Alpine village and hillside track near Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye in the Ubaye Valley, surrounded by forested slopes and high peaks.

Ubaye Valley – High Alps, Mountain Passes, and Upper River Valleys

A high Alpine valley of steep mountains, glacial side valleys, and high passes near the Italian border

The Ubaye Valley is a high Alpine valley in south-eastern France, centred on the upper reaches of the River Ubaye in the southern Alps. Walking routes cross the margins of Mercantour National Park, follow long-distance routes including the GR5 and the GR56 Tour de l’Ubaye, and link places such as Barcelonnette, Jausiers, Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, Larche, and Le Lauzet-Ubaye across high passes, valley floors, and steep-sided mountain terrain.

Much of the terrain is mountainous and variable underfoot. Alpine paths, mule tracks, and high mountain trails dominate, with frequent sustained climbs and descents. Valley sections offer firmer walking on tracks and minor roads, but routes often gain height quickly as they leave the main valley floor.

The landscape shifts between distinct sub-areas. Upper sections near Larche and the Col de Larche are high, open, and strongly Alpine, with broad cirques and exposed slopes. Central areas around Barcelonnette include wider valley floors with pasture, woodland, and settlement. Toward the lower valley near Le Lauzet-Ubaye, terrain opens slightly before rising again toward surrounding massifs and passes.

Settlements are small and widely spaced, mostly aligned along the valley floor. These act as access points for linear routes and multi-day circuits, with long stretches of open ground between villages.

Trails and Routes Through the Ubaye Valley

GR5

A major long-distance Alpine route running north–south through the French Alps, crossing high passes and upland terrain within the Ubaye area.

GR56 – Tour de l’Ubaye

A long-distance circular route looping around the Ubaye basin, linking valleys, passes, and high ground on a continuous Alpine circuit.

Ubaye valley paths

Local valley-floor routes and connecting tracks linking villages along the River Ubaye, often used as access routes to higher trails.

High-pass mule tracks

Historic routes over cols such as the Col de la Cayolle and Col de Vars, connecting the Ubaye with neighbouring Alpine valleys.

Walking Character

High Alpine mountains and passes
Steep-sided glacial valleys
Rocky paths, alpine meadows, and mule tracks
Sustained climbs and descents
Sparse settlements with long gaps between
Predominantly high-altitude and inland

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Ubaye Valley located?

The Ubaye Valley lies in the southern French Alps in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, close to the Italian border, north-east of Nice.

What defines walking here?

High-altitude Alpine walking with significant elevation change, open mountain terrain, and long distances between settlements.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The GR5 passes through the valley, and the GR56 provides a full circular route around the Ubaye basin.

Is the terrain steep?

Often. Many routes involve sustained ascents to high passes and exposed sections above the valley floor.

When is the best time to visit?

Late June to September offers the most reliable access to higher routes. Snow can persist on passes into early summer, and weather can change quickly at altitude.