A late-15th-century crypt, basalt blocks of volcanic origin and two hikes with different distances and durations offer several ways to explore Saint-Julien-D'ance. If you are weighing up culture, river scenery and outdoor activity for your stay, the dates of the buildings and the specific trail details can both help you decide.
Church, Crypt and Chapels
The Church of Saint-Julien was rebuilt in the Gothic style and has three naves with polychrome vault bosses. Only the portal remains from the earlier Romanesque building. Beneath the five-sided apse lies the crypt, dating from the late 15th century. It is one of only three surviving crypts in Haute-Loire and was classified as a historic monument by decree of 5 August 1920. Thus, the church brings together a surviving feature of the earlier Romanesque building and a crypt from a later period.
The chapels and stone cross also date from different periods. The Chapelle de Peret dates from the early 19th century and preserves furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Chapelle d'Uffarges was built at the village's expense in the mid-19th century. The stone cross beside the chapel, by contrast, dates from the 16th century; its shaft is dated 1701. A decree of 11 June 1930 added the cross to the French register of protected historic monuments. The cross and shaft should therefore be distinguished when considering their dates: the 16th-century date refers to the cross, while 1701 refers to the later shaft.
The Moulin d'Ancette and Its History
The origins of the Moulin d'Ancette date back to 1345. After it was rebuilt in 1868, the mill took on its present form: the two dates therefore mark different phases in its history. The Moulin d'Ancette operates again during organized visits. Visitors can also discover the “petit musée de Jojo,” with its collection of old tools. As visit times may vary, check them in advance if you plan to include the mill in your itinerary.
Basalt Formation and River Scenery
The Eboulis de Bourianne is a collection of basalt blocks shaped by the erosion of volcanic landforms. The Ance offers a different aspect of the natural environment: it is a Natura 2000 river and supports diverse aquatic fauna thanks to the quality of its waters. Among the species it is home to are freshwater pearl mussels. The geology and river environment thus offer different perspectives on the landscape, without reducing the river's fauna to a single observation point.
Two Hikes with Different Levels of Challenge
Distance, duration and difficulty rating are the key details to consider when planning a hike. From Saint-Julien-d'Ance, follow the “coulée de lave” signs to reach the Eboulis de Bourianne. Parking is available on the edge of the D352 near the hamlet of Bourianne. The hike is 3 km long, takes 1 hour 45 minutes and has 140 m of elevation gain; some sections are difficult.
The PR689 Autour du Champdieu is a moderately difficult circular trail covering 9.2 km. It starts and ends in Saint-Julien-d'Ance and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. By comparison, the PR689 is the longer and more time-consuming hike. The shorter hike to the Eboulis, in turn, has difficult sections; the difficulty ratings differ, so bear them in mind when choosing. Route details may change. Check the latest trail information and signs before setting out.
Accommodation and Day Planning
If Saint-Julien-D'ance is your overnight destination, plan around the activities that matter most to you. The hikes differ in duration and difficulty, while visits to the Moulin d'Ancette are organized for varying times. Check trail details and visit times in advance so you can choose a time slot that suits your priorities.
Discover more destinations: Champclause, Araules, Queyrières, Saint-Ilpize, Arlempdes, Langeac, Saint-Pal-de-Senouire, Saint-Pal-De-Chalencon
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Loire.
