Clamensane: Hiking, Aqueduct and Chapelle Saint-Amand

Clamensane sits on a rocky outcrop: the Sasse flows below, while Mount Saint-Amand rises above. Hikers have a range of destinations to choose from: an easy circular route to the Aqueduc des Sagnières, the marked route to the Chapelle Saint-Amand, and a technically challenging climb to a high mountain pass. This lets you take the route’s character and the time required into account when planning your days.

Hiking routes with different time requirements

The hike to the Aqueduc des Sagnières in Clamensane is an easy 6.2-kilometre circular route. It takes around three hours and involves 241 metres of ascent and 234 metres of descent. This makes it shorter in duration than the six hours listed for the Chapelle loop. Trail details can change; check the latest route information before setting out.

The marked circular hike “La Chapelle Saint-Amand (No. 5)” starts in Clamensane and leads to the Chapelle Saint-Amand. It is 12.76 kilometres long, takes six hours and involves 773 metres of ascent; it is rated fairly difficult. The higher route offers views over the middle Sasse Valley and the narrow gorge at Bayons. Compared with the Aqueduc loop, it is longer, takes more time and involves more climbing, and the difficulty ratings also differ. Check access before setting off if you plan this hike.

The “Montée de Saint Amand” trail also starts in Clamensane and follows a technically challenging, demanding climb to a high mountain pass.

Aqueduct and chapel: two historic destinations

The Aqueduc des Sagnières is an old, two-arched tufa aqueduct in the small Sagnières valley. The two circular routes therefore have different historic destinations: the Aqueduc loop leads to an old structure, while the chapel route takes you to a site with a history of pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage associated with the Chapelle Saint-Amand is documented from 1600 and continued until 1920. Restoration and reinforcement commissioned by the municipality of Clamensane began in July 1999; the restored chapel was blessed in October 2000. According to legend, a shepherd took a statue to another location, but it repeatedly returned to its original place.

Nature and small discoveries

The Rocher-qui-Parle overlooking the village has a QR code that lets you listen to a fairy tale on your smartphone. The Vallon du Vermeil has family-friendly hikes that pass by or cross the Aqueduc des Sagnières. If you’d like to spot wildlife, look out for chamois in the area around Clamensane with binoculars; sightings are not guaranteed.

Getting to the Chapelle Saint-Amand

From Sisteron, the drive to the Chapelle Saint-Amand hike follows the D951, then the D1 to Clamensane; there is a car park at the entrance to the village. Road conditions can change; check the latest conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Redortiers, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Puimoisson, Allemagne-En-Provence, Manosque, L'Escale, Senez, Authon

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