Laverq

Laverq is a wide forested valley in the commune of Méolans-Revel, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, within the broader Ubaye valley in southern France. The area covers the state forest of Laverq, drained by the Riou de la Blanche stream, a tributary of the Ubaye river. The valley runs from south to north at the foot of the Séolanes massif, reaching altitudes of around 1,600 meters.

What makes Laverq a protected area?

At the heart of the valley lies the Réserve Biologique Dirigée (Directed Biological Reserve) du Laverq, established on 16 February 1982 and managed by the French national forestry office, ONF. The reserve covers 1,331 hectares of state forest. Unlike a strict nature reserve left entirely to natural processes, a "directed" biological reserve is managed with forestry practices specifically oriented toward protecting the site's particular ecological features.

Where does the name Laverq come from?

Local tradition holds that "Laverq" derives from the French "lac vert," meaning "green lake." This appealing phonetic explanation, however, is not supported by historical records, which make no mention of a lake ever existing at the site. The true origin of the name therefore remains uncertain, even though the "green lake" story persists among locals and visitors alike.

What is the history behind the valley?

Laverq also carries a religious history. The Priory of Laverq was founded in 1135, during a period of intense monastic expansion in the region. It was affiliated with the Abbey of Boscodon, founded around the same time by woodcutter monks and shepherds from Chalais. Traces of this monastic past remain part of the valley's identity, even though the area today is defined primarily by hiking and nature conservation.

What can visitors do in the Laverq valley?

Numerous hiking trails start from the valley, crossing dense forest and open high-altitude terrain. The area forms part of the long-distance hiking routes GR56, GR69, and GR6, making it a notable waypoint for hikers exploring the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. One well-known trail segment is known as Laverq – Les Eaux Tortes. The gîte refuge du Laverq, a mountain lodge located within the valley, serves as a starting point for many of these hikes and an important overnight stop for long-distance walkers.

The valley is valued for its unspoiled character and exceptional natural setting, largely free from heavy tourist development. Its altitude and protected status have helped preserve a strong degree of natural integrity, with the state forest remaining under the continuous care of ONF forestry staff.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Laverq valley located? In the commune of Méolans-Revel, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, within the Ubaye valley in southern France.

Is Laverq a nature reserve? Yes, the area includes the Réserve Biologique Dirigée du Laverq, a 1,331-hectare directed biological reserve created in 1982 and managed by ONF.

Which hiking trails pass through the valley? Segments of the long-distance GR56, GR69, and GR6 trails cross the valley, with the gîte refuge du Laverq serving as a key trailhead.

Was there ever an actual lake in the valley? The name suggests a "green lake," but historical sources do not confirm one ever existed there, leaving the name's origin unresolved.