Entrevennes: Art, Cultural Heritage and Landscape

Entrevennes brings together art, sacred architecture and landscape. Its attractions each have a distinct character: temporary exhibitions alternate at Galerie Le Portail, Saint-Martin preserves a choir apse adorned with arcades, and the chapels each have their own historical and cultural associations. Around the village centre, wooded valleys, almond trees, lavender fields and a viewpoint all contribute to the character of the area. You can shape your stay around the themes that interest you most.

Art and Historic Architecture

The Le Portail art gallery is housed in a historic building dating from the 16th century. Here, changing exhibitions meet an older building: the exhibitions provide a contemporary accent, while the building itself sets the historic scene. A succession of temporary art exhibitions is held at the gallery. If you have a particular exhibition in mind, check which one is running during your visit before you travel.

The Saint-Martin church also offers a glimpse into the area’s architectural history. It is officially dated to the 12th century, is listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments, and is also known as Notre-Dame de l’Assomption. Its choir apse is adorned with arcades and influenced by the early Lombard Romanesque style. For architecture enthusiasts, both its historical classification and a specific design feature stand out: the arcades define the end of the choir, while the stylistic classification describes its architectural influence.

Chapels with Distinct Associations

The Notre-Dame-de-Santé chapel lies 750 metres east of Entrevennes, on the D101. Its portal bears the date 1856—a precise architectural detail that sets it apart in time from the Saint-Martin church, which is dated to the 12th century. The chapel opens for the pilgrimage on 15 August. If you are planning a visit, the pilgrimage date is a useful point of reference for your travel plans.

The Saint-Michel chapel also dates from the 12th century and has been deconsecrated. It hosts exhibitions, concerts, conferences and performances. Two tower-like corner buttresses flank its façade. At Saint-Michel, therefore, the historic date, a distinctive façade detail and a range of cultural uses come together.

The two chapels represent different cultural highlights: Notre-Dame-de-Santé is noted for opening for the pilgrimage on 15 August, while Saint-Michel hosts several types of events. Together with the art gallery, they create a diverse cultural picture, with each of the three places appealing to different interests.

Landscape and Views

The wooded valleys of Entrevennes are watered by the Rancure. Around Entrevennes, almond trees grow alongside numerous lavender fields. Both wooded valleys and the combination of trees and fields shape the landscape. From its highest point, the village centre offers an exceptional viewpoint. These views and rural scenes complement the area’s cultural attractions with a distinct perspective on the landscape.

What Would You Like to Focus On?

When planning your trip, you can start by choosing between art, architectural history and landscape. Le Portail hosts a succession of art exhibitions; Saint-Martin and the chapels offer different architectural and historical points of interest; and the surrounding area is characterised by valleys, almond trees and lavender fields. If you have a particular exhibition in mind or want to visit during the pilgrimage, check the programme or date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Andrè-Les-Alpes, La Foux-D'allos, Barrême, L'Escale, Barcelonnette, Revest-des-Brousses, Sausses, Niozelles

For the broader travel guide: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.