A new municipality created on 1 January 2016 by the merger of Larche and Meyronnes, Val-d'Oronaye takes place in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Border of Italy, this small mountain village is located not far from Barcelonnette, a few kilometers from Pra-Loup.
Located partly in the Mercantour National Park, the commune of Val-d'Oronaye enjoys a unique and preserved natural environment appreciated by lovers of life in the great outdoors. Close to several ski resorts and mountain passes, it is full of sites to discover the time of hikes or other outdoor activities.
Val-d'Oronaye also hosts a historical and architectural heritage of great interest, testifying to the importance of the town over the centuries and a typical Alpine style.
Val-d'Oronaye has several vestiges of the old Maginot line, like the forts and blockhouses of Malemort, the Colombier and the works of Roche-la-Croix, Saint-Ours-Haut and Saint-Ours-Bas. They served in particular to repel the Italian attacks in 1940, in full World War II.
Constructed in the 20th century, the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges church is not without interest, as is the Saint-Donat church of the 19th century. Several chapels also take place on the town, do not fail to appreciate that of Saint-Jean-Baptiste of the middle of the XIXe century and that of Saint-Ours.
But it is mainly for its natural heritage that the commune of Val-d'Oronaye is appreciated. You can admire the lake of Lauzanier, source of the Ubayette, located on the route of the hiking trails GR5 and GR56. Not far away are the lakes of Men, Behind the Cross, the Enchastraye, the Quarter of August, the Colors.
You can walk in the woods of the Lauze or the Silve, or appreciate the charms of the Argentière, Sautron and Monges passes, marking the border between France and Italy in the Alps.
Boasting a strong Nordic tradition, the small ski resort of Larche offers a three-lane ski area. It is modest in size but still has a very familiar atmosphere, appreciated by visitors and a very high mountain atmosphere with its forty-five kilometers of Nordic domain.
In early August, the Meyronnes festival offers a lively and dancing meal.
As of August 15, place at the feast of Larche with in particular an appetizer diner and a tournament of bowls.
