From the hill in the centre of Peipin, where the remains of the castle stand, there are remarkable views of Montagne de Lure. Together with the Romanesque Chapelle de Peipin, hiking and horse-riding trails, and a farm shop, this makes for a varied reason to stay. The attractions appeal to different interests: architectural history, landscapes, outdoor activities and local shopping.
Romanesque chapel and cultural programme
Chapelle de Peipin is a Romanesque chapel dating from the 13th century. Those interested in religious architecture will find a specific art-historical point of reference here: the stylistic classification and the date identify two different aspects of the building. When planning your trip, you can treat the chapel as a cultural attraction in its own right.
Since 2018, the chapel has hosted concerts, performances, dance, theatre, readings, exhibitions and conferences, among other events. The programme therefore ranges from music and stage performances to readings and exhibitions. Individual events may change, so check whether a specific date falls within your travel dates.
Hiking and horse riding towards Lure
The hike “Des gorges de la Rayée au chemin des Côtes” starts at Place du Bon Vent in Peipin. It leads to the charcoal-burning sites of Lure and former mountain pastures, where chamois occasionally feed. The charcoal-burning sites point to the production of charcoal, while the former mountain pastures are evidence of past grazing land. Those interested in landscapes and their history of use will find a clear thematic focus in these destinations.
A different kind of activity is offered by the horse-riding route “La Route Napoléon à Cheval”: it leads to Peipin and then climbs into the mountains along the GR653D (Chemin de St Jacques de Compostelle). The route passes over the Pas de Peipin at an altitude of 1,030 metres. The difference is useful when choosing between the two: this is a horse-riding route, while the other is a hike on foot starting at Place du Bon Vent and heading to the charcoal-burning sites of Lure.
Landscapes and protected areas
Two Natura 2000 sites concern the Durance; a third site on the municipal boundary concerns Montagne de Lure. These refer to different landscapes, rather than assigning all the protected areas to a single natural region. If you plan to visit these areas, check the exact access arrangements locally.
Local products
At Ferme Les Tilleuls in Peipin, goat’s cheese, olive oil, jams and eggs are sold on site. The farm’s poultry includes ducks, geese, guinea fowl, capons and turkeys; traditionally raised rabbits are also available. The farm shop adds a specific local shopping option to the cultural and landscape attractions. Check the opening arrangements before you travel.
Planning Peipin as a place to stay
If you’re looking for a hotel in Peipin, first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: a cultural event, a hike, a horse-riding route or shopping. Each has a different planning consideration: event date, starting point, route type or opening arrangements. Check event dates and shop opening times before your trip; this will help you align your accommodation search with the reason for your visit and plan the other activities accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts, Chabrières, Larche, Volonne, Chaudon-Norante, Curel, Volx, Saint-Paul-Sur-Ubaye
For the overview of the wider region: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
