Jausiers

Jausiers
Name	Jausiers
Arrondissement	Barcelonnette
Canton	Barcelonnette
Insee	04096
Postal code	04850
Elevation m	1250
Area km2	107.73
Population	1115
Population date	2021

Jausiers. Jausiers is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. Situated in the Ubaye Valley, it lies at an elevation of approximately 1,250 meters, near the larger town of Barcelonnette. The area is renowned for its dramatic alpine landscapes and its historical significance as a hub for emigrant merchants who achieved great success in Mexico during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geography

Nestled within the southern French Alps, the commune's territory is part of the Mercantour National Park and is traversed by the Ubaye River. It is bordered by the peaks of the Alpes-Maritimes and lies close to the Col de la Bonette, one of the highest paved mountain passes in Europe. The landscape is characterized by high mountain pastures, larch forests, and rugged terrain typical of the Cottian Alps. The village itself is located on a sunny terrace overlooking the confluence of the Ubaye and the Bachelard streams, offering strategic views of the valley.

History

The area shows evidence of ancient settlement, with archaeological finds from the Bronze Age. Historically part of the County of Nice and later the Duchy of Savoy, control of the Ubaye Valley was contested for centuries, notably during the Wars of Religion and the campaigns of the Duke of Savoy. The territory was definitively ceded to France under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Jausiers rose to prominence in the 19th century as a major center of the "Barcelonnette network," where local families emigrated to establish textile businesses in Puebla and Mexico City, amassing considerable fortunes. These emigrants, known as "Les Mexicains," later returned to build distinctive villas, shaping the area's architectural heritage. The commune was also a site of military importance, with the construction of the Fort de Tournoux complex in the 19th century.

Population

The population has shown relative stability in recent decades, with slight fluctuations common to rural alpine communities. The demographic history reflects the waves of emigration to Mexico and later return migration, which influenced family structures and local society. Like many areas in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, it experiences seasonal population variations due to tourism. The inhabitants are known as *Jausiérois*.

Economy

Traditionally based on agro-pastoralism, the modern economy is now strongly oriented towards tourism, benefiting from its location within the Mercantour National Park and proximity to the Serre Chevalier and Pra Loup ski resorts. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, and climbing, while winter focuses on alpine and Nordic skiing. The legacy of the "Mexican" emigrants is still visible in local real estate and cultural patronage. Some agricultural activity persists, including sheep farming for the production of Banon cheese.

Culture and heritage

The architectural landscape is marked by the ornate "Mexican villas" built with fortunes made in Mexico, such as the Villa la Sapinière and the Villa l'Ubayette, which feature eclectic styles. The parish church of Saint-Nicolas-de-Myre contains notable Baroque art. The local museum, the Musée de la Vallée, in Barcelonnette, details the emigrant history. Traditional festivals include the annual "Fête de la Saint-Jean" and events celebrating the transhumance of sheep. The area's cuisine incorporates alpine specialties like tourton and agneau de Sisteron.

Notable people

Key figures associated with Jausiers are predominantly from the emigrant merchant families. These include **Joseph Ollivier**, a founder of the Grands Magasins de France in Mexico City, and members of the **Arnaud** family, who established major department stores like El Puerto de Liverpool in Mexico. The explorer **Joseph-Martin Cabirol** was also a native. More recently, the alpine skier **Raphaëlle Lecomte** has ties to the region.

Category:Communes of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence