The Ubaye Valley — Wild Nature and a Legendary River in the Southern Alps
Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the heart of the Southern French Alps, the Ubaye Valley is a still-preserved natural destination, known for its Alpine landscapes, wild river, and wide range of outdoor activities.
Stretching for around 80 kilometres, the valley follows the Ubaye River from the high mountains down to Serre-Ponçon Lake. Between Barcelonnette, Jausiers, and the surrounding mountain villages, it offers an exceptional setting for those looking for a mountain stay combining nature, adventure, and authenticity.
Today, the Ubaye is recognised as one of the major outdoor valleys of the French Alps, particularly for white-water sports, hiking, paragliding, fly fishing, road cycling, mountain biking, climbing, and of course, skiing.
A Preserved Alpine Valley in the Southern Alps
The Ubaye Valley has a unique character within the French Alps.
Less urbanised than many Alpine destinations, it has managed to preserve a remarkable natural environment.
Larch forests descend all the way to the river, peaks rise above 3,000 metres, and the villages retain an authentic Alpine architecture.
This mountain valley attracts visitors for:
• its wild landscapes
• its peaceful and natural atmosphere
• the richness of its wildlife and plant life
• its many hiking routes
• its relative protection from mass tourism
Throughout the seasons, the Ubaye reveals very different moods:
spring and the snowmelt, summer ideal for outdoor activities, colourful autumn, and winter wrapped in its snowy coat.
The Ubaye River — One of France’s Reference Rafting Rivers
Today, the Ubaye River is considered one of the best rafting rivers in France.
Fed by snowmelt and Alpine streams, it offers a naturally dynamic flow and a varied course.
It features rapids suitable for beginners as well as more technical sections, making it an ideal river both for discovering white water and for enjoying a more committed descent.
The famous Martinet–Lauzet section, often called “The Classic,” is one of the most renowned rafting runs in France.
This stretch combines wild Alpine scenery, exciting rapids, and playful navigation.
It is in this emblematic area that the independent Raft’Ubaye base is located, set directly on the riverbank.
Discover the Ubaye with a River Guide
To discover the Ubaye River and its environment, unless you are an experienced kayaker, you’ll need to be accompanied by a river guide who knows the Ubaye perfectly.
Raft’Ubaye, led by Guillaume Mary, is an independent rafting base set directly on the riverbank, at the start of the famous Martinet–Lauzet section.
The approach focuses on small groups, discovery of the natural environment, and an authentic experience in the heart of the valley.
The eco-camp allows you to experience the river differently — combining rafting descents, relaxing moments by the water, and immersion in a preserved mountain setting.
It’s also worth noting that Guillaume is a certified fly-fishing guide and would be delighted to introduce you to the beauty of fly fishing — not only on the Ubaye itself, but also on its stunning tributaries, the Bachelard and the Ubayette.
An Ideal Destination for Nature Holidays in the Alps
Today, the Ubaye Valley is a complete destination for a mountain stay.
Visitors can enjoy:
• rafting and white-water sports
• mountain hiking
• mountain biking and road cycling on Alpine passes
• paragliding
• river and lake fishing
• exploring traditional Alpine villages
• water activities on Serre-Ponçon Lake
Thanks to this wide range of activities, the valley is perfect both for a sporty weekend getaway and for a nature-focused family holiday.
Where is the Ubaye Valley? Location & Access
The Ubaye Valley is located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, in the Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur region of southern France.
It is situated:
• about 2.5 hours from Marseille
• about 3 hours from Nice
• close to the Italian border
• just a few kilometres from Serre-Ponçon Lake
Barcelonnette is the main town of the valley, surrounded by numerous mountain villages.
Its location makes it easy to combine a mountain stay with exploring the south of France.
Want to Discover the Ubaye Valley?
If you’d like to explore the Ubaye through rafting or organise a nature activity in the valley such as fly fishing, you can view our trips or contact us directly to plan your outing.
👉 View our rafting trips
👉 Explore the eco-camp
👉 Discover fly fishing
If you’re planning your stay in the Ubaye Valley (accommodation, events, access, weather, and more), you can also visit the official destination website, which gathers plenty of useful information to help you prepare your trip:
👉 https://www.ubaye.com