La Bréole: Hiking, Views and History
Accommodation in La Bréole
La Bréole combines hiking with scenic viewpoints and historic sites. The routes vary considerably in length, elevation gain and difficulty: L’Escoubaye is the shorter option at around an hour and a half, while the Clot la Cime circular route is a longer hike for experienced walkers. Another circular route leads from La Bréole to Lac de Saint Léger and onward towards Montclar. If you’re looking for hotels in La Bréole, these differences can help you plan your hiking days.
Hikes from La Bréole
The L’Escoubaye hike starts in the village of La Bréole. It is 4.6 kilometres long, involves 250 metres of elevation gain and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. It is suitable for all walkers and families. The route leads to the Château de La Bréole site and the Serre-Ponçon dam facilities, which are designated as part of the local heritage of the 20th century. From the L’Escoubaye viewpoint at 920 metres, you can see the dam when visibility is good.
The Clot la Cime circular route is 12.8 kilometres long and involves 700 metres of elevation gain; its stated duration is 4 hours 30 minutes. It starts in the village and leads to the highest point in the commune of La Bréole, at 1,580 metres. The hike is intended for experienced walkers. From the summit, views extend across the Durance Valley and to Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The different time estimates can help you plan your hikes: L’Escoubaye takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, and Clot la Cime takes 4 hours 30 minutes. Check local signage and current trail conditions before setting out.
Traces of local history
The Château de La Bréole is now in ruins. A Latin text from 1239 already mentions the château. The Eglise Saint Pierre is also close to the route; its bell tower is about 40 metres high. The Clot la Cime hike leads to the Oratoire de Clot la Cime. In the past, a procession took place there every Whit Monday. These historical connections add a distinctive cultural dimension to the hikes alongside their scenic destinations.
Around Lac de Saint Léger
The circular route to Lac de Saint Léger starts at the Eglise de Costebelle in La Bréole and is suitable for walkers of intermediate fitness. The route continues into nearby Montclar. The Chapelle de Saint Léger, one of the oldest buildings in the valley, lies on the circular route. This hike therefore combines the walk to the lake with another historic site.
Near La Bréole, there is a five-hectare peat bog with water lilies and wild ducks. There is also an observation post at the edge of the forest, where you can watch wild ducks without disturbing them. These natural features add opportunities to take in the landscape and its wildlife while hiking.
More practical information for your stay
Hundreds of kilometres of marked hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible from La Bréole. Trail availability may change, so check the latest information before setting out. You can reach La Bréole by car by following the signs towards Barcelonnette. Check current navigation conditions when planning your journey.
In La Bréole, the Ubaye Valley dairy cooperative is a place to stop. Cheese and other dairy products from the Ubaye are available there. Check the latest opening arrangements before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, Les Thuiles, Bellegarde, Revest-des-Brousses, Authon, Riez, Forcalquier, Saint-Martin-les-Eaux.
For the wider travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
