Turriers combines a clearly measured walk with local history, geological features and regional produce. The Bois Noir Discovery Trail gives specific information about its length, elevation gain and duration; the Tourniquets d’Astoin tell the story of a road, an older mule track and a limestone barrier. There are also a parish church, the Fontaine d’Enchastrayes and a weekly market. This makes it possible to discover the destination through several distinct themes rather than just a single attraction.
Local history: the church, fountain and Pierre Franco
The parish church in the upper part of Turriers was rebuilt in 1870 on the site of an earlier chapel. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Hermit. Both the building history of the site and the dedication contribute to the character of the church: the chapel was followed by the rebuilding, while the patron saint identifies its religious connection.
The Fontaine d’Enchastrayes was restored in 2016, marking a much more recent period than the church’s reconstruction. Pierre Franco is also part of Turriers’ history. The 16th-century French surgeon, a pioneer in the treatment of hernias and cataracts, was born here between 1500 and 1505. His biography adds a connection to medical history to the local architectural history.
Landscape and biodiversity
Turriers lies in a glacier-shaped basin surrounded by peaks made of different rocks. The commune also includes an area classified as a Natura 2000 site, where rare species are found. Together, these details offer two ways of looking at the landscape: the geological shape of the basin and the natural value of a designated area. They describe different aspects of the commune without linking them to a particular route.
The Bois Noir Discovery Trail
The Bois Noir Discovery Trail explores the area around the Col des Sagnes, on the border between Bayons and Turriers, in a playful, self-guided and participatory way. The marked circular trail is 4 km long, has an elevation gain of 150 m and takes an indicated 2 hours 30 minutes. Together, the distance, elevation gain and duration provide a clear basis for estimating the scope of the walk.
Six stops cover topics including gypsum, black marl and black locust, as well as three conifer species, ten forest animals and the surroundings of a beech forest. Further topics include livestock farming, mountain pastures and livestock guardian dogs. The range of themes thus extends from rocks and forests to wildlife and pasture management. If you are considering the circular trail, you can take this mix of nature and land-use topics into account alongside the route details.
Tourniquets d’Astoin: road and older route
The Tourniquets d’Astoin are a series of hairpin bends on the D1 departmental road. Here, the road crosses a rocky barrier formed from Jurassic limestone, north of the Sasse basin. The bends follow an older mule track, which was already marked on the 18th-century Cassini map. This example brings the geological feature and the historic route together: the rocky barrier shapes the road’s course, while the map reference points to an older history of use.
Market and regional treats
The Marché de Turriers takes place weekly and features a few vendors. The market sells cheese, vegetables, tourtons, meat, honey and jams; the selection may vary. It is a convenient place to stop if you would like to include regional produce in your travel plans. Regional honey pastries are also recommended to try, along with wild boar pâtés and other juniper pâtés made by a local artisan butcher. This selection may also vary.
Discover more destinations: Mane, Clamensane, Aiglun, Valensole, Allos, Sainte-Tulle, La Foux, Auzet
For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
