Montagnac-Montpezat is part of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon. When planning your trip, it is worth considering different themes: the history of the Église paroissiale Saint-Julien de Montpezat, the landscape around Lac de Montpezat and routes for active exploration. This can help you decide whether culture, a break by the water or a longer hike will be the focus of your time. Each of the places and activities mentioned has its own character, and they do not all have to be packed into a single itinerary.
Church history across several periods
The original Église paroissiale Saint-Julien de Montpezat was built in the 13th century and includes two Gothic side chapels. Traces of 14th-century wall paintings depicting an allegory of the vices were discovered there in 1998. The construction period, side chapels and traces of the paintings thus provide different historical points of reference for exploring the church.
The Église paroissiale Saint-Julien de Montpezat is protected in its entirety as a Monument historique. It was listed on 4 July 2003. This provides a specific focus for a cultural walk: the church's medieval construction history, its Gothic chapels and the traces of paintings discovered later. The protected status covers the entire building.
Lakeshore and canyon
The shady shores of Lac de Montpezat invite you to picnic and relax. The lake is also part of the Baudinard Canyon, an area inhabited since prehistoric times that can be explored by water. These offer two distinct options: a break on the shore and exploring a landscape from the water.
Aquattitude offers canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating in the lower gorges and the Baudinard Canyon. The activities are seasonal, so check what is available before your trip. For a different focus, the same provider offers guided hikes, mountain biking and rafting in the Verdon Gorges. These activities are also seasonal and should be checked before your trip.
Hiking with a defined distance
“Le circuit des deux oratoires” is a designated hiking option starting in Montagnac-Montpezat. This moderately difficult loop is 15.6 kilometres long. Its distance and difficulty rating make it a longer hike, clearly distinct from a relaxing break on the lakeshore. If you choose this route, check current trail conditions before setting out.
When deciding between these options, consider how you would like to spend your time: the shores invite you to picnic and relax, while the loop focuses on a hike with a set distance and a moderate difficulty rating. Exploring the canyon by water is another distinct option. You can take these differences into account when planning without combining all the activities.
Truffle tradition and village life
At the celebration in honour of Saint Anthony, truffle growers carry the saint's statue in a procession through the village streets. This directly connects the local tradition with the truffle growers. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the current programme in advance.
The cultural and landscape themes offer different points of focus: the church provides connections to history and art, the lake offers a place for a break or relaxation, and the 15.6-kilometre loop is a moderately difficult hike. There is also the procession in honour of Saint Anthony and seasonal activities in the gorges. Choose according to which of these experiences matters most to your trip.
Discover more destinations: Annot, Quinson, Esparron-De-Verdon, Valensole, Valernes, Turriers, Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, L'Escale
For the main travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
