Saint-Martin-De-Queyrières: Churches, Chapels and Mountain History

Saint-Martin-De-Queyrières stretches across more than 55 km² along the Durance gorges. Churches and chapels, traces of winemaking and mountain activities give a stay a range of different focuses.

Churches and chapels from different centuries

The Église Saint-Martin was rebuilt between 1420 and 1469. The Chapelle Saint-Jacques-de-Prelles tells a different religious story: it was once a parish church and is a pilgrims’ chapel on the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela. In the commune, you can therefore encounter both a rebuilt church and a former parish church that now serves as a pilgrims’ chapel.

In the hamlet of Bouchier, the Chapelle Saint-Hippolyte-du-Bouchier stands on a rocky outcrop 1,500 metres above the Durance Valley. From there, it offers panoramic views over the Briançonnais. The chapel is a pilgrims’ chapel, still has its hermitage and was extended in the 16th century. Its painted decoration dates from the late 15th century to the first quarter of the 16th century.

The Chapelle Saint-Antoine also brings together several specific details: its altarpiece bears the date 1664, and its gallery holds objects used in pilgrimages and processions, including death bells and banners. The chapel stands in open countryside about 100 metres north of the hamlet of Villard-Meyer. A communal bread oven is nearby.

Winemaking and mill history

At the Site des Vignettes, 16 explanatory panels illustrate nine centuries of winemaking history in the Argentièrois. The site includes houses built into the rock and the remains of vineyards cultivated at elevations between 1,100 and 1,250 metres. Panel content or access may change; if you plan to visit, check the current visiting conditions.

The Moulin de Gilbert Planche combined a grain mill and a sawmill. Depending on the season, it could switch between the two uses. It is considered the first electrified mill in the Briançonnais. Together with the traces of winemaking at the Site des Vignettes, it illustrates two distinct aspects of local history: agricultural use and milling technology.

Climbing and trails in the mountain landscape

Roche Baron is a mountain climbing area at an elevation of almost 1,400 metres. The sunny crag is also known for being very windy. It is suitable for first climbing experiences, and there is a car park right next to the crag. Check the parking situation on site. Both sunshine and wind are important conditions to consider when planning your routes.

The VTTAE N°01 – Circuit du Poux route leads to Roche Baron, one of the Pays des Écrins’ main climbing areas, and then to two small hamlets in the commune, built around their alpine chapels. Check the weather and trail conditions before setting out. The climbing route L'heure de la recree also passes through Saint-Martin-De-Queyrières. Check the conditions and required equipment before using it.

Rafting and horse riding

Rafiki Rafting welcomes guests in Prelles and offers guided trips on rivers in the Hautes-Alpes, with rafting, hydrospeed and inflatable kayaks. Operating periods may change; check the current dates when planning your visit.

Haute Durance Equitation offers riding lessons, trail rides and horseback treks for children and adults in the commune during summer. As these activities are seasonal and their availability may change, confirm the current dates in advance. The offerings therefore differ in both focus and timing: on the water, there are three guided activities to choose from, while the riding centre limits its offer to the summer season.

Discover more destinations: La Saulce, Saint-Véran, Prunières, Molines-En-Queyras, Ristolas, Aiguilles, Saint-Julien-En-Champsaur, Chabottes

For the main travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.