• Grand Tour of the Ubaye: 3 Regions Tour

• 19 June - 10 September (subject to availability)

• From £1350/€1495 (inc bag transfer) (single supplement on request)
• From £920/€1065 (without bag transfer)

• 9 nights, 9 days walking between gites and refuges

• Wild alpine landscapes in a quiet part of the French Alps with accessible summits
• A great trek taking in parts of the Verdon, Mercantour National Park and several nature reserves
• Beautiful mountains, serene alpine lakes, remote traditional hamlets & impressive fortifications
• A trek which can be varied in length according to your wishes with the option of having your bags transported for you

• "Overall an excellent walk in a beautiful area, with good accommodation, food and trip notes." R. Darke, UK

• Half board accommodation in gites and refuges (in a mixture of rooms for 2 and dormitories.)

1. 9 nights half board accommodation.
2. Transfer on day 2
3. Transfer of bags (if chosen) except on days 4 and 9. Detailed walking notes and walking maps

1. Travel to Gite de Meolans, Ubaye
2. Lunches (which can be ordered from the accommodation), drinks, any visits,
3. Travel insurance

1. Other self-guided walking holidays in Alps: 6-day tour of Ubaye Tour of Queyras Tour of Vanoise Marvels of Mercantour
2. More about the Ubaye
3. Return to full list of independent walking holidays

Walking Profile

Average of 6-7hrs walking per day (not including lunch stop) and between 600m and 1200m of ascent & descent. The first 6 days are harder than the last 3 and are more mountainous in character. The walks take place on well maintained and marked paths, although they are mountainous in nature with some steeper and rocky passages. You can choose a couple of less well trodden trails. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable with walking several days in a row on mountain paths. You should also be sure-footed on mountain paths. You can choose whether to carry your own bags or have them transported for you (except two days where it’s not possible).

Day 1 Arrival

Welcome at Gite de Meolans.

Day 2: Meolans - Laverq Abbey (1 600 m)

The first day is a gentle one as you reach the wild Laverq valley. The rather gentle climb on the ubac of the valley allows for an easy start. Arriving at the Col de la Petite Seolane, you'll have a view of the Ubaye rapids. Night in a gite
(+ 1 270 m, - 800 m, 6 h 45)

Day 3: Abbaye du laverq (1 600 m) - Col d'Allos (2 247 m)

After a pleasant start in the Laverq valley, you join the summits to walk on the watershed between the Ubaye and the Verdon massifs, which rises just below the Col de Sestrière. The rest of the walk takes place on a panoramic ridge up to the Col d'Allos refuge.
(+1070 m, -420 m, 6 h 45)

Day 4: Col d'Allos (2 247 m) - refuge de la Cayolle (2 266 m)

On the programme for this long day, two possible routes: a wild high altitude route where you will only come across a few hikers, or a route through the valley before reaching the pass and the lakes, ideal if the weather conditions are bad (no luggage transfer this day).
(+1055m, -1,010m, 7 hours)

Day 5: Refuge de la Cayolle (2 266 m) - Bousieyas (1 983 m)

Here you are in the Mercantour National Park. You will go back in time, along the Maginot Line of the Alps and the remains of the 8th regiment of Tunisian riflemen located in the Moutière valley. You'll have time to admire the landscape along the Crête de la Blanche before reaching your gîte.
(+ 945 m, - 1 335 m, 7 h 30)

Day 6: Bousieyas (1 983 m) - Larche (1 670 m)

Here you are on the GR5 which traverses the Alps all the way to Nice, don't take the wrong direction, otherwise you will end up by the sea! You will first have to cross the Fourches pass and the Pas de la Cavale, to find yourself back in the Ubaye, and the marmots' valley: the Lauzanier valley
(+ 985 m, - 1 200 m, 6 h 35)

Day 7: Larche (1 670 m) - Fouillouse (1 905 m)

A strategic pass allowing easy access to Provence, where you'll again discover the remains of the Maginot line dominating the whole valley. You are now in Haute-Ubaye, not far from the Italian border in a beautiful and wild region.
(+1050 m, -820 m, 5 h 45)

Day 8: Fouillouse (1 905 m) - les Prats (1 693 m)

For this day, we leave the alpine landscapes to join the pine and larch forests. If you have time in St Paul, go and taste the "Sauvage", a beer brewed just above the village... A pleasant balcony path will take you to the "Versailles" of forts: the Tournoux fortification, a real citadel built in the heart of the mountain. A little effort to reach the ridge and then quickly descend into the Parpaillon valley, where you will find your gîte.
(+ 830 m, - 1 030 m, 6 h 45)

Day 9: Les Prats (1 693 m) - refuge de la Pare (1 832 m)

A more relaxing day, today you have the choice between the classic route up the river, or the less frequented route in the heart of a mouflon reserve! In any case, you will have to reach the col de la Pare where your refuge is located. (No luggage transfers on this day).
(+ 950 m , - 810 m , 5 h)

Day 10: Refuge de la Pare (1 832 m) - Méolan (1 070 m)

The day's programme includes a long descent back to where you started. You can stroll and admire the landscape without moderation! You will find some civilisation and pass through a few hamlets, an opportunity to discover the built heritage of the valley. (+ 200 m, - 1 250 m, 5 h)

End of the stay after the hike. Also possible to book extra night at Gite de Meolans.