Méolans-Revel: Culture, Forest and Ubaye

If you’re looking for a hotel in Méolans-Revel, you can organize your visit around the themes that shape a stay here: alpine forests and the timber industry, religious heritage in the Ubaye, a trail with valley views, and activities on the water and at the crag. The Maison du Bois focuses on forestry, while historic sites in Laverq and Revel each offer a distinctive experience. Other highlights include a former sawmill and activities along the Ubaye.

Culture and History in Méolans-Revel

The Maison du Bois is an interpretation center dedicated to the timber industry and alpine forests in Méolans-Revel. Set amid woodland, it welcomes visitors year-round. Check the Maison du Bois’s current visitor information before you go. The center explores the relationship between the use of wood and the forest habitat—a clearly defined topic for anyone interested in both.

The Priory of Laverq was founded in 1135 and elevated to an abbey in 1220. Laverq is also home to the present-day Church of Saint Antoine, dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great. Dating from the 15th century, it is representative of rural religious architecture in the Ubaye. In Revel, the Church of Saint-Jacques, dedicated to Saint James the Greater, stands on a rocky outcrop above the Ubaye Valley. It dates to the 12th century. The church contains a 15th-century marble sculpture of Saint James, as well as a framed painting depicting John the Baptist.

The area’s history also includes its former use of hydropower: the former hydraulic sawmill was built in 1936. Today, it is open for visits and demonstrations showing how sawyers worked in the 1950s. During a guided tour, you can visit the machinery and gearing room; a board is also sawn in front of visitors using hydropower. Check the booking and operating conditions, as well as the seasonal demonstration schedule, before your trip.

Laverq Valley and Loop Trail

The Laverq Valley was added to the list of picturesque landscapes in the département in 1981. For a closer look at the scenery, take the longer Lavergan loop trail: it leads to the Belvédère du Duc and offers panoramic views of the Laverq Valley and its mountains. The route is 3.3 kilometers long and takes three hours.

Water, Climbing and Outdoor Activities

Kayak and raft trips are available on the Ubaye in Méolans-Revel. Water levels and operator availability vary by season; check before your trip. The Rapid’eau Park brings together rafting, kayak rafting, canoe rafting, hydrospeed, canyoning and orienteering at one location. Some activities may be seasonal. The Chaudon climbing area has 107 routes. The number of routes may change as the climbing facilities are updated.

Canyoning is also available from specific starting points: Aqua’Rider offers trips from its Base du Four à Chaux in Le Martinet. Described features in the streambed include rappelling, jumps and natural slides. EVP Eau Vive Passion offers canyoning from its riverside location below the village of Méolans-Revel. Canyoning availability may vary by season.

Activities for Children

The Kid Park in Méolans-Revel has a treetop adventure course for children with two loops. Features include rope bridges, vines, zip lines, rocks, tunnels and kayaks. At the Rapid’eau Park, Aventura Park offers four courses for adults and three for children. Access conditions may change.

Discover more destinations: Montsalier, Thoard, La Bréole, Châteauneuf-Miravail, Simiane-La-Rotonde, Pra Loup, Reillanne, Lardiers

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