Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures in Maljasset
High Alpine Passes, GR5 Junctions and the Source of the Ubaye
A remote high-altitude hamlet where long-distance routes, alpine basins, and exposed mountain terrain shape self-guided travel in the southern French Alps.
Maljasset is a remote high-altitude hamlet in the Haute Ubaye, located within the municipality of Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye at the very head of the Ubaye Valley. Sitting at around 1,900 metres, near the source of the Ubaye River, it is among the highest permanently inhabited hamlets in the French Alps, and a pivotal location for walking holidays and outdoor adventures shaped by altitude, weather, and distance.
For walkers, Maljasset is a key alpine trail junction. The GR5 passes directly through the hamlet as it traverses the southern French Alps on its journey from northern Europe to the Mediterranean. The Via Alpina and Tour de l’Ubaye also converge here, linking high passes, remote basins, and neighbouring Alpine valleys. Walking from Maljasset is immediately mountainous, with routes climbing above the tree line into exposed terrain where navigation, conditions, and timing matter.
Beyond walking, the surrounding landscape supports serious outdoor adventures rather than casual exploration. High-mountain hiking, multi-day crossings, and long alpine stages dominate travel here, while the road climb from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye makes Maljasset a notable destination for cycling holidays focused on altitude and endurance. With a small number of carefully placed places to stay, Maljasset functions as a staging point for long journeys rather than a conventional base — a place where routes begin, cross, and continue deeper into the Alps.
Why Visit Maljasset for Walking and Adventure
- Join the GR5 at one of its most remote southern Alpine stages
- Walk from one of the highest inhabited hamlets in the French Alps
- Access Via Alpina and Tour de l’Ubaye routes directly from the village
- Experience high-altitude walking shaped by passes and alpine basins
- Combine long-distance walking with demanding cycling ascents
- Stay in a settlement defined by movement, not tourism
Nearby Trails and Routes
GR5 — Southern French Alps
The GR5 passes directly through Maljasset, crossing high passes and exposed terrain as it continues south toward the Mediterranean. Stages here are remote, sustained, and shaped by altitude.
Via Alpina
An international long-distance route linking Alpine countries, passing through Maljasset on its high-mountain traverse of the southern Alps.
Tour de l’Ubaye
A multi-day circuit exploring the highest reaches of the Ubaye Valley, connecting remote valleys, passes, and alpine refuges.
Outdoor Adventures and Activities
- Long-distance walking on the GR5, Via Alpina, and Tour de l’Ubaye
- High-mountain hiking above the tree line
- Multi-day alpine crossings between valleys
- Cycling holidays featuring long, high-altitude climbs
- Self-guided journeys shaped by weather, terrain, and distance
Explore the Area
Haute Ubaye — The upper reaches of the Ubaye Valley and its highest settlements
Alpine Passes — Historic crossings linking France and Italy
High Mountain Basins — Open terrain shaped by geology and altitude
Southern French Alps — Remote landscapes defined by movement and scale