Le Lauzet-Ubaye, entrance to the Barcelonnette valley
THE Lauzet-Ubaye is a small village located in the Alpes de Haute-Provence (04), in Ubaye, in the Barcelonnette valley. Surrounded by majestic mountains and magnificent landscapes, it is a popular meeting place for nature and adventure lovers. It is the village at the entrance to the valley at the mouth of the Ubaye river and the Serre Ponçon lake. Nicknamed the capital of rafting and white water sports, the Lauzet is indeed the arrival of the most beautiful raft course in Ubaye.
The village of Lauzet It itself is charming, with traditional stone houses and narrow, winding streets that snake through the hills. There is a small central square where locals gather for coffee and chat, and where tourists can wander around and experience the local atmosphere.
Lake Lauzet-Ubaye
Lake Lauzet is a must-see place to visit in the region. It is a mountain lake located at an altitude of 890 m and is 340 meters long. It is of icehouse origin and is supplied all year round by 7 sources.
With its crystal clear waters and its preserved natural setting of the Alpes de Haute Provence, it is ideal for swimming, free fishing offered by the town, picnics and canoe and pedal boat rides. the commune of Lauzet has developed a tour of the lake. It is now Accessible to people with reduced mobility and has a natural swimming pool supervised in July and August for the greatest pleasure of families. The surrounding mountains also offer plenty of hiking, climbing and mountain biking opportunities.
Le pont Romain ( médiéval )
Situé à l’entrée du Lauzet-Ubaye, le pont dit romain est l’un des emblèmes du village. Bien que traditionnellement qualifié de « romain », il serait en réalité d’origine médiévale, construit sur un ancien axe de passage stratégique reliant la vallée de l’Ubaye aux Alpes du Sud. Avec sa voûte unique en pierre élégamment élancée au-dessus de l’Ubaye, il témoigne d’un savoir-faire ancien et d’une architecture pensée pour résister aux crues et au temps. Aujourd’hui encore, ce pont chargé d’histoire offre un point de vue remarquable sur la rivière et les montagnes environnantes, et constitue une halte incontournable lors d’une promenade ou d’une randonnée autour du Lauzet.
Cascades de Costeplanes
Nichées au-dessus du Lauzet-Ubaye, les Costeplane waterfalls offrent un spectacle naturel sauvage et rafraîchissant. Alimentées par les eaux de fonte et les ruisseaux d’altitude, elles dévalent la montagne en plusieurs ressauts, creusant la roche et formant des vasques cristallines. Le sentier qui y mène, parfois raide et escarpé, ajoute une dimension aventure à la découverte, tandis que la fraîcheur de l’eau et le bruit des chutes contrastent avec l’ambiance alpine environnante. Lieu encore relativement préservé, les cascades de Costeplane séduisent par leur caractère authentique et constituent une belle récompense pour les amateurs de randonnée et de nature brute.
Hiking in Lauzet-Ubaye
The Municipality of Lauzet-Ubaye is a paradise for hikers. Walks varied and adapted to all levels are to be discovered in the town of Ubaye Serre-Ponçon. Markings are updated regularly and trails are maintained. You will be able to discover a abundant flora and fauna, as well as a rich cultural heritage, with isolated habitats, chapels, forts, mountain pastures, sheepfolds, bread ovens and sundials.
Vous trouverez des grandes randonnées, comme le Col Bas et les 3 lacs, la Batterie de Dormillouse, les alpages de la Gourette, la Tête de l’Estrop, le Morgon, le Tour du Lac de Serre Ponçon. Vous pourrez également opter pour des petites randonnées familiales comme les hameaux isolés de la Mandeysse ou de Dramonasc où bien encore le tour du village avec les Costeplane waterfalls And le pont romain. Vous pourrez même randonner dans les anciens tunnels de la voie ferrée.
An ideally located village
Winter sports enthusiasts can also enjoy the southern Alps region, with several Ski stations renowned nearby. The resorts of Pra-Loup, le Sauze, St jean de Montclard, are some of the largest in the region. They offer slopes for all skill levels, as well as quality equipment for skiers. The Lauzet-Ubaye allows you to benefit from affordable accommodation, hotels, lodges.
Le Lauzet-Ubaye is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding region. The historic town of Barcelonnette, located just a few kilometers away, 20 minutes by car, offers a rich cultural heritage and numerous museums, art galleries and historical sites to visit. The spa town of Gréoux-les-Bains is also nearby, offering natural hot springs to relax and recharge your batteries.
There local gastronomy is also a must-see for visitors to the region. Regional specialties include hearty mountain dishes such as raclette, tartiflette and fondue Savoyarde, as well as local products such as honey, cheese and wine. In the 19th century, the populations of Ubaye and Barcelonnette left to try their luck at Mexico in textiles. After making their fortune, they then returned to Ubaye bringing Mexican culture back in their suitcases. So don't be surprised if some restaurants in Barcelonnette offer you a real taste journey.
A dream destination
In summary, Lauzet-Ubaye is a destination of ideal holiday for nature lovers, adventure seekers and history and culture enthusiasts. In addition to being the starting point for activities of Rafting, Hydrospeed and Kayak of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, The Lauzet-Ubaye also welcomes climbers for climbing on natural cliffs. 3 spots are already well known to climbers.
With its preserved natural setting, its quality outdoor activities and its authentic charm, this village will undoubtedly seduce you!