Bed and breakfasts in the Ubaye Valley

The Ubaye Valley extends around Barcelonnette and Jausiers in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The river reaches Lake Serre-Ponçon to the west; upstream, roads and villages lead towards high valleys and Italy. Choose accommodation according to outings rather than proximity to one pass.

Climate and history

The Ubaye’s mountain climate receives Mediterranean influences and considerable sunshine. Conditions still vary with altitude and exposure: villages, passes and summits differ by season. Roads towards Piedmont are travelled according to their opening status.

Barcelonnette, Jausiers and the Mexican villas

Far from being isolated, the valley has long been a route for travel and trade towards Italian Piedmont. In the 19th century, several inhabitants made fortunes in Mexico and returned to build large villas in Barcelonnette and Jausiers. These houses now give the valley a distinctive architectural heritage.

Hiking, high-altitude lakes and great passes

Walking routes explore lakes, pastures and high mountains. Roads over Allos, Vars and the Bonette offer other views when open. Choose outings according to distance and ascent rather than starting altitude alone.

Ubaye and Mercantour National Park

The Ubaye Valley is one approach to Mercantour National Park, notably through the Lauzanier area. Not all villages and routes in the valley lie within the park’s core: check information for your chosen outing.

When the Bonette road is open, it links the Ubaye to the upper Tinée: Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, the neighbouring villages and the barracks of the Camp des Fourches offer more to explore in the Southern Alps.

When the Col d’Allos is open, it links Barcelonnette to the Upper Verdon, with the ramparts of Colmars and the paths to Lake Allos.