Discover Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye

Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye combines high-mountain scenery with a remarkable concentration of cultural sites and routes. The Via Alpina between Trieste and Monaco passes through the commune. The Col de Vars is also in Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye: its cycling climb gains 1,000 metres in elevation, reaching 2,108 m. Another point of reference in the landscape is the fact that the commune has 34 peaks over 3,000 m. When choosing a hotel, both the mountain scenery and the historical sights may therefore influence your decision.

Fort, Battery and Church

Fort de Tournoux extends across more than 700 metres of elevation. Construction began in 1843; the fort is considered to have been completed in 1865.

Special visiting conditions apply to the fort: visits are guided only, must be booked in advance and take place from May to September. For safety reasons, only the upper Caurres battery is open to the public. If you plan to visit the fort, check dates and book in advance.

In Fouillouse, the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste and its surrounding enclosure were fully classified as a Monument historique on 4 April 2019. Its interior frescoes may date from the 16th century and may be among the most significant examples in Provence. Both assessments remain possible, but are not certain. The church and the fort thus offer different starting points for a focus on cultural history.

Museums: Mountain Life, Crafts and Motorcycles

The Musée de Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye is housed in a converted barn and presents mountain life before mechanisation. Agriculture, domestic life and crafts provide the thematic framework. A traditional dwelling from the Ubaye area is recreated; topics on display include domestic tasks, the processing of wool and hemp, and historic trades. The museum is dedicated to the blacksmith Albert Manuel (1910–1991).

The Musée de la moto de Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye offers a different perspective on local history. It displays nearly 70 roadworthy two-wheelers dating from 1925 to 1996. Those interested in technology will find a clearly defined focus here, alongside the Musée de Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye’s presentation of agriculture, domestic life and crafts.

Routes and High-Altitude Refuges

The Tour du Plan de Parouart circular trail leads from Maljasset around a wet plain. It formed after a large landslide dammed the Ubaye Valley.

The two refuges also differ in altitude and architectural style. The Refuge de Maljasset is in the hamlet of Maljasset at 1,905 m, in a very old farmhouse with a slate roof, vaulted rooms and a south-facing terrace. The Refuge de Chambeyron is an FFCAM mountain refuge at an altitude of 2,626 m in Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye.

Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye has numerous marked snowshoe routes. The cycling climb at the Col de Vars, with 1,000 metres of elevation gain up to 2,108 m, and the many marked snowshoe routes appeal to different interests.

Beer and Regional Produce

The Brasserie des Hautes Vallées produces craft beers using traditional brewing methods and malt and hops from organic farming. Tastings are offered on site; visits are available by appointment. Booking in advance is recommended.

The Marché des producteurs et artisans de Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye offers local bread, vegetables, prepared foods, syrup, goat’s cheese, beer, honey and meat. If you plan to visit the market, check the dates in advance, as the schedule may change.

Discover more destinations: Montagnac-Montpezat, Le Lauzet-Ubaye, Beauvezer, Forcalquier, Villars-Colmars, Céreste, Saint-Jean, Les Thuiles.

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