Heritage

The Mother Church, of Romanesque architecture, is located on the commune of Saint Disdier. Built in the 11th century, it is one of the oldest chapels in the Hautes-Alpes! Classified as a historical monument since 1927, Mother Church was built by the monks of Clusieux. Witness to the establishment of monastic life in the mountains, it is also one of the representatives of modest proportions of Romanesque art.

His stone bell tower and thatched roof give it all its charm. Inside are admired magnificent frescoes… Every summer, its stones vibrate under the inspired archers of musicians from all over the world for the Festival Musique en Dévoluy.

The Dévoluy, with its 4 villages and about thirty hamlets, is home to a traditional mountain life atmosphere. All summer long, during the different “fêtes votives”, you have the opportunity to discover the local particularities of each hamlet (churches, chapels with their patron saint, mills, communal ovens, fountains, history, local anecdotes…) and to share a glass of friendship.

Connecting the Champsaur to the Dévoluy and culminating at 1664m, the Col du Noyer road is open a few months a year. Built in 1850 and transforming the mule track, which was one of the most borrowed accesses to the Dévoluy. The Refuge du Col du Noyer owes its name to Napoleon, who bequeathed a considerable sum to the Hautes-Alpes to thank the population for the welcome it gave him on his return from exile. This sum was used to build refuges on passes with difficult access.

The summit of the Col offers a striking panorama. On one side, the arid ridges of the Dévoluy, and on the other, the wide valley of the Drac and its crops. Take the time to stop at the refuge for a meal or simply a drink. Attention: this road is closed in winter.

During your visit in Le Dévoluy, along the paths and alleys, open your eyes and go in search of these small buildings with great stories.

Today a little forgotten, these banal ovens, fountains, chapels, engraved stones, were once social places of primary importance, which gave rhythm to the life of the Dévoluy.

During your hikes in the mountains, you may discover engraved stones in the middle of pastures, or in certain cavities. These engravings were the work of the shepherds of Dévoluy, during their summer pasture seasons. Some engravings date back to the 1800’s!