Maljasset, Haute Ubaye – Alpine Hamlet on the GR5 and Tour de l’Ubaye

High Valley Pastures, Stone Houses, and Trailheads at the Head of the Ubaye

Maljasset is a small alpine hamlet in the upper Ubaye Valley in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, close to the Italian border. Set at around 1,900 metres, it sits on open valley pasture at the head of the Ubaye valley and serves as a base for long-distance routes including the GR5 (Grande Traversée des Alpes) and the Tour de l’Ubaye.

The settlement consists of a cluster of stone houses, farm buildings, and a small auberge and guest accommodation beside the valley floor. Surrounding terrain is broad and grassy near the hamlet, rising quickly to steeper slopes, scree, and high cols on all sides. The setting is open and mountainous, with wide views along the upper valley.

There is no through road beyond Maljasset. It functions as the last settlement at the end of the valley, with access primarily on foot for onward routes. Facilities are limited but typically include accommodation and meals during the walking season, making it a practical overnight stop for multi-day crossings.

From Maljasset, paths climb south toward the Col de Mary into Italy, north toward the Col de Longet, or west along the Ubaye valley. The GR5 passes through the hamlet along the valley floor, linking it with Larche and Fouillouse. Terrain ranges from pasture tracks near the valley floor to rocky alpine paths with sustained ascent on the passes.