Sigonce offers two distinct ways to explore during a stay: architectural and industrial history, and trails through a changing landscape. At the Parish Church of Saint-Claude, the focus is on its different construction phases and distinctive stone roof; the Tour de Cabane circular trail passes through a variety of landscapes. Château de Bel Air is also part of the town’s heritage, but it cannot be visited. These themes can help you decide how to balance culture and hiking when planning your trip.
Saint-Claude and Bel Air: Architectural History and Heritage Protection
The Parish Church of Saint-Claude was listed as a historic monument by decree on 29 March 1967. Its main construction phases date from the 14th and 16th centuries. This makes it possible to distinguish the dates of its main construction phases from the later date of its listing. A distinctive feature is its multi-lobed roof made of stone slabs. Its shape is defined by the projecting chapels and the choir. To understand the architecture, it is therefore important to consider not only the centuries in which the main construction phases took place, but also the relationship between the roof’s shape, the chapels and the choir.
At Château de Bel Air, the protected areas include the interiors, including their decorations, as well as the northwest façade with its curved gable. These features were listed by decree on 23 January 1990. There is a clear limit to bear in mind when planning a visit: the château cannot be visited. Its protected interior and façade are part of the town’s history, but they are not open to visitors. Sigonce thus has two distinct aspects of heritage: Saint-Claude’s construction phases and roof design, and the specifically defined scope of protection at Bel Air.
Hiking Through Varied Landscapes
The Tour de Cabane circular trail first leads from Sigonce through a shaded valley, then across open areas used for farming, grazing or habitation. The return route passes through wilder surroundings with woodland and herbaceous vegetation. The route therefore takes in a succession of different landscape types rather than one consistent landscape. If you are looking for a circular walk with varied sections, this is a useful factor to consider when choosing an outing.
PR hiking trails from Sigonce head towards Revest-Saint-Martin and Pierrerue. These are two suggested destinations, while the description of the Tour de Cabane highlights the circular route and its sequence of landscapes. Cycling routes are another option: routes for VTC, VTT and VAE are mentioned in connection with the Tour du pays de Forcalquier à vélo. You can therefore distinguish between several options when planning: a circular trail with described landscape changes, hiking trails in two directions and cycling routes for different types of bikes.
Sigonce’s Industrial Past
The town’s industrial history also adds to its character. Lignite mining in Sigonce involved two mines; one of the mining concessions ran until 1960. The lignite also supplied lime kilns and limestone quarries. An industrial monument commemorates this industrial past. Mining and its links to lime kilns and quarries are therefore among Sigonce’s historical themes, alongside the architectural history of the church and château. Visitors interested in different aspects of the town’s history can find insight here into its former industrial character as well as its architecture.
Discover more destinations: Selonnet, Beaujeu, La Palud, Montclar, Clamensane, Valensole, Saint-Vincent-sur-Jabron, Villars-Colmars.
For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
