Entrepierres: Gorge and Historical Heritage

Entrepierres brings together a striking gorge landscape and a layered history of buildings and settlement. The village lies between the mountains of La Baume and Adrech. There, the small Riou du Jabron stream forms a gorge linking Entrepierres with the higher hamlet of Mézien. The medieval village lies in the gorge, set against a rocky backdrop locally known as “Détroit.” The landscape here is defined by the interplay of the gorge, the rocky background and the different elevations of the village and Mézien.

Churches and the Romanesque Crypt

The 17th-century Church of Saint Mark blends harmoniously into its rural surroundings. Its bell tower and vaulted entrance define its architectural character. A light-stone parish church stands in the heart of Entrepierres; the Church of Saint Jean overlooks the hamlet of Mézien. The Church of Saint Gervais et Protais was probably built in the second half of the 17th century, when the parish seat was relocated.

The crypt of the Prieuré de Vilhosc takes you further back in time: it is a remnant from the 11th century and a remarkable example of early Romanesque architecture. Its triple apse rests on about a dozen sandstone columns. Massive pillars shape the space; a movable, rounded, smooth stone is preserved in the middle of one pillar. A pilgrimage to the crypt took place in the 12th century—a later historical period than the time from which the crypt survives.

Pont de la Reine Jeanne and Saint-Symphorien

The Pont de la Reine Jeanne was built in the 16th century in the bed of the Vançon River and is associated with Jeanne I of Anjou, Queen of Provence and Naples. The bridge is listed as a historic site and protected as a historic monument. Its construction date, location in the riverbed and historical association provide different points of reference for the history of the area. The bridge is open daily year-round; check the latest access conditions before your visit.

A short out-and-back walk leads from the Pont de la Reine Jeanne to the hamlet of Saint-Symphorien. The hamlet is now a ghost village: its residents left gradually, and in 1973 it was incorporated into the municipality of Entrepierres. The short walk therefore leads to a place whose present-day character is closely tied to its settlement history.

Market and Visit to a Farm

La ferme d’Urtis in Entrepierres produces organically farmed beef, eggs, fruit and vegetables, as well as honey. The farm also sells baskets of local produce directly. During the summer season, La ferme d’Urtis sells its products at the Sunday morning market in the hamlet of Mézien. Check the market dates before planning your visit around it.

Spiruline Solaire offers free tours of the production farm lasting about an hour; booking is required, and seasonal conditions may apply. A picnic and a tasting of fresh spirulina for lunch are also possible at the farm. If this visit fits your travel plans, book in advance and confirm the applicable seasonal conditions when making your inquiry.

Discover more destinations: Dabisse-Les Mees, Le Lauzet-Ubaye, Turriers, Cruis, La Palud, L'Escale, Saint-Pons, Simiane-La-Rotonde.

View the regional travel guide: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.