Rochebrune between the Durance, lakes and trails
Accommodation in Rochebrune
Rochebrune combines the banks of the Durance with orchards, vegetable growing and the landscape of the plain. Three themes shape the town in particular during a stay: the lakes and leisure activities at Les 3 Lacs, the trails through Rochebrune and the Bois du Plan, and the Chapelle Saint-Sixte. Depending on your interests, you can include nature, outdoor activities and a historical connection in your travel plans.
The Durance, orchards and Les 3 Lacs
Rochebrune is one of the few villages on the plain in the département where vegetable plots and orchards stretch along the banks of the Durance. At the Les 3 Lacs leisure complex, the river creates a different landscape: the site comprises a series of small lakes fringed by the wild waters of the Durance. The banks of the Durance around the complex are designated a Natura 2000 site. Cultivated land beside the river, small lakes and banks designated as Natura 2000 sites thus stand side by side as distinctive features of the landscape.
Leisure activities and the Wild Durance
Les 3 Lacs offers go-karting, paintball and the Fort-Gayard adventure course. Fishing is also possible there year-round, provided you have a valid fishing licence. If fishing is part of your stay, make sure you plan for this requirement. The Wild Durance route covers a 3 km section rated difficulty level II, from the Pont de Rochebrune to Les Trois Lacs. The distance, rating and endpoints refer to this section.
Trails through Rochebrune and the surrounding area
Le Bois du Plan is a family-friendly trail beside the EDF canal of the Durance: it follows the canal, passes through the Bois du Plan and continues through Rochebrune. The trail is rated easy and is suitable for families with children as well as beginners. A single “demoiselle coiffée” can be seen on the loop trail at the Torrent Clapouse. For families and beginners, the rating offers a practical guide when choosing a route; the distinctive geological feature at the Torrent Clapouse is also one of the trail’s highlights.
The Gravelroute Boucle de Vière (VTT FFC No. 46) follows a different route. It crosses the Durance via the Pont de Rochebrune (D951), then runs along the river, passes through orchards and reaches Rochebrune. The routes can be compared based on their stated features: Le Bois du Plan is described as an easy family trail that follows the canal and passes through woodland and the town; the gravel route is characterised by its river crossing, its course along the Durance and the orchards.
Chapelle Saint-Sixte and botanical trail
The Chapelle Saint-Sixte is a 16th-century chapel and was home to the oldest pilgrimage in the Diocese of Gap. Along the way to the chapel, you can also discover the tree species of the ForĂŞt domaniale de Moyenne Durance. The botanical trail to the Chapelle starts on the Route de Beaufort, at the car park by the Torrent. There is a purpose-built car park at the starting point of the trail to the chapel on the Route de Beaufort. If you are interested in history and plants, the botanical trail brings these two aspects together: the chapel as a historical destination and the tree species along the way.
Discover more destinations: Aiguilles, DĂ©voluy, Montgenevre, Eyguians, Chorges, La Grave, Chabestan, Furmeyer
For the broader travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.
