Lac du Lauzet-Ubaye offers swimming and fishing; the Dolmen du Villard d'Ubaye combines a megalithic tomb with a circular trail that takes around three hours. There is also an exhibition, a historical route through railway tunnels and a range of water sports. For planning purposes, it is worth keeping these attractions separate: the dolmen trail has a stated duration, while current information is important for the shuttle and certain water activities.
Lake, swimming and fishing
Lac du Lauzet-Ubaye is a natural lake. A designated beach is set aside for swimming, making the lake a practical option for a day by the water. Free fishing without a fishing licence is also possible there. Swimming and fishing are different ways to enjoy the same lake, and each can give your visit a different focus.
Fishing regulations may change. If you plan this activity, it is best to confirm locally before your trip that free fishing without a fishing licence is still possible. This keeps an important practical condition in mind as you plan your stay.
Walk to the dolmen
The Dolmen du Villard d'Ubaye is a megalithic tomb and has been classified as a Monument historique since 1900. The circular trail to the dolmen begins at the Ubaye cemetery. The round trip is listed as 8 km with 400 m of elevation gain and takes about three hours. Together, the distance, elevation gain and duration provide a practical guide for planning your day.
The duration is approximate, and trail details may change depending on trail conditions. If you would like to combine the dolmen with a hike, allow a separate block of time for the route and check conditions before your visit. The information gives you a sense of the scope of the circular trail without assuming a fixed walking pace.
Different water sports, different experiences
The Cascades de Costeplane, in the Ravin de la Blache, are a canyoning location. Conditions and providers may vary, so take this into account when planning the activity. Another option is Anaconda Rafting: its whitewater sports base is in the village of Le Lauzet-Ubaye, at the entrance to the Ubaye Valley.
Anaconda Rafting’s hydrospeed offering includes an introduction to swimming techniques and a descent in the water. Hydrospeed therefore offers a different experience from canyoning at the Cascades de Costeplane: one activity explicitly includes an introduction, while the other names the canyoning location. Seasonal operation and booking conditions may change. Check this information again before making plans.
Exhibition and local history
The exhibition “Des montagnes et des hommes” explores how people have developed ways of using their environment, as well as knowledge and skills, by extracting various elements from it. A gallery offers a glimpse of nocturnal wildlife; its specific presentation may change. The exhibition therefore looks at both human practices and the animals of the night. If you are planning a visit, check current access arrangements separately.
The Parcours Sens'action – Le village disparu offers another way to explore local history. It uses abandoned railway tunnels to tell the story of the vanished village of Ubaye. Here, the route and tunnels provide a way to discover local history, rather than the themes of an exhibition. Tunnel conditions depend on the weather and should be taken into account when planning your visit.
Getting around and planning your stay
The free Ubaye shuttle line L2 connects Barcelonnette, Le Lauzet, Ubaye Plage and Montclar. It also serves the villages of Les Thuiles and MĂ©olans-Revel. The line is listed in the seasonal transport information. Check the latest information before you travel so you can compare the connection with your own plans.
You can then factor the seasonal L2 service into your transport plans. This lets you base your accommodation choice on the activities you actually want to include.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Le Fugeret, Saint-Jean, Pierrerue, Revest-Saint-Martin, Saint-Martin-les-Eaux, La Foux-D'allos, Les Mees, Bellaffaire.
For the regional travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
