Saumane brings together village history and opportunities for hiking. The Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens and the Chapel of Saint Michel de Bertranet represent different aspects of the past; at the same time, one route passes through the village, while another hiking route can start in Saumane. The village’s setting on a small rise and the bed of the Ravin des Baumes, which divides the old village centre, add to its appeal. This offers different starting points when planning a stay: sacred architecture, the history of a chapel, or a hike with a named route or destination. You can therefore decide in advance whether culture in the village or a walking route should be the focus of your stay.

Church and Local History

The present-day Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens was built in the 17th century and has a pointed-arch vault. This distinctive architectural feature is complemented by several historic objects in the same church: it houses santons classified as historic monuments, as well as a nativity scene dating from the first half or middle of the 19th century. The architecture, santons and nativity scene offer different ways to explore the area’s cultural history. While the vault defines the church’s architectural style, the figures reflect their special heritage status; the nativity scene adds another layer of history. For travellers who look for history and sacred art when choosing a destination, the church brings together its architectural style and historic objects in one specific place.

The Chapel of Saint Michel de Bertranet

The Chapel of Saint Michel de Bertranet is another historic focal point. It is located in the south of the commune, near the hamlet of Bertranet. It was built in 1720 in gratitude for Saumane’s having been spared from a plague epidemic in the region. The building thus connects a specific place with a local memory of the plague. Every year, a pilgrimage goes to the chapel on the feast days of Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Michael. Unlike the permanent buildings, this event takes place on specific days. If you would like to include the pilgrimage in your trip, check the local arrangements in advance.

Village Centre and Landscape

The terrain is as important to the character of the village as its sacred buildings. Saumane lies on a small rise and faces southwest. The bed of the Ravin des Baumes, a channel that carries water at times, divides the old village centre. This brings two scales into view: the village’s position in the landscape and the way the channel divides the old centre. The view thus shifts from individual buildings to the village’s setting and layout.

Hiking Routes with Different Destinations

There are two different starting points for hikes. The Giono-Montagne de Lure route passes through Saumane in a northerly direction and combines tracks and paths. From Saumane, it goes via Les Girons and the Ravin de la Chapellane to the Col Saint-Vincent. Another hiking route in the Montagne de Lure can start in Saumane and lead to the Bergeries du Contras. The difference is clear when choosing between them: the Giono-Montagne de Lure route focuses on the northbound route and its named points along the way, while the other route focuses on the destination of Bergeries du Contras. You can compare the routes based on whether you prefer a named route or a specific destination.

Discover more destinations: Larche, Méolans-Revel, Mallemoisson, Entrevaux, Aiglun, Vachères, Soleilhas, Bellegarde

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