Close menu
Close search

Blog

  • Col de la Cayolle Vélo de route Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour

    Pra Loup and the Tour de France

    Col de la Cayolle Vélo de route Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour

    Pra Loup and the Tour de France

    Home Outdoor Summer

    The Tour de France at Pra LoUPA story of emotions and summits

    Did you know that Pra Loup has hosted a finish of the mythical Tour de France three times ? Nestled in the heart of the Ubaye valley, between grandiose peaks and alpine forests, Pra Loup is not only a ski resort: it is also a must-see spot for cycling enthusiasts.

    1975 A mythical stage that becomes a legend

    On July 13, 1975, history was made in Pra Loup. The Frenchman Bernard Thévenet created a surprise by beating the immense Eddy Merckx, who had been untouchable until then. A mythical stage, engraved in everyone’s memories. This victory marks the beginning of a new chapter for French cycling. The emotion was immense in the valley, and even today, the elders talk about it with stars in their eyes. And so do the Belgians!

    Book Duels in the Ubaye Valley Tour de France Olivier Vaginay

    1980 A Belgian rider wins in Pra Loup

    Five years later, in 1980, Pra Loup once again hosted an altitude stage. This time, it was the Belgian Joseph Deschoenmaecker who won at the top, at the end of a demanding climb from the Ubaye valley.
    Further proof that Pra Loup is an ideal playground for the great battles of the Tour.

    2015 Simon Geschke tames the climb of Pra Loup

    In 2015, the Tour returned to the valley, and it was the German Simon Geschke who won the stage after a heroic breakaway.
    The arrival at Pra Loup 1600 m is marked by breathtaking landscapes and an unforgettable atmosphere.

    2024 The Tour de France passes through Ubaye again

    In 2024, the Grande Boucle did not stop at the resort, but it crossed our beautiful valley again. The peloton crossed Uvernet-Fours, at the foot of the Maure, before reaching Barcelonnette for a spectacular finish in the heart of the city.
    A beautiful spotlight on our territory and its exceptional landscapes.

    Want to ride in the footsteps of the Tour de France?

    Discover our cycling routes, our accommodation adapted to cyclists, and our tailor-made services for a 100% cycling holiday in the mountains.

    Contact us!

    Pra Loup 1500mAn arch in tribute to the Tour de France in Molanès

    To celebrate this strong link between Pra Loup and the Tour de France, a commemorative arch has been installed in Molanes – Pra Loup 1500 m.
    This monument pays tribute to the highlights experienced here, and reminds all visitors that Pra Loup is a land of champions, passion and challenges.

    Arche Bernard Thévenet Tour de France Pra Loup

    Pra Loup, a resort made for cyclists

    With its high-altitude roads, its mythical passes (Col d’Allos , Col de la Cayolle, Col de Vars…) and its sublime landscapes, Pra Loup is an ideal base camp for all cyclists, whether you are an amateur or an experienced cyclist.
    Whether you want to relive the stages of the Tour or simply pedal in the middle of the peaks, you’ve definitely come to the right place!

    Bike Park de Pra Loup

    Bike Park de Pra Loup

    Cycle tourism & Great Alpine passes

    Cycle tourism & Great Alpine passes

    Mountain biking around Pra Loup

    Mountain biking around Pra Loup

  • Col de la Cayolle Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour Vélo de route

    The Brevet des 7 Cols: a cycling challenge

    Col de la Cayolle Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour Vélo de route

    The Brevet des 7 Cols: a cycling challenge

    Home Outdoor Summer

    Are you looking for an exceptional challenge on a bike? Welcome to the Ubaye Serre-Ponçon Valley, a real playground for cycling enthusiasts. Here awaits you a legendary challenge: the Brevet des 7 Cols, a course of more than 400 km with a total of 7,000 m of elevation gain. A personal challenge, without a time or ranking, but with immense satisfaction at stake.

    A cycling adventure in the heart of the Ubaye

    You don’t have to be a pro racer to try the adventure. The Brevet des 7 Cols is free and not timed : you can do it at your own pace, over a day (if you are very trained) or in several stages. You choose your approach, your tempo, your adventure.

    The important thing? Treat yourself, push your limits, and discover breathtaking landscapes as the kilometers go by.

    Col de la Cayolle Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour Road Bike
    Thomas Bruno

    ObjectiveThe 7 great passes of the Ubaye valley

    This Brevet offers you a varied and wild route, linking 7 emblematic passes of the Southern Alps, each more impressive than the last:

    • Col de la Bonette (2802 m): the highest asphalt road in Europe. Departure from Jausiers for a cycling legend.
    • Col de Vars (2109 m): a mineral crossing between Ubaye and Queyras.
    • Col de la Cayolle (2326 m): a superb road in the Mercantour National Park.
    • Col de Pontis (1301 m) and Col Fillys (1322 m): two little-known climbs with spectacular panoramas of the Serre-Ponçon lake.
    • Col d’Allos (2247 m): historic, technical and often used by the Tour de France.
    • Montée de Pra Loup (1600 m): short but intense, mythical finish of the Tour stage in 1975.
    Col de la Bonnette Ubaye
    Anthony Turpaud (PNM)

    The Brevet route takes you through incredibly varied landscapes: larch forests, alpine ridges, suspended roads, deep gorges, hilltop villages… Each pass has its own atmosphere, its own challenge, its own setting.

    This is the whole spirit of mountain cycle tourism : savouring the effort, contemplating the beauty of the place, feeling free on the most beautiful roads in the Alps.

    Practical information 7 Passes Patent

    When? From June to October (check the opening of the passes with the Tourist Office on the seasonal wings)

    Starting point : Barcelonnette or Jausiers

    Route map : to be collected at the Tourist Office or from the Ubaye Cycling Club

    Obtaining your patent

    Have you completed the course? Well done! A diploma and symbolic recognition await you.

    Pick up your composting card at a Tourist Office, then stamp it at the top of each pass using the dedicated terminals.

    Once you have climbed the 7 passes, come back to see us: your Brevet des 7 Cols diploma is waiting for you!

    Do you like cycling?

    Mountain biking around Pra Loup

    Mountain biking around Pra Loup

    Bike Park de Pra Loup

    Bike Park de Pra Loup
    Col de la Cayolle Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour Vélo de route

    The Randonnée des Trois Cols: the cycling event of the summer

    The Randonnée des Trois Cols: the cycling event of the summer

    Cycle tourism & Great Alpine passes

    Cycle tourism & Great Alpine passes
  • Col de la Cayolle Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour Vélo de route

    The Randonnée des Trois Cols: the cycling event of the summer

    Col de la Cayolle Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour Vélo de route

    La Randonnée des Trois Cols : l’événement vélo de l’été

    Home Outdoor Summer

    Every summer, the Ubaye Valley invites you for an unforgettable cycling adventure. The Randonnée des Trois Cols is much more than just a sporting challenge: it is an immersion in the world of road cycling, in the heart of the most beautiful Alpine landscapes. Whether you are passionate about cycling or simply looking to surpass yourself, get ready to live a unique moment.

    Every summer, on the first Sunday in August, the place is left to bicycles! No cars in the passes.

    A mythical course in Ubaye

    Col de la Cayolle Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour Road Bike
    Thomas Bruno

    Three legendary passes, an exceptional valley

    The Col d’Allos, the Col des Champs and the Col de la Cayolle : these names resonate like legends for any cycling enthusiast. Every first Sunday in August, you have the chance to climb them during the same circuit, during the “Les 3 Cols” Hike, organized by the Ubaye Cycling Club.
    Here you pedal in a spectacular setting, between majestic peaks, winding roads and breathtaking panoramas. These passes have often seen the giants of the Tour de France pass by. By climbing them, you join the history of cycling.

    In the wheels of legend

    Get on your bike and go back in time: part of the route follows the mythical route of the 1975 Tour de France stage. On these roads, every pedal stroke resonates with emotion. You share much more than a journey: a passion, a memory, a collective achievement.

    Col de la Cayolle Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour Road Bike Hiking 3 passes
    Thomas Bruno

    Two courses adapted to your level

    Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a motivated amateur, the event offers you two circuits to live the experience at your own pace.

    Long course 124 km – 3,300 m D+

    A challenge designed for the most trained. On the program: the ascent of the three emblematic passes, three gourmet refreshment stations and immense satisfaction at the finish. This is the flagship course for lovers of the challenge.

    Short course 74 km – 1,690 m D+

    Do you want to taste adventure without going all the way through the extreme effort? This more accessible route takes you up the Col d’Allos, with a quiet return via La Foux Village and a refuelling stop planned in Estenc. Perfect for a first participation or a well-dosed sports outing.

    The Three Passes hike 2026 Program

    See you on Sunday, August 2, 2026 for the 49th edition of the incredible 3 Cols cycling ride. Bring your legs and your best smile, you’ll need them at the top of the Col des Champs!

    Here, no timed finishes, no podiums, just the pleasure of riding together in a warm and caring atmosphere. Each year, about 400 participants meet for this moment of exchange, passion and collective surpassing.

    Saturday, August 1

    → Registration from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on site, at the Parc de la Sapinière.

    Removal of frame plates and roadmap

    Sunday, August 2

    → Registration from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. (registration, removal of frame plates, roadmap and small snack. Mandatory validation of the roadmap).
    → Departures staggered between 6:15 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
    → Time barrier at the Col des Champs at 1:30 p.m.
    → Arrival and meal at the Parc de la Sapinière in Barcelonnette

    Prices & registration procedures

    Registration with the Ubaye Cycling Club

    All about cycling in Pra Loup

    Bike Park de Pra Loup

    Bike Park de Pra Loup

    Cycle tourism & Great Alpine passes

    Cycle tourism & Great Alpine passes
    Front de pistes Pra Loup Mercantour

    Rental and purchase of sports equipment

    Rental and purchase of sports equipment

    Mountain biking around Pra Loup

    Mountain biking around Pra Loup

  • Mercantour : International Dark Sky Reserve

    Mercantour : International Dark Sky Reserve

    Home Outdoor Summer

    Have you ever seen a real dark night? Not the one we think is black in the city, but a deep, mysterious night… a starry night. In Pra Loup, at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park, we invite you to experience one of the most beautiful celestial spectacles in Europe.

    Starry Sky Ubaye Pra Loup RICE
    Emmanuel Juppeaux

    Since 2019, the Park has been classified as an International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE), a rare label that rewards the exceptional quality of the night sky and the efforts of the municipalities to limit light pollution. The result: deep blackness, rare silence, and up to 3,000 stars visible to the naked eye… A breathtaking experience.

    Two zones to better preserve the sky

    The core zone includes the natural areas that are already protected: the darkest, the purest.

    The buffer zone is made up of 74 municipalities — including ours — committed to more sustainable lighting, respectful of living things… and sleep.

    Thomas Bruno

    What you can experience at night in Pra Loup

    • Night hikes with headlamps, or under the full moon
    • Evenings of observation at La Bonette-Restefond (over 2,800 m!)
    • Astronomy workshops, with enthusiasts who help you navigate among the constellations

    So, the next time you come to Pra Loup, remember to stay after sunset. Forget your phone for a moment, listen carefully, look up.
    Heaven has stories to tell you.

    And it’s not just for the pleasure of the eyes! This newfound blackness, this essential darkness, is also a refuge for wildlife. You may come across:

    • bats hunting above the meadows
    • the mysterious Tengmalm’s owl, discreet and protected
    • the Isabelle of France, a rare butterfly sensitive to light

    Researchers are currently working to measure the positive impact of light reduction on nocturnal species. And the results look promising.

    It may interest you:

    Découverte du Sentier Nocturne de l’Observatoire

    Découverte du Sentier Nocturne de l’Observatoire

    Découverte du Sentier Nocturne de l’Observatoire
    A la découverte des chauves-souris

    A la découverte des chauves-souris

    A la découverte des chauves-souris
    Marmottes Mercantour

    A walk with the local animals

    A walk with the local animals

    Discover winter wildlife

    Discover winter wildlife

    Pra Loup, nature resort

    Pra Loup, nature resort
    Vue Séolane Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour

    Legendary Summits

    Legendary Summits
  • Randonnée Pra Loup

    Be well equipped for hiking

    Randonnée Pra Loup Mercantour Ubaye

    Be well equipped for hiking

    Home Outdoor Summer

    Going hiking is always a great idea… as long as you are well prepared! Whether you’re a beginner or already a mountain enthusiast, here is a simple checklist so you don’t forget anything before putting on your sneakers in Pra Loup.

    Getting ready for hiking

    Choosing the right clothes

    Adapt your outfit to the weather and terrain. Here are the essentials to slip into your bag (or to put on you!):

    • High-top hiking boots for good support
    • A breathable t-shirt to stay dry
    • A fleece or windbreaker depending on the temperature
    • A waterproof jacket in case of showers
    • Comfortable pants (avoid jeans!)
    • A cap or hat to protect you from the sun
    • Walking poles (if you’re used to using them)

    What to pack

    • Minimum 1.5 L of water per person
    • A snack or a picnic (cereal bars are convenient)
    • A small first aid kit
    • An IGN map or GPS app accessible offline (and your phone well charged!)
    • Sunscreen and sunglasses
    • A bag to take down all your waste – we keep our mountains clean

    The right reflexes

    • Tell someone about your route and return time
    • Check the weather before you go
    • Adapt your route to your shape of the day (and that of your children or friends)
    • In uncertain weather or if you’re just starting out, stay on the marked trails

    Find the right hike for you

    Rather a quiet walk in the undergrowth or a climb that warms up the calves ? Whether you’re curious about nature, a fan of panoramas or a weekend hiker, we’ll help you find the perfect route. Follow your desires, we’ll take care of the rest!

    Randonnée Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour

    Hiking in Pra Loup

    Hiking in Pra Loup
    Pêche à Pra Loup

    Fishing in Pra Loup: between torrents and high-altitude lakes

    Fishing in Pra Loup: between torrents and high-altitude lakes

    Do you need to equip yourself?

    From shoes to poles, jackets or bags, you will find everything you need in sports shops or equipment rental companies in Pra Loup.

    I equip myself!

    Two IGN maps at 1:25,000 cover the Ubaye valley sector perfectly:

    • IGN 3540 OT – Barcelonnette – Le Sauze – Pra Loup – Allos
    • IGN 3639 OT – Haute Vallée du Var – Mercantour National Park

    On sale in the tobacconists and sports shops of Pra Loup.

    Lac d'Allos randonnée parc du Mercantour
    Respire. Marche. Explore.

    Nature préservée

    Paysages grandioses au départ de Pra Loup

    Echappée sauvage

    Rencontres avec la faune locale

    Panoramas alpins

    Sommets, alpages et lacs

    Discover the routes
    The Mercantour Park

    It may interest you

    Col de la Cayolle, Mercantour, Ubaye, Pra Loup

    Know the regulations in the Mercantour National Park

    Know the regulations in the Mercantour National Park

  • Know the regulations in the Mercantour National Park

    Col de la Cayolle, Mercantour, Ubaye, Pra Loup

    Know the regulations in the Mercantour National Park

    Home Outdoor Summer


    For hikers in search of wild landscapes and altitude, the trails in the heart of the Mercantour National Park promise you a unique experience, as close as possible to nature. This protected area is home to a remarkable biodiversity: marmots, chamois, ibex, golden eagles, and exceptional alpine flora .

    Preserving an exceptional space


    It is important to remember that the heart of the Mercantour National Park is subject to strict regulations, intended to protect this fragile and unique environment.
    Dogs are forbidden (even on a leash), plant picking is prohibited, bivouacs are regulated, silence is recommended: every gesture counts to preserve this exceptional ecosystem.


    As soon as you pass the markers, you enter one of the natural jewels of the Southern Alps, where wildlife and alpine flora live in harmony, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, every step counts. To preserve the beauty and balance of these unique landscapes, a few simple but essential rules must be respected.

    Mercantour Park Regulations

    • No dogs, even on a leash: they can disturb, frighten or injure wildlife.
    • Don’t pick anything : flowers, plants, rocks: everything is part of the ecosystem. The alpine flora is fragile, it must be preserved.
    • Stay on marked trails : this prevents trampling of sensitive areas and limits erosion.
    • Silence and discretion : so as not to disturb the animals that live here. By adopting this rule, increase your chances of seeing a chamois, a marmot, an ibex… But only if you are discreet and respectful!
    • No wild camping : wild camping is strictly forbidden for safety and preservation reasons. However, you can opt for bivouac from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m., more than an hour’s walk within the limits of the Park or the last car access.
    • No fire : in order to avoid fires, degradation of the soil and vegetation.
    • Take all your rubbish with you: nothing should be left behind, not even so-called biodegradable waste (peelings, eggshells, etc.). Here, we leave only the footprint of our footsteps.
    • Do not feed the animals : in order to preserve their health, their natural behavior and even the hikers, because a scratch or tooth can quickly happen!
    Regulations are not that complicated!
    Bouquetins Col de Cloche Pra Loup
    Thomas Bruno

    Thank you for contributing to the preservation of the territory

    Because it is by protecting today that we will be able to continue to admire this nature tomorrow.

    Learn more about the regulations

     It may interest you

    Lac d'Allos randonnée parc du Mercantour

    Mercantour National Park

    Mercantour National Park

    Mercantour : International Dark Sky Reserve

    Mercantour : International Dark Sky Reserve
    Randonnée Pra Loup

    Be well equipped for hiking

    Be well equipped for hiking
    Randonnée Pra Loup Ubaye Mercantour

    Hiking in Pra Loup

    Hiking in Pra Loup
  • Pêche à Pra Loup

    The different fishing techniques

    Pêche à Pra Loup

    The different fishing techniques

    Home Outdoor Summer

    In Pra Loup, mountain fishing is practiced in peace, in sumptuous and preserved settings. Fiery torrent or high altitude lake, each spot offers a different experience… and each angler has his own technique! Fly, toc, lure or natural bait: discover the different ways to tease trout in the Ubaye valley.

    A little extra here: Pra Loup is part of the municipality of Uvernet-Fours, included in the membership area of the Mercantour National Park, thus offering a carefully preserved natural environment, to be explored with curiosity and respect.

    Fishing in Pra Loup, Ubaye, trout
    Franck GUIGO (Mercantour Park)

    One Throw, a Thousand Emotions

    Here, in the Southern Alps, nestled in the heart of the Ubaye valley, Pra Loup has everything the perfect spot for your next fishing session. Between crystal clear torrents, high-altitude lakes and breathtaking landscapes, there is enough to cast your line with a smile.

    The hardest part? Choose where to go! Because frankly, the area is full of good spots.

    Among the must-sees, the Bachelard torrent, a wild torrent that runs between cliffs and forests, ideal for flushing out brown trout in a magnificent alpine setting. Calm in the morning, mysterious at the end of the day… Every moment is unique.

    Are you more of a high-altitude fisherman? You’ll love mountain lakes.
    Special mention for the Costebelle lake, a discreet body of water perched on the ski area, perfect for a quiet session, far from the hustle and bustle. And if you push a little further, you will come across Lake Allos, nothing less than the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe! Up there, at more than 2,200 meters, the panorama is magical.

    And here, we have a little extra privilege: the municipality of Uvernet-Fours – to which Pra Loup belongs – is part of the Mercantour National Park’s membership zone. The result: a protected, preserved setting, which we explore with respect and wonder.

    Where to fish in Pra Loup?
    Pêche à Pra Loup, Ubaye

    A hobby for contemplatives some would say, fishing is nevertheless a demanding discipline, which requires patience, precision and a sense of observation to hope to see brown trout, rainbow trout, brook salmon or Arctic char at the end of its line.

    Do you know the different fishing techniques? We help you see more clearly, and choose the right one depending on whether you are fishing in a torrent or in a high altitude lake.

    Fly fishing


    Fly fishing, often favoured by experienced fishermen, is a fine and sporty practice. It is generally practiced in no kill — the fish being released alive after capture — thanks to the use of simple barbless hooks, which allow a quick and respectful release. A method that is increasingly appealing to enthusiasts concerned about preserving aquatic environments.

    Cork fishing


    Cork fishing, more traditional and accessible, is ideal for beginners or family outings. Easy to install, it uses a float (the plug) that signals the fish’s bite by moving on the surface of the water.

    Ideal in mountain lakes such as Costebelle, this technique allows you to fish with natural or artificial bait at different depths , without too many technical complications. It offers a beautiful approach to the pleasure of fishing, while enjoying the calm and beauty of the alpine landscapes.

    Fishing with a toc

    Toc fishing is a very popular traditional technique for river and torrent fishing, particularly suitable for white water such as the Bachelard. It consists of letting a natural bait (worms , maggots, or small pieces of meat) drift at the bottom of the current, following the fish’s bite with the line to hook at the right time.

    For torrents such as the Bachelard, with its cool and fast waters, toc fishing is ideal for hitting fish posted in deep water veins or holes, with all finesse.

    Lure fishing


    More sporty and dynamic, lure fishing consists of manually animating an imitation of prey (fish, insect, larva, etc.) to trigger the attack of the fish. This technique requires observation, movement and a bit of strategy, making it a modern and challenging approach.

    It is also practiced very well in no kill, using simple barbless hooks and releasing the holds in the best conditions. It is an active and respectful way to enjoy mountain rivers and streams, while limiting its impact on aquatic fauna.

    No equipment? No worries

    In the Ubaye valley, several shops offer fishing equipment suitable for all levels, whether for an improvised session at the lake or a more technical outing in a torrent.

    Where to buy fishing equipment?

    Where to fish in Pra Loup?

    Among the must-see places, the Bachelard torrent is a real nugget. Wild and winding, it crosses cliffs and forests in a spectacular alpine setting. It is an ideal spot to try to flush out brown trout. Calm and bright in the morning, more mysterious at the end of the day… Every moment offers a unique atmosphere.

    Do you prefer fishing at altitude? Mountain lakes should seduce you. Special mention for the Costebelle lake, a discreet body of water nestled in the ski area, perfect for a quiet session, far from the hustle and bustle. And if you’re ready to go a little further, don’t miss Lake Allos : at more than 2,200 metres, it’s quite simply the largest high-altitude natural lake in Europe – and the panorama is unforgettable.

    Fishing in Pra Loup
    Lac d'Allos, mercantour, Pra Loup
    Sophie ROUX (PNM)

    You might also like

    Pêche à Pra Loup, Ubaye, truite

    Practice no-kill fishing

    Practice no-kill fishing