Larche brings together several different travel interests: cross-country skiing at alpine altitude, trails to mountain lakes and historic fortifications. Near the Italian border, the cross-country skiing area has 40 kilometres of trails between 1,700 and 2,000 metres above sea level. The routes are intended for all ability levels. Cross-country skiing takes you through protected landscapes, including the Parc national du Mercantour.
Cross-country ski trails and hiking routes in the Vallon du Lauzanier
The Vallon du Lauzanier is a glacial valley with protected alpine landscapes, flower-filled meadows and marmots that are easy to spot along the trail. A marked path leads through the valley to Lac du Lauzanier at 2,284 metres. It is considered a family-friendly hike. In winter, the Vallon is accessible only on cross-country skis: the groomed, marked trails in the cross-country skiing area pass through the core zone of the Parc national du Mercantour. If you are considering visiting Larche in winter, bear this distinction in mind when planning; in winter, the valley can be reached on skis.
Another family-friendly hike is in the wider area around Larche, in Val d’Oronaye. There, trails lead to the turquoise lakes of Lac de l’Oronaye and Lac de Roburent. The border with Italy runs along the Col de Roburent. The lakes and the pass give this hike a different geographical setting from the route to Lac du Lauzanier: here, the border pass is explicitly part of the area described.
Walking and cycling routes
The SES Costa de Beauregard memorial trail starts in the village of Larche and passes through five fortifications in the alpine pastures above the village. It therefore combines a walking route with the area’s historic structures. Another route to Pont Rouge reaches its endpoint after five kilometres; a path then leads back to Larche and joins the road to the Col de Larche. The five kilometres refer to the route to the endpoint, not to the length of the return path that follows.
For cyclists, the signposted Transubayenne is another option: it connects the Col de Larche or the Col de Vars with Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The route is divided into eleven sections of varying difficulty. This breakdown is a useful guide if you are looking for a route suited to your ability; the two named passes remain alternatives and should not be understood as a single starting point.
Alpine Maginot Line and fortifications
The Fort de Saint-Ours haut, a fortification of the Alpine Maginot Line that defended access to the Col de Larche, is located in the area around Larche. Guided visits are regularly available from May to September, and visits are possible only with a guide. The two-hour visit includes one hour in underground galleries, where the temperature is around 10 to 12°C. Check the availability of a guided visit before travelling, and take the cool temperature into account for this part of the visit.
The Fort de Roche-la-Croix is also located in the area. This Alpine Maginot Line fortification was excavated into the rock at an altitude of 1,900 metres and was intended to prevent enemy troops from accessing the area via the Col de Larche. Val d’Oronaye is also home to the Notre-Dame du Mont-Carmel church. Built in 1959, it has a distinctive square bell tower. Together, these sites show different aspects of the area’s building history: military fortifications at the Col de Larche and a church in Val d’Oronaye.
Discover more destinations: La Foux-D'allos, Jausiers, Lurs, Barcelonnette, Saint-Laurent-Du-Verdon, Rougon, Aubenas-Les-Alpes, Uvernet-Fours.
For the regional travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
