Heritage and history in Barcelonnette

The Ubaye Valley preserves a diverse architectural timeline, from the ancient stone arches of the Pont Romain du Lauzet to the 19th-century "Mexican" villas of Barcelonnette and Jausiers. Its strategic Alpine location is marked by formidable military structures, including the multi-level Fort de Tournoux carved into rock and the high-altitude Maginot Line outposts. Religious heritage is represented by the Baroque Église Saint-Nicolas-de-Myre and the isolated Saint-Antoine-du-Désert, reflecting the region’s deep cultural and defensive history.

Heritage and History — Map

JYB Devot / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Fort de Tournoux

The Fort de Tournoux is a fortification complex in the Ubaye Valley in the French Alps.

Lefanahp / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Villa Bleue

The Villa Bleue is a historic mansion in Barcelonnette, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.

C

Villa Costebelle

The Villa Costebelle is a historic mansion in Barcelonnette, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.

D

Château des Magnans

The Château des Magnans is a château in Jausiers, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.

007antoine / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Église Saint-Antoine-du-Désert de Maurin

A historic mountain church located in the remote hamlet of Maurin near the valley's end. It serves as a significant religious landmark for the high-altitude communities near the Italian border.

F

Redoute de Berwick

An 18th-century defensive structure built to protect the valley against invasions. Named after the Marshal of Berwick, it represents an early example of Alpine military engineering.

Ludovic Péron / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Église Saint-Nicolas-de-Myre

A prominent Baroque-style church in Jausiers, known for its ornate interior and striking bell tower, typical of the region's religious architecture.

H

Fort Saint-Vincent

Also known as Fort Joubert, this 19th-century fortification overlooks the Ubaye and Durance junction, designed to control strategic mountain passes.

Les Bergers des Pierres - Moselle… / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Blockhaus de Pelousette

High-altitude ruins of an infantry outpost from the Maginot Line's Alpine sector, situated at 2,757 meters on the Cime de Pelousette.

J

Fort de Viraysse

The Fort de Viraysse is a fortification complex in the Cottian Alps overlooking the Ubaye Valley.

K

Pont Romain du Lauzet

A historic stone arch bridge spanning the Ubaye River. Though called 'Roman,' the current structure likely dates to the Middle Ages and served as a vital passage for centuries.

Other Lists

Barcelonnette Essentials Alpine Peaks and Passes Historic Churches of Ubaye Outdoor Adventures Alpine Refuges & Bivouacs