Les Thuiles – Hiking Trails, the Ubaye and Village History

In Les Thuiles, the routes described range from an easy circular hike between hamlets to very difficult treks with significant elevation gain. There is also an orienteering course focused on local history, the Ubaye, and glimpses into village life. For planning, the key differences are the specific distances, ascents and route layouts.

Compare Circular Trails and High-Altitude Hikes

The Circuit des hameaux is an easy circular hike covering 4.7 kilometres, with an estimated walking time of about two hours and an elevation gain of 413 metres. It starts at the Les Thuiles recreation area and leads through meadows and forests to the hamlets of Guérins, Clot Meyran and Ayes. The route is marked with red-and-white GR and yellow PR trail markings. On the way from the recreation area towards Guérins, you will pass the Chapelle des Guérins.

The Col des Thuiles circular hike is considerably more demanding: it is rated very difficult and covers 16.9 kilometres, with an elevation gain of 1,129 metres. Its route passes through the Gimette state forest at the foot of the Séolanes; higher sections include balcony-like trail stretches. By comparison, the Circuit des hameaux is shorter, has an easier rating and comes with a stated walking time.

Another longer circular route leads from Les Thuiles to Lac de l'Aupillon. It is 18.4 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 971 metres. The lake is small and round, lies in the highlands of Les Thuiles and is surrounded by peaks that reach close to 3,000 metres. You can compare this hike with the two routes of different difficulty ratings based on its distance and ascent.

Discover Local History at Your Own Pace

The orienteering course focused on local history offers two self-guided routes: one for adults and one for children. Fifteen markers lead to notable sites. It combines exercise with a look at the history of Les Thuiles, without requiring you to plan a guided tour.

The village centre also has historical landmarks. The Church of Saint-Martin has stood at the heart of the village since 1525. Its square bell tower and stone-slab roof are features noted in descriptions of the building. The name Les Thuiles comes from former pottery workshops, referring to a past local activity.

The Ubaye, a Mountain Lake and Water Activities

The Ubaye flows through Les Thuiles, which lies opposite the Grande Séolane. Those interested in waterways can explore the Basse-Ubaye route from Les Thuiles to La Fresquière. It is rated Class II to III and includes two Class III rapids: Les Thuiles and Rio Clar.

In summer, a section of the Basse-Ubaye serves as a beginner route on a calm river. There, you can swim, jump from rocks, and learn river techniques and safety rules. Special regulations apply to mountain lakes at Lac de l'Aupillon supérieur; the lake is classified as a first-category fishing water. If you plan to fish there, take these special rules into account.

A section of the Transubayenne runs through the Gimette larch forest and provides access to the municipality of Méolans-Revel. Alongside the hikes and water route, this offers other landscape and route options to explore around Les Thuiles.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Maime, Noyers-sur-Jabron, Le Vernet, La Condamine-Châtelard, Authon, Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts, Ongles, Brunet.

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.