Nature or culture? Fan of both? Would you like to visit emblematic sites or hidden places? Marie-Jo, geologist from the UNESCO Geopark of Haute-Provence, smiling and passionate, will share with you her transversal view of the rich heritage of the Bléone-Durance crossroads. Geology, history, art, monuments, legends, breathtaking landscapes... Perfect for the curious, and for an authentic contact with the territory of the Geopark of Haute Provence!
Chapel of Saint John the Baptist
Positioned at an altitude of 666 m, the chapel has watched over the village and the city since its creation (1668), which spread out harmoniously at the foot of the legendary hill of the same name.
Blue sky reflected in the sparkling water of the Durance; brown roofs in small groups following the meanders of the river; jagged outline of the surrounding mountains; fields of gold, green, beige carefully cut into strips, squares, trapezoids forming a life-size puzzle; and in the distance, the menacing barrier of rocks – the Pénitents des Mées.
The mind opens to the expanse of the landscape. An incredible lightness of being inspires a journey of the imagination through time. Like a time-lapse film, we think of the activity of the Durance over time, which hollows out its bed and its valley, as well as human settlement and exploitation since Antiquity, up to hydro developments. -electrics of the 20th century. A beautiful snapshot of the intimate relationship between Man and his environment!
Closer to the Pénitents des Mées
In the distance, the Penitents are mysterious sentinels who stand like a rampart, at the crossroads of the Bléone and the Durance. Up close, the uniform and smooth complexion of these guardians loses its splendor: bumpy and rough, pockmarked with holes and composed of as many colors as different rocks.
Pudding or “poudingue”…
“It’s pudding,” says Marie-Jo, “and not English pudding cake!” It is a conglomerate, a detrital rock (resulting from the degradation of other rocks) composed of pebbles or pebbles linked together by natural cement.
To walk with a geologist is to see things differently. The landscape around us becomes deeper, more amazing… frankly, the sea here?
Plasterwork, a hidden gem
Stop in front of the town hall of the small village of Volonne housed in a 17th century bastide castle. The facade is modest and its entrance discreet. We would never guess what splendor awaits us inside. We leave the sunlight and pass through the door that leads to the stairwell. It takes a few seconds for our eyes to adjust to the darkness. The dusty stairwell is transformed into a magical place fit for kings.
The gypsum ceiling and walls are beautifully decorated with delicate patterns – figurative scenes of local life; symbols of abundance and wealth for the holidays (marriage of Melchior de Valavoire) intertwined with the initials of the lord; the diversity of fauna accompanied by rosettes, bouquets and bowls of fruit or symbols of justice and power...
Cultural heritage and geology
Not to be missed
Since this “geotour” experience takes us to the Val de Durance, you should take the opportunity to stay a little longer and take the time to discover the rich geological, cultural and natural heritage of the valley. Here are some ideas…
Themes