The “Vieil Aiglun et le Puy” hike has a clearly defined time requirement and leads to sweeping panoramic views from the summit. In Le Vieil Aiglun, the views over the Bléone Valley and the Romanesque Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine define the setting. Saint-Jean adds traces of early settlement and a historic burial function to the cultural landscape. When planning, the hike’s elevation gain is just as important as the church’s special opening occasions.
Hiking to the Puy: Route and Elevation Gain
The Vieil Aiglun et le Puy hike is 5.9 kilometres long, rated moderate and listed as taking 2 hours and 30 minutes. It also involves 390 metres of elevation gain and 390 metres of descent. So, when planning your day, don’t consider only the distance: allow for the elevation changes too, and set aside a dedicated block of time for the hike. A picnic area and free parking are listed for the route.
The summit of the Puy is at 900 metres, the highest point in the commune of Aiglun; from there, it offers a 360-degree panorama. The Puy is also a Géoparc de Haute-Provence interpretation site. It and the surrounding terrain are made up of Valensole puddingstone. So, in addition to the views, you can discover the landscape’s geology and its designation as a geopark interpretation site.
Le Vieil Aiglun and Views over the Valley
Le Vieil Aiglun is situated at 830 metres above the Bléone Valley. From there, the view extends to the Dignois Pre-Alps. This gives you two distinct landscape perspectives: the viewpoint above the valley and the Puy, at 900 metres, the highest point in the commune. These elevations help distinguish the two landmarks when planning your hike.
Church and Historical Traces
The Romanesque Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine was built above the village on the ruins of an earlier religious building. It was built during the rule of the De Rochas family and completed in 1555. Its style, location and construction history give a visit to the church a tangible connection to the history of the place.
The church is open for occasions such as the Journées du Patrimoine in September and the Fête de la musique in June. A mass is also celebrated there in July for Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. If you’d like to visit the church, plan your visit around these occasions: specific event dates may vary from year to year.
Saint-Jean also offers a walk through the cultural landscape. It is home to the ruins of a church built at the end of the 11th century. The site was probably already settled in the Neolithic period and developed a burial function over the centuries. A visit brings different historical periods together: the medieval church ruins, the presumed early settlement and the site’s function, which developed over centuries.
Saint-Jean can be visited as part of recurring events; specific dates may vary. Check the event dates in advance if you’re planning to visit the site.
Access and Directions
Le Vieil Aiglun can be reached by road or via a path from Avenue Jouve. This path continues through Saint-Jean to the Puy, helping you follow the hiking route. As trail conditions may change, check them before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Lardiers, Revest-des-Brousses, Senez, Saint-Andrè-Les-Alpes, Saint-Maime, Valensole, Reillanne, Beaujeu.
For the full travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
