Pierrerue – Cultural History and Hiking Trails

Pierrerue lies on the northern slope of La Fare hill. Churches, chapels, archaeological traces and historical transport links give the village’s history several facets. There are also hiking trails with different focuses. When planning your trip, cultural history and time on the trails can therefore be considered as separate themes.

Churches, Chapels and Historical Traces

The Church of the Holy Sacrament has Romanesque origins and was extended over the centuries. It was rebuilt in the 19th century, while older features were preserved, including a three-bay nave and a flat-ended apse. The nave is divided into three bays, and the choir has a flat end. Foliage-decorated capitals and the Gothic choir add to its architectural features. The choir dates from the 14th century or the late 15th century. Concerts have also been held in the church.

Archaeological excavations in Pierrerue uncovered settlement structures and a grave containing the skeleton of the “Homme de la Fare.” The ruins of the Chapelle Saint-Pierre have been listed as a historic monument since 11 July 1984. The Chapelle Saint-Pierre-de-Viviers was formerly a priory dependent on Ganagobie Abbey. In the hamlet of Saint-Pierre, the small Romanesque chapel, with a green lawn and two lime trees, offers a place to take a break. The medieval castle ruins of Pierrerue are also among the historic sites; they include an underground room made of ashlar, or dressed stone.

Hiking Trails and Historical Transport Links

The yellow-marked Chemin des hameaux starts at the Pierrerue cemetery. The route is listed as taking two hours, covering seven kilometres and involving 215 metres of elevation gain. These three figures describe different aspects of the hike: the time required, the distance and the elevation gain. Check the route details before setting out.

The hiking trail to the Pont de la Lèche passes through agricultural landscapes, follows the Chemin de Compostelle and offers views of Mount Lure and the village of Lurs. The Pont de la Lèche is also associated with the former imperial road from Avignon to Grenoble; its existence is documented from 1528. The Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle et de Rome passes through Pierrerue between Forcalquier and Lurs. The route descriptions therefore highlight different information: for the Chemin des hameaux, the duration, distance and elevation gain are given; for the route to the Pont, the landscape and views are highlighted.

Direct Sales from the Farm

Ferme Les Charentais offers direct sales from the farm in Pierrerue on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. As sales arrangements may change, check the opening hours before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Vincent-sur-Jabron, Uvernet-Fours, Saint-Laurent-Du-Verdon, Banon, Redortiers, Montsalier, Senez, Gréoux-Les-Bains.

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