Barcelonnette

Barcelonnette is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. It is located in the Ubaye Valley, a region known for its dramatic mountain scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town itself is situated at an altitude of 1,135 meters (3,724 feet) and is surrounded by peaks that reach over 3,000 meters.

Historically, Barcelonnette is famous for its unique connection to Mexico. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many young men from the Ubaye Valley emigrated to Mexico, particularly to Mexico City, where they found success in business, often establishing department stores, hotels, and cinemas. This migration led to significant wealth returning to the valley, evident in the distinctive "Mexican villas" built in Barcelonnette, characterized by their colorful facades and Spanish architectural influences. These villas are a prominent feature of the town's landscape today.

The economy of Barcelonnette relies heavily on tourism, both in summer and winter. The Ubaye Valley offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting, and skiing at the nearby resorts of Pra-Loup and Sauze-Super-Sauze. The town also hosts cultural events and has a museum dedicated to the history of emigration to Mexico, the Musée de la Vallée. Barcelonnette remains a vibrant hub for the Ubaye Valley, blending its rich past with its present as a popular destination for nature and adventure tourism.