La Bâtie-Montsaléon: Ancient Site, Church and Landscape

La Bâtie-Montsaléon extends in a cascade along the slopes of the Marésieu plateau. The village brings together traces of the Gallo-Roman era and a 17th-century church; a hiking trail and cycling routes also pass through varied landscapes and places. If you are considering whether La Bâtie-Montsaléon fits your travel plans, you can easily distinguish its main attractions: archaeological heritage, religious art and outdoor activities.

Mons Seleucus and the Parish Church

The Gallo-Roman site of Mons Seleucus is located in La Bâtie-Montsaléon. From the 1st to the 5th century AD, a settlement developed there at the crossroads of ancient routes. It was centered around civic buildings and a large sacred area with several sanctuaries. Its long period of development and varied building areas give the site a different historical focus from the parish Church of the Assumption of Mary.

The parish church was built in the 17th century. Its vaulted apse has been listed in the supplementary inventory of the Monuments historiques since February 12, 1940. The church also houses two paintings classified by the Monuments historiques as protected objects: “The Adoration of the Shepherds,” from 1631, and “The Adoration of the Sacred Heart,” from the early 18th century. Thus, different periods stand side by side in the same place: the Gallo-Roman settlement and the more recent church building with its works of art.

Landscape and Hiking

At the higher reaches of the village, an orientation table invites visitors to discover the surrounding landscape. The “Le champ de la bataille” hiking route also connects the village with scenic views: it offers a panorama of the Buëch basin, the peaks of the Dévoluy and the mountains of Savournon.

The hike starts and ends at Place de la Mairie. It is 3.8 kilometers long and rated moderate; the stated elevation gain is 84 meters and the descent is 85 meters. Along with the distance and difficulty, the nearly identical elevation figures give you concrete reference points for planning. As route details may change, it is advisable to check the information again before setting out.

Cycling Loop and GTHA Stage

“Col de Chaumiane à vélo (No. 6)” is a cycling loop around La Bâtie-Montsaléon described as easy. It starts at the town hall, follows the D148 toward Savournon and continues via Col de Chaumiane to Chabestan. The route returns to the parking area at the town hall via Route du Villard. The named roads and places trace the loop and distinguish it from the “Le champ de la bataille” hike, whose description highlights its distance, elevation and panorama.

The GTHA stage from La Bâtie-Montsaléon to Laragne has a different character: it includes technical sections in the Gorges du Riou and near Vieil Eyguians before continuing toward Laragne. When choosing between the activities described, you can select the one that best suits your interests: a hike with a specified distance and panoramic scenery, a cycling loop rated easy, or a stage with technical sections that continues toward Laragne.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: La Chapelle-En-Valgaudémar, Guillestre, Crévoux, Trescléoux, Chabottes, Tallard, Salérans, Serres

For the broader travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.