Ubaye, a living valley
Ubaye, a living valley
A valley of stories, between peaks and borders
Welcome to the Ubaye, a valley in the Southern Alps that is unlike any other. Between spectacular passes, mythical roads, military forts, and villas from another continent, it concentrates centuries of human adventure in a few kilometers.
In the heart of this valley full of character: Pra Loup. A resort born in the 1960s, young on the scale of the valley, but connected to its entire history.
It all starts with the great roads of the Alps
The Route des Grandes Alpes, which crosses Uvernet-Fours below Pra Loup, connects the highest Alpine passes. It was a revolution at the beginning of the twentieth century: a link between isolated villages, and today a breathtaking route for cyclists, motorcyclists and hikers.
Another mythical route is the Route Napoléon, on which the Emperor marched in 1815 to reconquer Paris. It passes by the Col Saint-Jean, offering a dive into imperial history and the unique panoramas of the Ubaye.
The Mexican dream of the Barcelona
In the nineteenth century, hundreds of young Ubayens left their valley to go to Mexico, guided by audacity and the hope of a better life. There, they built textile empires. It was thanks to this money that they built sumptuous “Mexican” villas in Barcelonnette.
Even today, this back and forth between the Alps and Latin America is visible in the architecture, the surnames… and especially in the atmosphere. Every summer, the Latin Mexican Festivals reawaken this heritage through folk dances, concerts, piñatas, gastronomy and cultural sharing.
The Ubaye, a border valley
Linked to Piedmont since time immemorial, it has seen Italian craftsmen pass through the passes on foot. It also saw the Italian army cross the border in 1940, then the resistance fighters of the two countries form a common front. This is why the valley is now dotted with impressive fortifications, such as the fort of Tournoux, Roche-la-Croix or Saint-Ours Haut. Real military cathedrals, dug into the mountain.
If you want to introduce your children to history in a different way, Pra Loup is a perfect place to start. Everything is within walking distance: villages, forts, museums, lakes…
Family Explore, learn and have fun in a life-size setting
Start with Barcelonnette, 10 minutes away: its Mexican villas always amaze young and old alike. And to understand this strange adventure that links the Ubaye to Mexico, don’t miss the Musée de la Vallée, installed in the former villa La Sapinière.
In August, the Latin Mexican Festivities get everyone in the mood: salsa, mariachi, costume parades, workshops for children, specialties to taste… The perfect opportunity to combine holidays and discovery.
Another family must-see: the Fort de Tournoux, suspended above the valley like a military fortified castle. Accessible guided tours and incredible views guaranteed.
And when you just want to sit down? Head for the easy paths, the playgrounds of Pra Loup, the picnic areas near the torrents. Good air, safety, freedom: everything you need for a simple, active and rejuvenating holiday.
Do you like it when it climbs, when it traces, when it shakes? So Pra Loup is your base camp.
When the snow covers the peaks, the Ubaye becomes a huge winter playground. And in the middle of it all, Pra Loup is the ideal spot for lovers of sensations, wild nature and new itineraries.
Adventure versionThe Ubaye as a playground from Pra Loup
At the end of the resort, the Mercantour opens its ridges to you. At the bend of a pass, you can link the mythical climbs: Cayolle, Allos, Restefond-Larche… The Ubaye is a paradise for demanding cyclists.
On a hike, you can reach the high altitude lakes, walk along the old military routes, or go for several days of trekking to Italy. Bivouacs facing the stars, lonely trails, XXL panoramas — here, you literally take to the skies.
Are you a history fan? You can walk through the old military works scattered throughout the valley: bunkers, pillboxes, underground passages… These powerful places tell the story of the other side of the mountain, that of resistance, of human genius in the face of the relief.
The Randonnée des Trois Cols: the cycling event of the summer
Know the regulations in the Mercantour National Park
Adventure versionThe Ubaye as a playground from Pra Loup
At the top of the Pra Loup slopes, the Mercantour is waiting for you. As soon as you leave the estate, the valleys open up, the ridges are revealed and you fall into a wild world, made for lovers of the real mountains.
You can ski touring the virgin slopes one after the other, explore the hanging valleys of the Col de la Cayolle, venture to the Restefond-Larche area, or reach Italy via the high plateaus of the National Park. Here, each outing is an expedition, and the panoramas stretch to infinity.
Are you a history fan? Winter also reveals the other side of the mountain. On snowshoes or skis, you can walk along the old military tracks, guess the silhouettes of bunkers and forts camouflaged under the snow, or reach the perched fortifications of Saint-Ours or Tournoux, frozen in the icy silence.
These remains tell of a past of resistance, strategy and courage, nestled in the heart of the Alps.
And when you return to Pra Loup? You will find the sweetness of alpine life : a sunny terrace, a local beer, a good meal… and the satisfaction of having lived a real adventure, between effort and wonder.