Le Poët-Sigillat: Village, Trails and Heritage
Accommodation in Le Poët-Sigillat
Le Poët-Sigillat lies on a rocky spur at an altitude of about 780 metres and is the highest village in the Ennuyé Valley. The old village, its viewpoints and two hiking trails with different difficulty ratings give a stay several possible focuses. Before your trip, you can decide whether you would like to focus on the village’s historic character, views across the landscape or a hike.
Location and landscape
The area around Le Poët-Sigillat offers panoramic views as far as Mont Ventoux. Montagne du Poët also has a viewpoint; it lies at an altitude of 1,300 metres. The village and Montagne therefore offer different elevations from which to take in the landscape.
From the ridge, lavender fields can be seen beyond the Pause Valley. Lavender cultivation in the surrounding area is mainly used to produce essential oils and hydrosols. Agriculture is therefore another notable feature of the landscape, alongside its viewpoints.
In the Ravin de la Pause, erosion has exposed layers of limestone and marl. This geological aspect adds to the views of the heights and lavender fields: the landscape can also be appreciated through its exposed rock layers.
Village history and visible buildings
At the entrance to the old village is a gateway dating from 1666. From the gateway, you can admire the bell tower of the private Saint-Bernard Chapel. Saint-Martin Parish Church is open to visitors. This allows you to distinguish the open parish church from the private chapel and its visible bell tower.
A clapier at Serre de Champ Rasé is a pile of stones stacked by people. The term refers to a human-made stone structure in the landscape. Alongside the gateway and church, these traditional stone piles are another feature to look out for.
Comparing the hiking trails
The Sentier de la Pause is a very easy circular trail, 4.1 kilometres long. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The trail starts at the church car park and ends in Le Poët-Sigillat. Its length, approximate duration and difficulty rating provide practical guidance for planning your time and choosing an easy route.
The hiking trail to Col d’Ambonne is a signposted, moderately difficult circular route of 4.15 kilometres. It starts and finishes in Le Poët-Sigillat. A viewpoint along the way offers views over the Eygues and Ennuyé valleys. The waymarking, difficulty rating and views are clear points of reference when choosing a route.
The routes are similar in length, at 4.1 and 4.15 kilometres; their difficulty ratings differ more noticeably: the Sentier de la Pause is very easy, while the route to Col d’Ambonne is moderately difficult. If the difficulty rating matters more to your planning than the small difference in length, this comparison can help you make a clear choice. The approximate duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes is an additional time estimate for the Sentier de la Pause.
Discover more destinations: Luc-En-Diois, Marsaz, Bren, Mérindol-Les-Oliviers, Saint-Julien-En-Quint, Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, Teyssières, Chaudebonne.
For the regional travel overview: Drôme.
