Barcelonnette Essentials

Barcelonnette and the Ubaye Valley are defined by a unique blend of Alpine geography and unexpected architectural history. The town features grand 'Mexican' villas like Villa Bleue and Villa Costebelle, built by residents who returned from Mexico in the 19th century. Surrounding the valley are some of Europe's highest paved mountain passes, including the Col de la Bonette and Col de la Cayolle. Military heritage is preserved at the multi-level Fort de Tournoux, while the Pont du Châtelet spans a sheer 100-meter limestone gorge.

Col de la Cayolle

Col de la Cayolle is a high mountain pass in the French Alps at the border between the departments of Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute…

Col de la Bonette

Col de la Bonette is a high mountain pass in the French Alps, near the border with Italy.

Villa Bleue

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

Fort de Tournoux

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

Pont du Châtelet

A single-arch stone bridge built in 1882, spanning a narrow limestone gorge 108 meters above the Ubaye River. It provides the only road access to the remote hamlet of Fouillouse.

Château des Magnans

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

Col d'Allos

Col d'Allos is a high mountain pass in the Alps in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France.

Tour de l'Horloge

Also known as the Tour Cardinalis, this 14th-century bell tower is the only remnant of a former Dominican convent. It stands 40 meters tall in the center of Barcelonnette.

Saint-Vincent-les-Forts

Saint-Vincent-les-Forts is a former commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of southeastern France.

Villa Costebelle

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

Maddalena Pass

The Maddalena Pass is a high mountain pass between the Cottian Alps and the Maritime Alps, located on the border between Italy and France.

Église Saint-Nicolas-de-Myre

A 17th-century Baroque church in Jausiers. The interior is noted for its decorative altarpieces, ornate stucco work, and a classic Mediterranean-style façade.

Plateau de Dormillouse

A high-altitude scenic area reaching 2,500 meters, offering panoramic views over the Serre-Ponçon Lake and the Durance Valley. It is a hub for Alpine hiking and paragliding.