Discover La Saulce: Wetland, routes and local history

La Saulce combines nature watching, local history and routes for different modes of travel. At the Zone humide des Piles wetland, ponds and dragonflies take centre stage; the area’s history is reflected in features including a keep, fountains, a church and an oratory. For your stay, these different highlights can help you choose which activities to focus on.

The Zone humide des Piles wetland

The wetland covers 6.5 hectares and is located near the La Saulce toll plaza. It was created anew, with a network of ponds, as compensation for the extension of the A51. Surveys recorded at least 22 dragonfly species, including Agrion de mercure and Agrion bleuissant, which are rare in the département. The number of species may change with future surveys.

A nature trail about 450 metres long has five information points; a visit takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This makes for a nature visit with a clearly defined duration. The wetland is private; free access is restricted exclusively to the marked path. Check local notices before setting out.

Routes on foot, by gravel bike or on horseback

The La Sainte-Croix circular hike passes through the villages of La Saulce, Lardier and Valença, through the large forests of Bois de la Pinée, and to the Sainte-Croix viewpoint overlooking the Durance Valley. Unlike the trail in the wetland, which focuses on ponds and information points, this route centres on the landscape along a longer circular trail.

The Les balcons de la Durance gravel route passes through La Saulce village centre and crosses the A51 and the Durance. As route conditions may change, check them before setting out. A moderate 23-kilometre horse-riding stage from Ventavon to La Saulce is also listed for 2026. The options described therefore differ both in mode of travel and in their specific route profiles.

The keep and local history

Along the La Sainte-Croix route, you can visit the remains of the square keep. The Lords of Orange had it built in the 13th century to command the valley and keep watch over the Roman road. The tower thus connects a visible historic site with its strategic function at the time.

Another historic event is the Battle of Les Piles, which began at the entrance to La Saulce on 7 April 1815. It involved supporters of Napoleon and royalist troops. The three historic fountains are also part of the village’s heritage: they are located on Place de la Fontaine, on Avenue Napoléon opposite the beauty salon, and on Place de la Liberté.

The village centre and finding your way

The church of La Saulce stands on the village square, opposite the post office and bakery. North of and above the village, in the Saint-Marcellin neighbourhood, is the Oratoire Saint Marcellin, near the former Roman road from Sisteron to Gap. A purpose-built, comfortable path provides access to the Tour du Guet above La Saulce. Check the condition of the path before your walk.

The Oratoire Saint Marcellin is part of a parish programme under which Mass is celebrated each year at the local oratories. The month may vary. This offers different options for planning your trip: you can set aside a specific amount of time for a visit to the wetland, choose one of the routes described, or focus on local history and religious heritage.

Discover more destinations: Rochebrune, Les Vigneaux, Briancon, Pelvoux, L'argentière-La-Bessée, Val-Des-Prés, La Bâtie-Vieille, Puy-Saint-Vincent

For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.