Le Poët: Village History, the Durance and a Hike
Accommodation in Le Poët
Village Centre and Landscape Along the Durance
Le Poët lies on the banks of the Durance and combines a historic village centre with a specific circular hike. In the centre of the Village perché du Poët, old houses cluster on a hill above the agricultural plain. This group of houses defines the village centre; the plain and the town’s location on the Durance are also part of its character. For a first impression, it is worth considering the village layout and the landscape as distinct aspects of the destination.
The Table d'orientation du Poët offers panoramic views of the Durance, orchards and Alpine peaks. The view takes in the river, agricultural landscapes and mountain peaks. This panorama adds another perspective on the surroundings to the impression made by the old houses on the hill.
Church History and Memorials
The Chapelle Sainte-Anne is near the village cemetery. It was rebuilt after the Wars of Religion with the support of Mme AMAT, and renovated in 1860. The rebuilding and renovation mark different stages in its history. Services are held in the chapel during the Sainte-Anne festival; dates may vary. If you plan to attend a service, check the festival dates in advance.
The Eglise Saint-Pierre also offers a historical point of interest: it was restored at the beginning of the 19th century, while its bell tower dates from the 11th century. The two dates refer to different aspects of the building. The Cadran solaire du Poët is also located on the façade of the village church. Its inscription reads: “Regarde mon ombre, tu verras ta vie”. The sundial thus connects a specific detail on the church building with a French motto.
L'horloge overlooks the Durance valley and bears the coat of arms of the de Rame family, who owned Le Poët in the 14th century. The coat of arms thus provides a link to the town’s history. A plaque in front of the church commemorates Napoleon’s stop here. Separate from this is the route detail: the Route Napoléon passes through Le Poët.
The “Au dessus du Poët” Circular Hike
The “Au dessus du Poët (N°24)” circular hike is rated easy, is 5.9 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 40 minutes. It starts and ends at the Parking de la Bascule, at the northern exit of Le Poët. The family-friendly hike passes through forests and lavender fields. The distance, approximate duration and difficulty rating together provide a guide for planning the hike; the forests and lavender fields describe the route’s landscape.
A stay in Le Poët can centre on different interests: the historic buildings and memorials in the village, or a named hike with specific details. The Table d'orientation also offers panoramic views of the Durance, orchards and Alpine peaks. You can weigh these aspects when choosing the destination without conflating the hiking route with the individual sights.
Discover more destinations: Ancelle, Rosans, Poligny, Montbrand, Vars, Le Monêtier-Les-Bains, La Freissinouse, Lagrand
For the overview of the wider region: Hautes-Alpes.
