Ubaye secret valley…
Publié le : 17 mai 2024
Who are we ?
Located in the Alpes de Haute Provence , between the border with Italy and Lake Serre Ponçon, jewel of the Hautes Alpes, the Ubaye valley is still a place difficult to locate but easy to access thanks to 2 main roads : the Route Napoléon, the Route des Grandes Alpes and the A51 motorway from the south.
It is in this preserved and wild valley that my wife and I took over the hotel restaurant La Lauzetane located in Lauzet Ubaye, 20 minutes by car from Barcelonnette and 40 minutes from Gap.
Our village is at an altitude of 900m, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, on the banks of the Ubaye and the natural lake of Lauzet.
It is an establishment classified 3 stars new standards renewed in 2022.
- 68 rooms on the lake or mountain side, with elevator
- 2 restaurants (outdoor with terrace and indoor)
Our cuisine is in the colors of the region with different themes every evening: Provence, mountains and of course Mexico!
You can enjoy the lounge bar, relaxation lounges, an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub with a view of the mountains but heated, a sauna, a bowling alley (we are in the south...), a tennis court tennis.
Don't be scared by the size of the establishment, we are a hotel with a friendly, family atmosphere.
The hotel restaurant La Lauzetane is open all 4 seasons. We specialize in welcoming and organizing short or long stays with excursions and guides departing from the hotel for groups .
This year, we are on the passage of the Olympic Flame and we have the pleasure of once again hosting the Tour de France with 3 teams for 2 nights in July.
However, you can come individually . We like to share our knowledge and our passion for Ubaye so that you can have an excellent stay with us!!!
What to do in the Ubaye valley?
A valley of contrast ranging from 780 m altitude to more than 3000 m, it offers a unique variety of landscapes and vegetation: Mediterranean and Alps over 70 km long with an exceptional micro-climate. Moreover, since 1979, part of the territory of the Ubaye valley has been classified as the Mercantour National Park.
The Ubaye is also the name of the main torrent in the valley: the last in France not to be controlled by dams. These natural waters are appreciated by white water enthusiasts: kayaking, rafting, etc.
The Ubaye flows into Lake Serre Ponçon. You can also practice seaside and lake activities on the largest lake in the Southern Alps!
An ideal playground for works councils and seminars, we can accommodate you and offer team building activities with our network of partners.
Far from major roads, devoid of railways, it was until the 19th century one of the most isolated regions of France, having not experienced an industrial revolution.
This isolation has made it possible to preserve intact nature for the great pleasure of our visitors. Hikers, bike enthusiasts, you will not be disappointed: from the lower valley to the upper Ubaye valley: there is something for everyone !
This isolation was not an obstacle: the inhabitants of the Ubaye valley developed a peasant and commercial economy.
With the wool of their sheep, these farmers made fabrics (the famous cadis) whose fame has gone beyond our borders. Some went to Italy, bought silk cocoons, transformed them into thread to sell them in Lyon.
Thousands of young people went out in the fall to hawk, sell their fabrics, their silks, in France and abroad. Their know-how and education made it possible to go to the Americas and in particular to Mexico to establish a network of department stores and textile industries from the mid-19th century until the First World War.
The richest among them returned to the country to build their ceremonial villas, called Mexican, and their tombs, notably in Barcelonnette, the most Mexican of French towns!
This immigration really marked the history and population of the valley.
Every summer, in the first half of August, Latin Mexican festivals take place with mariachi and Mexican dance parades. Colorful show! In autumn, we celebrate the Day of the Dead like in Mexico!
Tourism agency, coach operator, we can put together turnkey and atypical programs for your customers.
Another highlight of the valley: the presence of the military. Indeed, Ubaye has long been considered strategic because of its proximity to Italy and the Mediterranean via its Alpine passes. From Vauban to the Maginot line of the Alps, you can admire its military works, often perched at altitude. The soldiers made fortifications but also improved our mountain roads . We have also named these roads: the strategic roads of the Alps also twinned with the Route de la Traversée des Alpes.
7 passes to discover including that of Restefond la Bonnette 2715 m, the highest road pass in Europe allowing you to reach Nice.
Car clubs, motorcycle clubs and bicycle enthusiasts will enjoy staying at Lauzetane with its parking (2 electrical terminals) and bicycle garage. We are ideally located at the crossroads of the road around the lake of Serre Ponçon and the departure towards all the passes.
Today…
Our valley has given young people the desire to create micro-enterprises to develop local and quality products while preserving its natural heritage : Chanenche distillery, saffron, jam, brewery, honey, sheep breeding, etc. You You can visit the Maison de Produits de pays, a showcase for our local artisans or go to the Barcelonnette market to find them…
Ubaye is an asset for all those who want to work and enjoy life in a beautiful environment.
Be curious, come see us! To get a taste, watch the April 6 broadcast of Echappées belles on our valley, Ubaye secret.
