In La Bréole, hikes of varying lengths, viewpoints and places with local history are close together. To plan your route, check the distance and elevation gain: L’Escoubaye is the shorter hike, while Clot la Cime climbs much higher and takes considerably longer. There is also a circular route to Lac de Saint Léger and natural attractions in the surrounding area.
Hiking by time and elevation gain
The L’Escoubaye hike is 4.6 kilometres long, includes 250 metres of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. It starts in the village of La Bréole and is suitable for all hikers and the whole family. If you are planning a longer route, the Clot la Cime loop offers a different profile: it is 12.8 kilometres long, has 700 metres of elevation gain and takes a stated 4 hours 30 minutes.
The starting point for Clot la Cime is also in the village of La Bréole. The hike leads to the municipality’s highest point, at 1,580 metres, and is intended for experienced hikers. Check local signs before setting out; for Clot la Cime, you should also take current trail conditions into account.
Another option is the circular route to Lac de Saint Léger. It starts at the Eglise de Costebelle in La Bréole and is suitable for hikers of intermediate experience; the route continues to nearby Montclar. The Chapelle de Saint Léger in the surrounding area can be reached via the loop from La Bréole and is considered one of the valley’s oldest buildings.
Views and heritage
At 920 metres, the L’Escoubaye viewpoint offers a view of the Serre-Ponçon dam. Visibility depends on conditions. From the summit of Clot la Cime, views extend across the Durance Valley and Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The viewpoints therefore differ both in elevation and in the landscapes described.
The L’Escoubaye hike leads to the site of the Château de La Bréole, which is now in ruins. A Latin text from 1239 already mentions the château. The route also leads to the facilities of the Serre-Ponçon dam, described as part of the area’s 20th-century heritage. The Eglise Saint Pierre is also close to the trail; its bell tower is about 40 metres high.
The Clot la Cime hike passes the Oratoire de Clot la Cime. A procession used to take place there every Whit Monday. The viewpoints, churches, chapels and historic sites offer different highlights: one route includes the Château site and the dam, among other sights, while the other takes in the municipality’s highest point and the oratory.
Nature in the surrounding area
At the edge of the forest near La Bréole, there is an observation post where you can watch wild ducks without disturbing them. A five-hectare peat bog with water lilies and wild ducks is also nearby. The observation post and peat bog add nature destinations focused on wildlife and plant life to the hiking options.
Getting there and exploring the region
La Bréole is accessible by car if you follow the signs towards Barcelonnette. Check current navigation conditions before your journey. Hundreds of kilometres of marked hiking and mountain biking trails are also accessible from La Bréole; the availability of individual trails may change.
For a stop in La Bréole, visit the Ubaye Valley dairy cooperative. Cheese and other dairy products from Ubaye are available there. Check the current visitor arrangements before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Dabisse-Les Mees, Mison, Authon, Villeneuve, La Brillanne, Ongles, Mane, Larche
For the regional travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
