Bellegarde lies on the right bank of the Asse, on the first slopes of a hillside facing southeast. The Ribiés ravine runs through the center. The riverbank, hillside setting and ravine in the heart of the hamlet are therefore distinct landmarks.

Chapels and historic routes

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Liesse lies between the river and the road to the hamlet of Bellegarde d’Estoublon. Before the bridge over the Asse was built in the 17th century, it stood on the main route to Estoublon, Bras d’Asse, Castellane and the Verdon region. The chapel thus connects a specific place with a historic route whose destinations extend from nearby Estoublon to the Verdon region.

The Chapelle Saint-Joseph is the only chapel in Bellegarde mentioned in the 19th-century pastoral visitations. In 1860, 1866, 1872 and 1891, it was described as a rural chapel in good condition. In 1899, Mass was held there only on the saint’s feast day. Current maps also show the chapel in good condition. The dates distinguish historical descriptions of its condition from a specific account of Mass practices at the time.

Hiking trails and a mountain biking loop

A family hike follows the Asse from Bras-d’Asse to the hamlet of Bellegarde, passing through Les Orésonnis. The Sentiers des Oliviers route passes through olive groves around Bellegarde, leading to a butterfly garden and an orientation board with views over the Asse Valley. The trails differ in their destinations and stops: one hike leads to the hamlet, while the other links olive groves, a garden and views of the valley.

A four-day mountain biking loop from Castellane leads to Mézel via the road towards Bellegarde. On this loop, the Asse can be crossed by a ford to reach Estoublon, depending on the water level. Check the conditions for this crossing before setting out. The starting point, direction of travel and water level are therefore key details for planning the ride. The hike leads to the hamlet; the mountain biking route is designed as a four-day tour.

Olive mill and bees in Estoublon

In Estoublon, Le Vieux Moulin offers a tour of an old olive mill and a tasting of olive oil from Haute-Provence. Olive oil, essential oils and dried flowers are also on display there. Les Ruchers de la Bastide Blanche offers tastings of aromatic honeys. Tours and activities include observing, listening to and smelling a live beehive. Thus, two different themes take center stage in Estoublon: the olive mill and its products, and honey and the beehive.

Decide which connection to the area matters most for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Valernes, Sainte-Croix-De-Verdon, Jausiers, Lurs, Pierrerue, Volonne, Prads-Haute-Bléone, Sigonce.

For the main travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.