Lachau: Heritage, Church and Hiking
Accommodation in Lachau
When planning, the specific differences matter: a circular hike with a stated duration, a walking route to the Tour du Riable, and dates you should check before travelling.
Heritage in Lachau
Notre-Dame de Calma is a Romanesque church and was classified as a historic monument in 1875. It is the surviving remnant of a medieval monastery or significant rural priory built in the early 13th century. Its architectural style and its history as part of an earlier religious complex give the church two distinct historical connections.
Notre-Dame de Calma is currently used for cultural events, including exhibitions and concerts. The traditional Mass on 15 August is also held there. If you want to plan your trip around an event or the Mass, check the dates before travelling.
Another historical connection is the Gallo-Roman sanctuary in Lachau. Its finds are kept at the Museum of Gap. Château de Lachau, on the other hand, is currently not open to visitors: it is privately owned and accessible only to its owners. Check its access status again before planning a visit.
Tour du Riable and hiking trails
The Tour du Riable is the keep of a fortified complex, a castrum, built towards the end of the 12th century. It stands at an altitude of 1,190 metres and offers a direct view of the villages in the upper MĂ©ouge Valley. The site therefore highlights both its historical function as part of the fortifications and its view across the valley.
The final approach to the Tour du Riable is on foot via a narrow path. A hiking trail leads there from the village, passing Notre-Dame de Calma. Local access conditions can change, particularly on trails and at private properties; check trail conditions before setting out.
The route sheet dated 18 August 2026 describes the “LACHAU – Tour du Riable” circular hike as 11.4 kilometres long, with a duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a moderate difficulty level. These details help you estimate how much time the hike will take and weigh it against other plans during your stay.
Three hiking routes start in the village of Lachau. Check local route information before setting out. The published circular hike and the three village starting points offer different planning details; specific information on distance, duration and difficulty is provided for the named route.
Market, winter and getting there
Lachau’s producers’ market takes place year-round every Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It consists mainly of stalls run by local producers. If the market is important to your stay, check the schedule before travelling.
When winters are cold enough, the waterfall on the Marlaric offers an impressive natural spectacle; the stream carries particularly icy water then. It is therefore a seasonal attraction, not an experience available year-round.
Route 39 connects Lachau with Buis-les-Baronnies, Nyons and Vaison-la-Romaine. Before travelling, check with the regional transport authority whether the route runs on your travel day and which timetable applies. This allows you to coordinate your journey with your planned stay without assuming a particular service frequency.
Discover more destinations: Savasse, Vaunaveys-La-Rochette, Saint-Julien-En-Quint, Génissieux, Piégros-La-Clastre, Chastel-Arnaud, Saint-Julien-En-Vercors, Aouste-sur-Sye.
For the broader travel overview: DrĂ´me.
