Ste.Croix-A-Lauze between landscape and village history

Ste.Croix-A-Lauze lies at the foot of the Vachères Plateau. The 11th-century village is also part of the “Vachères” Natura 2000 site, which encompasses wooded hills and cultivated valleys in a Mediterranean setting. The landscape and the village’s history offer two distinct ways to experience the destination: the natural surroundings sit alongside historic buildings whose details reflect different periods and architectural styles. When choosing a hotel stay, you can consider whether to focus on the landscape, local history or a particular visit.

Church and château: two historic highlights

The Église Saint-Didier is a small Gothic building, probably constructed toward the end of the 13th century. A rib-vaulted ceiling survives in the choir. In this type of vault, the ribs meet at the keystone, which depicts an Agnus Dei, or Lamb of God. The church thus combines a Gothic architectural form with a single pictorial motif. The dating remains uncertain, while the vault and keystone are tangible architectural features. A tentative date and a surviving detail of the choir come together here.

In the village center stands the former 17th-century château, known for its elaborately wrought-iron entrance gate. The gate offers a different focal point from the church: there, attention centers on the ribbed vault and its keystone; here, on the ironwork at the entrance. The two buildings also date from different periods: the church is thought to date from the late 13th century, while the château is from the 17th century. For those interested in local history, they offer two distinct architectural details from different periods.

Mohair and cycling route

Mohair en Provence focuses on animal husbandry and textile products. Angora goats and Merino sheep are raised there, and the farm offers free daily tours. Check access before you arrive. The shop and exhibition feature mohair products such as blankets, scarves, knitting yarn, hats, gloves, sweaters, vests and socks, as well as pure Merino wool. The tour and the shop and exhibition have different focuses: one is about the farm, the other about the materials and types of products. For travelers interested in mohair or Merino, this offers a visit centered on a subject distinct from the historic buildings.

Luberon cycling route No. 12 passes through Ste.Croix-A-Lauze. It offers a separate connection to the commune: unlike the church and château, which are defined by their architectural forms and dates, the route links the village to a named cycling connection. For travel planning, this offers a different focus from visiting for the architecture or animal husbandry. This distinction can help you plan your stay around your own reason for traveling.

Discover more destinations: Le Brusquet, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Foux, Saint-Michel-L'observatoire, Bellegarde, Saint-Laurent-Du-Verdon, Quinson, Montclar

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