide and well-maintained road, with moderate gradients, making the climb accessible to many cyclists.

At 2 metres, the Cime de la Bonette is often claimed to be the highest tarmac road in Europe. It offers spectacular views and is a serious challenge for cycling and mountain driving enthusiasts. The climb from Jausiers is long and demanding, with sustained gradients, but the panoramic views at the top are well worth the effort.

Located at an altitude of 1 metres, this pass marks the border between France and Italy. It is accessible by 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 true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails such as the GR5 and the Via Alpina crisscross the region, offering routes for all levels. The Marinet lakes, nestled at the foot of the Aiguille de Chambeyron, are popular destinations for hikers seeking unspoiled alpine landscapes.

In winter, the valley is ideal for Nordic activities, with ski touring and snowshoeing routes, 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, chapels decorated with frescoes and stone houses with slate roofs, testifying to a rich historical past.

In short, Haute Ubaye, with its magnificent landscapes and legendary passes, is an unmissable destination for mountain lovers and outdoor activity enthusiasts.

The Blanche massif: between mountain pastures and forests

Le Blanche massif, located south of the Ubaye Valley in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is a mountainous area characterized by its green alpine pastures, coniferous forests and rounded peaks. It culminates at the Grand Puy, at an altitude of 1 meters, offering exceptional panoramas of the surrounding landscapes.

The massif presents a diversity of natural environments, ranging from alpine meadows to spruce and fir forests. This variety of habitats promotes a rich biodiversity, including emblematic species such as the chamois, the mouflon and a diverse birdlife. Botany enthusiasts will be able to discover a typical alpine flora, including endemic and protected species.

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

In winter, the Blanche massif is transforming into 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 levels.

Located between 1 and 350 meters above sea level, the resort of Montclar offers 50 km of slopes spread over two slopes, with a panoramic view of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Blanche Valley. Montclar is innovating this winter with its Fun Zone, including a toboggan run, an airbag jump and a boardercross.

The station Chabanon, perched between 1 and 600 metres, Chabanon has 2 km of slopes, including night descents on one of the longest illuminated slopes in Europe, ideal for prolonging the pleasure under a starry sky.

The station Grand Puy has decided to stop operating the ski area. However, it offers many winter activities such as sleigh rides with Siberian huskies, snowshoe walks or snow hikes that allow you to discover the peace and quiet of the heights.

These resorts, on a human scale, are ideal for family stays, offering suitable infrastructure and a warm atmosphere.

The Blanche massif is also home to picturesque villages such as Seyne-les-Alpes, classified among the Villages and Cities of Character of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This village has a rich heritage to discover, whether architectural, historical, natural or religious. The Vauban Citadel and its medieval tower listed as a Historic Monument overlook the village, offering a testimony to the region's medieval past.

The upper Verdon valley: between gorges and plateaus

The upper valley of the Verdon, nestled upstream from the spectacular Verdon Gorges, is a region of mountains and plateaus that is home to the source of the Verdon, a river of rare purity. This territory seduces with its authentic charm and rich heritage. Among the jewels of the valley, the fortified village of Colmars-les-Alpes stands out for its impressive Vauban fortifications, a 17th-century legacy designed to defend the French border against the Duchy of Savoy. This village also offers picturesque alleys and traditional houses that immerse visitors in the atmosphere of a past rich in history.

A little further, Allos attracts nature lovers with its eponymous lake, the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe, nestled at 2 metres. This iconic site is a starting point for hikes offering breathtaking views 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 flowering alpine meadows in spring, vast golden-hued larch forests in autumn, and deep gorges sculpted by erosion. These contrasts make it 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 The Foux d'Allos, which is part of the Espace Lumière ski area. This area is linked to Pra Wolf , in Ubaye, offers a multitude of winter activities, including downhill skiing on more than 230 kilometers of slopes, snowboarding, snowshoeing and even Nordic skiing in a preserved setting.

Part of this valley is protected by the Mercantour National Park, one of France's environmental jewels. This park, known for its exceptional biodiversity, is home to more than 2 plant species, some of which are endemic, as well as a diverse fauna ranging from the wolf, which has naturally returned 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 transition region between the Southern Alps and Provence, characterized by limestone reliefs, arid plateaus, impressive gorges and lavender fields.

Nicknamed the “Gateway to Provence”, Sisteron is dominated by its medieval citadel perched on a rocky spur, offering a panoramic view of the Durance Valley. The town is crossed by the GR®6, a long-distance hiking trail that allows you to discover its picturesque streets, its andrônes (typical covered passages) and its historical heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various activities, including hiking, mountain biking and climbing on the surrounding cliffs.

Sub-prefecture of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Digne-les-Bains is renowned for its thermal baths, offering wellness treatments thanks to its sulphurous waters with therapeutic properties. 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, the largest in Europe, which bears witness to the geological wealth of the region. Visitors can take the Route du Temps, a route linking Digne to Sisteron, dotted with remarkable natural and cultural sites.

Castellane seduced by its 184-metre rock overlooking the town, crowned by the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel, accessible by a path offering a breathtaking view of the Verdon Valley. The town is the ideal starting point for exploring the Verdon Gorges, whether by hiking, canoeing or climbing. The medieval streets of Castellane, lined with colourful houses and craft shops, invite you to stroll. The town is also crossed by the famous Route Napoléon, taken by the emperor on his return from the island of Elba.

The region offers a multitude of outdoor activities, including hiking on the Grande Traversée des Préalpes (GRP® GTPA) trail, which connects Sisteron to Digne-les-Bains, passing through varied landscapes and typical villages. Rock climbers will find quality limestone walls, while whitewater sports enthusiasts can indulge in rafting and canyoning in the turbulent rivers. The Haute-Provence Geological Nature Reserve, extending over 200 hectares, is home to remarkable fossils and unique geological sites, testifying to the history of the Earth over more than 000 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 Alpine mountains and Provençal gentleness.

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

Le lake of Sainte-Croix, flooded in 1973, is a 22 km² expanse of turquoise water, extending 11 km long and up to 3 km wide.

The clear waters of the lake are ideal for various water activities. Several water sports centres, particularly in the town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, offer boats such as canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and electric boats.

The white pebble beaches, such as those at Bauduen and Salles-sur-Verdon, offer spaces ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Perched on a hill, the village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon offers a panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings. Its picturesque streets, lined with stone houses, invite you to stroll. The village also has a developed beach, ideal for family swimming.

Upstream from the Verdon, the Castillon lake extends over more than 8 km between Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes, covering nearly 500 hectares.

The village of Saint-Andre-les-Alpes is renowned for its outdoor activities, including paragliding, thanks to the updrafts generated by the surrounding terrain. The shores of nearby Lake Castillon offer beaches suitable for swimming and water sports.

Gateway to the Verdon Gorges, 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 unmissable destinations for nature lovers and fans of water activities, offering a unique experience in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

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

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

The department is home to remarkable natural sites such as the Verdon Regional Nature Park, the Méouge Gorges and the Serre-Ponçon Lake, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, climbing and water sports. Thrill seekers can indulge in paragliding, canyoning or rafting in the tumultuous rivers.

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

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

Committed to an ecotourism approach, the department emphasizes the preservation of its natural spaces and respect for local lifestyles. Visitors are invited to adopt responsible practices to contribute to the protection of this exceptional environment.

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