Saint-Julien-D'ance: Crypt, Mill and Basalt Landscape

Saint-Julien-d'Ance brings together historic buildings and a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. When planning your visit, you can focus on different interests: the architectural history of the church and chapels, walks with clearly distinct route profiles, and a mill that runs again during organised tours.

Church, Crypt and Chapels

The crypt beneath the pentagonal apse of Saint-Julien Church dates from the late 15th century. It is one of only three surviving crypts in Haute-Loire. A decree of 5 August 1920 classified it as a Monument historique. The church itself was rebuilt in the Gothic style and has three naves with polychrome vault bosses. Only the portal remains from the Romanesque predecessor building.

The dates associated with the chapels also warrant a closer look. Chapelle de Peret dates from the early 19th century, but preserves furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Its construction and furnishings therefore do not date from the same period. Chapelle d'Uffarges was built in the mid-19th century at the village's expense. The stone cross beside the chapel, however, dates from the 16th century; a decree of 11 June 1930 added it to the French register of protected historic monuments.

Basalt Landscape and Walks

The Eboulis de Bourianne are a collection of basalt blocks shaped by the erosion of volcanic landforms. From Saint-Julien-d'Ance, follow the signs for “coulée de lave” to reach the site. Parking is available beside the D352, at the level of the hamlet of Bourianne. The walk is 3 km long, takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, and has 140 m of elevation gain; some sections are difficult. To assess the route, consider not only the distance but also the elevation gain and challenging sections.

The moderately difficult PR689 Autour du Champdieu loop offers a different time commitment: it is 9.2 km long, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and starts and ends in Saint-Julien-d'Ance. Compared with the walk at the Eboulis, the loop is longer and takes more time. The difficulty ratings also differ: PR689 is moderately difficult, while sections of the walk to the Eboulis are difficult.

The Ance is another natural feature of the area: it is a Natura 2000 river. The quality of its waters supports diverse aquatic fauna, including freshwater pearl mussels.

Moulin d'Ancette

The origins of Moulin d'Ancette date back to 1345. After being rebuilt in 1868, the mill acquired its present form. It runs again during organised tours. Visitors can also discover the “petit musée de Jojo” and its collection of old tools during a tour. Since tour times may vary, it is best to check them before adding a visit to your day's plans.

Discover more destinations: Lorlanges, Malrevers, Saint-Just-Malmont, Laval-sur-Doulon, Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, Aiguilhe, Freycenet-la-Tour, Saint-Privat-D'allier

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Loire.