Barcelonnette – Ubaye Valley
Barcelonnette, a unique and endearing gem from the Southern Alps! Nestled in the heart of the Ubaye Serre-Ponçon Valley, near the Mercantour National Park. Its economic diversity and its strong tourist activity have allowed Barcelonnette to benefit from a privileged location and a preserved living environment.
Welcome to Barcelonnette 04400
Its culture and history have earned it the nickname “mountain town with Mexican accents”. You will be able to admire its numerous villas inherited from this era and vibrate in Mexican colors during events. Discover and savor its Mexican, Italian and mountain gastronomic specialties which recall the epic tale of the Ubayans!
Without forgetting the richness of a geographical location which allows you to practice all mountain activities on land, on water or in the areas.
An enchanted break not to be missed!
Where is Barcelonnette ?
Barcelonnette in the Ubaye valley (04) is located in the Alps of southern France, department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Close to Northern Italy, it is at the crossroads of Provence, Piedmont and Dauphiné.
A town in the mountains
Located between two mountain ranges, the town of Barcelonnette at an altitude of 1,135 meters is the largest town in the Ubaye valley. Ideally located, just 1 hour from Gap and Lake Serre Ponçon, the capital of Ubaye is a unique place to spend a vacation in the mountains.
In picture
By going to Ubaye, you will benefit from an exceptional natural setting, where the mountains extend to infinity. You can enjoy the many activities offered in the valley, walks or bike rides, water activities on Lake Serre Ponçon and the discovery of local culture.
What to do in Barcelonnette?
The Ubaye valley is nestled between mountains which reach an average altitude of 3,000 m. You can admire its highest peak which is the Aiguille de Chambeyron (3,400 m). This geography allows Ubaye to offer several ski resorts such as, Pra Loup, Le Sauze, St Anne, Le col de Larche and St Paul Sur Ubaye.
The enclosure of the valley creates a strong difference in altitude which allows the water to escape very quickly through the valley, which forms a rapid river called Ubaye, which ends in the Serre Ponçon lake near Gap (05).
On the arrival of white water sports, Ubaye quickly becoming a legendary river in France. Barcelonnette, Pra loup, Le Sauze, Le Lauzet Ubaye, then welcome white water sports such as rafting, kayak raft, white water swimming, canyoning.
After skiing in Pra loup, Le Sauze, Le Rafting on the Ubaye.
Barcelonnette a Mexican town
The Mexican villas of the Ubaye valley are a testimony to the successful immigration of several inhabitants of Jausiers and Barcelonnette to Mexico in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Acadian community is largely at the origin of the movement, started by Jacques Arnaud. He left Jausiers to emigrate to Louisiana in 1805. Subsequently, his brothers and three of his former weaver employees joined him. The Mexican villas of the Ubaye valley were built by these emigrants who managed to make their fortune in Mexico.
In the Ubaye valley between 1880 and 1930, many people experienced spectacular successes in the fields of textiles and banking and built around fifty magnificent villas surrounded by gardens and parks. These villas, which are located on the outskirts of the villages, are now surrounded by the houses of the new neighborhoods which have since developed. Visit the Ubaye valley and discover these sumptuous villas which are the product of the success of some of its inhabitants between 1880 and 1930.
What to visit in Barcelonnette ?
Charming mountain town, Barcelonnette is full of history with these Mexican houses to visit, the city museum and the heart of the city where it is good to stroll.
You will find a wide range of activities such as horse riding, hiking, tree climbing, mountain biking, karting and many other activities for toddlers and adults!
Where to swim in Barcelonnette?
There are not many places within Barcelonnette itself to swim. But nearby the body of water Jausier offers a very pleasant swimming spot during the summer season. you should not hesitate to go and discover the bottom of the valley at Lake Lauzet Ubaye, only 20 minutes by car and the Serre Ponçon lake.
What event to do?
The Jazz Children's Festival (around July 20 and 25 each year): For 25 years, Barcelo has welcomed the big names in Jazz during concerts at Parc de la Sapinière. Free concerts in the city center are also organized.
The Latino-Mexican Festival (the first two weeks of August): The city celebrates each year its history of the valley, with Mexico by organizing a magnificent colorful festival of dances, songs, costume parades and Latino demonstrations in all gender.
What to do in Ubaye – Activities?
- White water sports: Rafting Ubaye, Hydrospeed, Kayak-raft
- Lake Serre Ponçons
- Paintball
- Treetop adventure course
- Karting
- Mountain biking
- Paragliding
- Golf
- Museum
- Monument
- Culinary discovery