A 7.0-kilometre circular hiking trail starts in Le Vernet. The commune also lies on the boundary between the Blanche Valley and the Bès Valley. Le Vernet is a particularly forested commune on a plateau at an altitude of 1,200 metres. Here, a specific hiking option and a distinctive landscape setting meet several historic sites.
Between the Blanche and Bès
Its position on the plateau and on the boundary between two valleys provides a clear framework for getting your bearings locally. For planning your trip, these are two different perspectives: you can get to know Le Vernet through its forested landscape or focus on its churches and chapels. Both themes are linked to specific places, but they tell you different things about the commune.
A trail through the Forêt du Labouret
The Forêt du Labouret is a 7.0-kilometre circular hiking trail that starts in Le Vernet. The distance is a useful guide for planning your day; you should check the route conditions locally again before setting off. This makes the hike a specific nature activity during your stay, while you can plan the rest of the day as you wish.
The forest as part of the history of the landscape
The trail through the Forêt du Labouret passes through a man-made forest. It was seeded and planted to combat erosion. The forest is therefore not just part of the landscape, but also the result of a targeted measure to prevent soil erosion. If you choose this hike, you will encounter not only the route itself but also a story of landscape management.
Another example of reforestation can be found in Parc Demontzey: several tree species grow there, and a stele honours Prosper Demontzey. He is considered a pioneer of reforestation in mountain areas. The park thus brings together tree diversity and the memory of a person associated with reforestation.
Chapels and churches in Le Vernet
Chapelle Saint Pancrace is a historic chapel that forms part of the religious heritage. It is thought to date from the late 10th or early 11th century. It continues to be used for a procession on the saint’s feast day. Alongside its cautiously attributed date, its history also includes a religious tradition that is still maintained.
The Church of Saint Martin in Haut-Vernet is also a historic church that forms part of the religious heritage. During a bishop’s visit in 1683, an altar and a painting were described there, depicting Jesus on the cross, the Virgin Mary, Saint John and Saint Martin. The Church of Sainte Marthe in Bas-Vernet is another historic church that forms part of the religious heritage. It is located south of the village, next to a cemetery. The information about Haut-Vernet and Bas-Vernet also distinguishes the two churches by their respective locations and histories.
Excursions in the Blanche Valley
In the Blanche Valley, Tis’Ânes offers day trips and stays with changing stages. If you would like to include this option in your travel plans, confirm the offer and the planned stages before your trip. The offer relates to the Blanche Valley, making it a separate option from the circular trail that starts in Le Vernet.
A simple comparison can help you choose what to focus on: the circular trail has a specified distance and passes through a forest whose creation is linked to erosion control. The chapels and churches, by contrast, offer a way to explore religious architectural history, historical descriptions and a procession tradition that is still maintained. You can decide whether nature or cultural heritage will be the main thread of your visit.
Discover more destinations: Seyne, Gréoux-Les-Bains, Cruis, Senez, Pra Loup, Beaujeu, Ste.Croix-A-Lauze, La Brillanne
For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
