Barcelonnette

Visit Barcelonnette, Provence

Barcelonnette is a small town situated in the Ubaye Valley, in the mountains to the north-east of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department.

There is much to enjoy in the town of Barcelonnette, although you will perhaps notice that there is little in the way of very old buildings - this is because most of the town was destroyed by a terrible fire in 1628, so most of the buildings date from the 17th century onwards.

Explore Barcelonnette

One of the main highlights of a visit is the tall 14th century clock tower, originally part of an earlier convent established in the 13th century (the convent was rebuilt in the 17th century and has been further modified and restored in the 19th century). Note also the decorative 17th century belltower on the Church of Saint-Pierre (the church itself was reconstructed in the early 20th century), and the fountain in Place Manuel, the main centre in Barcelonnette.

One very notable characteristic of the local architecture in Barcelonnette is the number of grand houses referred to collectively as the 'Mexican villas' and in a variety of styles, often surrounded by extensive gardens and many along the avenue de la Liberation. These were built around 1890 - 1920 by those from the town who had made their fortunes in Mexico and then returned to establish a community here.

Among the most notable examples are the faux-gothic Chateau des Magnans, the Villa Morélia, the Villa Sapiniére (open to the public) and the Villa Laugier, although there are also many others of interest in the town. The town plays on the Mexican connection, for example with shops selling Mexican related products.

Barcelonnette is also notable for the sundials that appear on several of the buildings. Those on the Maison Paul Reynaud and in the Rue Honorat date from the first half of the 18th century, while others are more recent.

There are also plenty of shops, restaurants etc to divert you from your explorations as you stroll through this pleasant town.

Attractions nearby

The very picturesque scenery that surrounds Barcelonnette, including the Ubaye Valley and the Mercantour National Park, ensure it is active for much of the year, with outdoor activities being very popular in the region, both hiking and cycling in the summer and numerous ski and snow related sports during the winter.

Note: photo of Barcelonnette is copyright

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (the region and department for Barcelonnette) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Barcelonnette: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 1*;

Suggested places to visit near Barcelonnette, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: L'Argentiere-la-Bessee 46km; Digne-les-Bains 47km; Annot 47km;

Barcelonnette tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Col d'Allos - site of natural beauty (11km) : Col de la Bonette - site of natural beauty (14km) : Col de la Cayolle - site of natural beauty (16km) : Lac d'Allos - site of natural beauty (18km) : Lac de Serre-Poncon - site of natural beauty (28km) : Place Forte de Mont-Dauphin - national monument (32km) : Queyras - regional natural parc (41km) : Cirque de Viso - site of natural beauty (45km) :

See more places and a map at places near Barcelonnette