Discover Lardiers

Lardiers lies at the foot of Montagne de Lure. In the old village, historic buildings and former everyday functions come to the fore; around the village, hiking and mountain biking trails lead into the surrounding landscape.

Village Setting and Trails

You can explore the lanes of Lardiers’ old village; numerous hiking and mountain biking trails run around the village. One specific example is the Chemin de Bouiron. It passes through large fields with a variety of crops, including lavender fields, then climbs gently through woodland to reach the hamlet of Bouiron. The hamlet offers a beautiful view of the Haute-Provence landscape. While the lanes lead through the old village, the Chemin de Bouiron passes through fields and woodland to the hamlet.

The Grande Fountain is a picnic spot with tables and benches, suitable for families and passing cyclists. The Lardiers washhouse is right next to it. It has two levels: washerwomen could wash their clothes kneeling down and rinse them standing up. The contrast between picnicking and the former activity of washing clothes connects these neighboring places, each with its own everyday function.

Building History and Religious Architecture

The former Hospitaller commandery of Lardiers is documented from 1261 and is privately owned. It includes a square courtyard with a well that flows all year round. The commandery also served as a hospice or hospital and as a place of refuge. The square courtyard and its year-round well provide a tangible architectural point of reference; its former functions add a social history.

The Chapel of Saint-Claude dates from the late 17th century, was altered in the 19th century and adjoins the cemetery. Its construction date and subsequent alterations mark two distinct phases in the chapel’s history; its location beside the cemetery adds a specific spatial reference to this timeline. Saint-Claude thus reveals both the building’s changes and its relationship to the cemetery.

At Sainte-Anne Church, the porch is listed as a historic monument. It is flanked by two columns with capitals in the Carolingian style. The capitals, the upper parts of the columns, bring an architectural detail into closer view; the protected status specifically applies to the porch.

Taken together, the three buildings offer different points of interest: the commandery combines its courtyard layout with its former function, Saint-Claude brings together two building phases, while Sainte-Anne highlights a single architectural detail in its listed porch and capitals.

Cuisine and Local Character

Le Bistrot de Lardiers is considered the first Bistrot de Pays in the history of the label. As of June 2025, it is described as serving creative Provençal cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a warm, convivial atmosphere. If a visit to the bistro is part of your plans, check the latest information before going.

Discover more destinations: Aubignosc, Mallemoisson, Senez, Beaujeu, Villeneuve, Brunet, Entrevennes and Banon.

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