Jarjayes: Château History and the Durance Valley

In Jarjayes, historic buildings meet landscapes around the Durance Valley, the Circuit des Bournas and the access road via Col de la Sentinelle. Visits to La Ferme du Col are another highlight.

Churches and chapels: different chapters in the village’s history

The parish church of Saint-Thomas-Saint-Restitut in the former village was built in the 12th century. It was damaged during the Wars of Religion in 1588 and rebuilt in the 17th century. A different phase of construction is represented by the modern church of Saint-Thomas-Saint-Restitut in the current village centre: it was built between 1872 and 1874. Its two bells were also cast in 1874.

The present-day Saint-Pierre Chapel adds a memorial building of its own to this history. It was built in 1860 from stones taken from the former church, to preserve its memory. The sequence thus runs from the medieval parish church through its reconstruction to a later church in the current village centre and a chapel commemorating the former place of worship.

Château de Jarjayes and local tradition

The Château de Jarjayes was built of stone in the early 17th century, after the earlier castle had been destroyed. It was home to Francis Auguste Reynier, known as the Chevalier de Jarjayes. Its surviving features include the central staircase with its wrought-iron railing, vaulted rooms and an old chapel. The chapel’s coat of arms of the Chevalier shows a crowned lion’s head and a snake biting its own tail.

On 8 November 2025, the opening of the château’s monumental staircase to the public was inaugurated. Check local access arrangements before visiting.

A different kind of local history is associated with the Pierre du Costel, also known as the Pierre chaude. The green stone once stood at the entrance to Jarjayes’ grain market, where dues were paid. Its surface was smoothed by people touching it with their hands; special powers are attributed to the stone.

On the Trois-Châteaux site, the old church has been partially restored and secured and can once again welcome visitors, walkers and lovers of historic buildings. As access arrangements may change, check local conditions before your visit.

Durance Valley, Circuit des Bournas and Col de la Sentinelle

Jarjayes overlooks the Durance Valley. The Circuit des Bournas passes through meadows between Jarjayes and Les Bournas, through dense forests and to numerous viewpoints over the Gapençais basin. The route features both open landscapes and wooded stretches, as well as scenic views.

Col de la Sentinelle is the access road from Gap to Jarjayes. In good weather, cyclists use it especially during the warmer months. Meadows, forests and viewpoints shape the Circuit; Col de la Sentinelle is the access road from Gap to Jarjayes and is used by cyclists in good weather, especially during the warmer months.

Visits to La Ferme du Col

The guided tour at La Ferme du Col, led by the owners, lasts an hour and a half. It focuses on raising ostriches and Angora goats, as well as producing flour and beer. The farm also offers educational and fun visits with animal feeding, bottle-feeding young animals and petting areas. These visit themes combine animal husbandry with insights into food production, but have different focuses.

Booking and availability, as well as opening hours and additional activities, may change. Check the latest arrangements before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Puy-Saint-Vincent, Les Infournas, La Piarre, Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas, Laragne-Montéglin, Châteauroux-Les-Alpes, Sainte-Catherine, Gap

For the main travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.