Prunières: Chapelle Saint-Michel, Heritage and Landscape

Prunières combines a rich local history with landscapes and activities along Lac de Serre-Ponçon. If you’re looking for a hotel in Prunières, your travel priorities can help you decide: Would you like to explore religious and historic buildings, cycle along quiet roads, or focus on activities on the water?

Chapelle Saint-Michel and Church History

The Chapelle Saint-Michel stands on an island just a few dozen square metres in size. The island escaped the flooding of Lac de Serre-Ponçon by just a few metres. Today it serves as a nesting area for gulls, so the chapel is closed to the public. When water levels are low, you can approach it by boat or on foot. In 1140, the Order of St John of Jerusalem established a priory and a hospital at the Chapelle Saint-Michel to accommodate travellers.

The parish church also tells the story of the area’s religious past: it was formerly dedicated to Saint-Sauveur. The Saint-Sauveur Church was probably partly rebuilt towards the end of the 15th century. Six of its stained-glass windows were donated in 1902. The feast of Saint-Sauveur is celebrated on the first Sunday in August.

Château and Railway Viaduct

The Château de Prunières is one of the last reminders of the influence of the valley’s noble families. It was burned down three times in its history, in 1580, 1692 and 1925. Events and restorations changed its architecture. The château therefore offers a glimpse both of the importance of the noble estate and of the changes to the building over time.

The Thubaneau railway viaduct represents another aspect of the area’s history. It was built between 1880 and 1882 for the PLM railway company and opened in 1883. It once connected Prunières and Chorges, carrying the railway across the Combe de Marrasse. While the church and château illustrate religious and aristocratic history, respectively, the viaduct was part of the former transport link between the two towns.

Landscapes and Activities

The hamlets of Prunières stretch from the Aiguilles de Chabrières to the former bed of the Durance. Larch forests rise above steppes with a Mediterranean feel. This variety gives the landscape distinct features, from the lakeshore to the heights of the Aiguilles de Chabrières.

The quiet roads are ideal for scenic bike rides, with views stretching from Lac de Serre-Ponçon to the Aiguilles de Chabrières. Along the small coves between the Riou-Bourdoux and Baie Saint-Michel, you can go stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing away from the official beaches. Water conditions can vary by season.

From spring to autumn, hot-air balloon flights over Lac de Serre-Ponçon set off from Prunières at sunrise. Check current launch availability before your trip. In the hamlet of Les Gourres, the communal bread oven keeps the tradition of baking and sharing bread alive at local festivals and events. Alongside architectural and railway history, seasonal activities and a living local baking tradition offer different ways to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Jacques-En-Valgodemard, Puy-Saint-André, Saint-Julien-En-Champsaur, La Bâtie-Vieille, Aspres-Sur-Buëch, La Saulce, Embrun, Les Orres.

For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.