The Ubaye flows through Les Thuiles, and several hiking trails explore the hamlets and surrounding mountain scenery. There is also a self-guided orienteering course focused on the village’s history. This means you can choose what to focus on during your stay: an easy circular walk, a challenging mountain hike or a look at the village’s historic buildings.
Hiking trails for different abilities
The Circuit des hameaux starts at the leisure area and connects the hamlets of Guérins, Clot Meyran and Ayes through meadows and woods. This 4.7-kilometre circular hike is rated easy; it takes about two hours and includes 413 metres of ascent. White-and-red GR and yellow PR waymarks mark the route. It passes the Chapelle des Guérins as it heads from the leisure area towards the hamlet of Guérins.
If you want to compare route details, there are two considerably longer circular hikes. The hike to Lac de l'Aupillon from Les Thuiles covers 18.4 kilometres and includes 971 metres of ascent. At 16.9 kilometres, the Col des Thuiles route is shorter, but it is rated very difficult and includes 1,129 metres of ascent. It passes through the Gimette state forest at the foot of the SĂ©olanes; higher up, sections of the trail traverse the slopes. These figures provide a concrete basis for choosing between the hikes, though their difficulty ratings are not equivalent.
The Ubaye, the lake and the mountain scenery
Les Thuiles faces the Grande Séolane. In the heights above the village lies the small, round Lac de l'Aupillon, surrounded by peaks close to 3,000 metres high. Fishing at Lac de l'Aupillon supérieur is classified as Category 1; special regulations apply to mountain lakes. Anyone wishing to fish there should take these requirements into account when planning.
The Basse-Ubaye also offers a different way to experience the landscape. The water route from Les Thuiles to La Fresquière is rated Grade II to III. It includes the two rapids of Les Thuiles and Rio Clar, both Grade III. In summer, the Basse-Ubaye section is a beginner route on a calm river. Visitors can swim, jump from rocks, and learn river techniques and safety rules.
Local history and other routes
The local-history orienteering course offers two self-guided routes: one for adults and one for children. With 15 checkpoints, it leads to notable sites. This makes it a distinct way to explore the village, separate from the longer hikes and their elevation gains.
At the heart of the village stands the Church of Saint Martin, which has been there since 1525. Its square bell tower and stone-slab roof give the building a clearly defined appearance. The name Les Thuiles comes from former pottery workshops. Together with the orienteering course, this history adds a cultural dimension to the landscape.
For more routes, a section of the Transubayenne passes through the Gimette larch forest and provides access to the commune of MĂ©olans-Revel. The routes differ not only in length but also in landscape and elevation profile, from this forest section and the circular route through the hamlets to the more challenging hikes to the lake or the Col. This lets you choose what to focus on during your stay in Les Thuiles: local history, hiking or activities on the Ubaye.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Mallefougasse-Augès, Le Vernet, Saumane, Limans, Mezel, Selonnet, Soleilhas, Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban.
For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
