Espace Lumière (Pra Loup & Val d’Allos) Ski Resort France
Whilst we shouldn't be surprised, it still never ceases to amaze us how so many huge ski areas in France can fly so far under the international ski travel radar. Espace Lumière, the combination of Pra Loup and Val d'Allos, is case in point. A massive 180km of interconnected ski trails, 36 ski lifts & nearly 1,000m of skiable vertical makes the combination of Pra Loup & Val d'Allos a mighty proposition indeed in the southern French Alps.
Worth knowing is that the Val d'Allos sector is often referred to by its ski resort village name - La Foux. There is another smaller ski resort 8km further down the Vall d'Allos called Le Seignus that is not connected to the broader Espace Lumiere. Just to confuse things it is situated above the village of Allos. With over 900m of skiable vertical from a top point of over 2,400m altitude, Le Seignus is of interest to us as a lesser known, but not lesser, nearby ski area for powder days!
Before we get there to see it for ourselves, check out the Espace Lumiere Ski Trail Map below.
Espace Lumiere Accommodation
The accommodations available in Espace Lumiere are at either end of the resort in the villages of Pra Loup (spread across two separate locations) and La Foux d’Allos (or just La Foux). Further down in the valleys, Barcelonnette (below Pra Loup) and Allos (below La Foux) are also options.
Pra Loup is a village in two parts at the base of the sector - Pra Loup 1600 and Pra Loup - Molanes 1500. As one can infer from the names, the villages are set at around 1,600m and 1,500m respectively.
The lower of the two resort villages is Pra Loup - Molanes 1500. It is set amongst lightly wooded slopes on a sunny east to southeasterly aspect. The most lux place to stay is the sublime, converted monastery now known as Hôtel Le Prieuré. Offering 4-star style & comfort that usually exceeds the expectations of anyone staying there, the hotel is just a short stroll from the base station of the Molanes gondola. Higher up at the Molanes gondola mid-station, the ski-in Chalet Hôtel Les Blancs offers a simpler, affordable alternative. Below the lifts, well-equipped, value for money studios & small apartments are available at Résidence Le Village de Praroustan
Further along the main road, the higher & larger resort village of Pra Loup 1600 is situated on a pleasantly forested mountainside, but with a more northerly aspect - so less sun during winter but better snow than the other two villages. Numerous holiday rental apartments are the norm here, together with a few ‘interesting’ high-rise buildings typical of the French ski resort development boom several decades ago. Aside from apartments, two hotels are ski-in ski-out right at the base of the ski lifts (a gondola & a combi gondola/chair). You are definitely paying for the prime location at the Marmotel & Spa. Tucked away by itself, but still in a perfect location, Le Loup Blanc comes highly recommended. Further down the hill, the budget-friendly Auberge de Pra-Loup will appeal to most powder hounds!
La Foux d’Allos resort village is set along and above the treeline with a sunny, generally south-aspect from 1,750m to 1,875m altitude. Spread along both sides of a valley, the village is (perhaps) surprisingly large and well populated with bars restaurants, shops & services. The standard accommodation in La Foux is holiday rental apartments. Whilst there is no particularly outstanding lodgings in the village, the centrally located Résidence Central Park .
Search & book a place to stay via the Espace Lumiere (Pra Loup & La Foux) Ski Accommodation Listings.
For anyone with a car, just 8km down valley from Le Foux is the village of Allos. The village is in a more traditional setting (as opposed to a fully manufactured ski resort village) and is well situated for anyone wanting to ski both Espace Lumière via La Foux, or the more local ski area of Le Seignus, situated directly above the town.
Below Pra Loup in the Ubaye valley is the main town & transport hub of Barcelonnette. The town makes a good base to ski all the local resorts (incl. Super Sauze & Sainte-Anne la Condamine). In the centre of town are several excellent, traditional hotels that provide a great balance of service, comfort, affordability & authenticity. Try the Le Grand Hotel, La Grande Eperviere or Hotel Spa Azteca Barcelonnette.
Search & book a place to stay via the Barcelonnette Ski Accommodation Listings.
Ski Rentals
Ski rentals are available via our local partners at all the villages. Receive a discount when you compare, search & book via our Espace Lumiere Ski & Snowboard Rental page.
Nearby Ski Resorts
Espace Lumiere is in the heart of a Ubaye valley at one end and the Val d’Allos at the other. In Ubaye, from Barcelonnette, the quiet ski areas of Super Sauze and Sainte-Anne la Condamine provide ample opportunities for skiing diversity in the region. Free bus shuttles go to each from Barcelonnette. To the north via Col du vars, Vars-Risoul ski resort is less than an hour away. As mentioned earlier, in Val d’Allos to the south, Le Seignus ski area looks the goods not far from Le Foux.
Reviews & More Info
The Powderhounds will review Espace Lumière (Pra Loup & Val d’Allos) in the coming season. More information about this European ski resort will come after our visit. Stay tuned for our sparkling repartee, new photos & insights.
See how Espace Lumiere compares to the rest of the French ski resorts on the French ski resort ratings page or compare to the rest of Europe on the European ski resort ratings page.
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