During a stay in Soleilhas, hiking, chapels and the landscape around Vauplane can be explored as distinct highlights. Those interested in architectural history can encounter it both on a circular hiking route and at historic churches in the village. Outdoors, trails wind through meadows and woodland; Vauplane offers another option for spending time outside. You can therefore choose your accommodation based on the kinds of discoveries that interest you most in Soleilhas.
Hiking among meadows, woodland and chapels
The circular hiking route to the Chapelle Saint-Pierre, les Colettes, begins and ends at the car park in the centre of Soleilhas. It passes through meadows and woodland with Scots pines. The Chapelle Saint-Pierre dates from the late 12th or early 13th century and gives the loop a cultural and historical destination in addition to its scenery. An overview board about the hiking trails is located in the car park by the village hall in Soleilhas and provides a point of reference for planning.
Another hiking highlight is the GR4, which crosses the Vauplane valley. Vauplane is a suitable place to relax and picnic. This offers several ways to spend time outdoors: a circular route with a chapel and woodland scenery, a long-distance trail through the valley, and time to relax and picnic in Vauplane. The right option depends on whether you are looking for a clearly defined loop or a place to linger.
Chapels and architectural history in Soleilhas
Notre-Dame-du-Plan was formerly the parish church and is now a chapel. It stands at the foot of a hill crowned by a ruined castle site; its apse has Romanesque features. Here, its former religious function, its position at the foot of the hill and its architectural form come together as distinct points of interest. The parish church of Soleilhas also has its own date: it was built in 1668.
The Chapelle Saint-Barnabé stands on the pass between the Verdon and Estéron valleys. Its construction is probably dated to the 13th century. A funerary stele from the early 1st century was reused in its altar slab. The difference between the stele’s date and the chapel’s probable construction period makes its reuse a particularly striking detail of the building’s history.
Traditional buildings also reveal local construction methods: locally quarried marl limestone rubble was used, bonded with lime mortar. This material is one of the tangible details through which local architectural history can be explored alongside the religious buildings.
More trails and destinations
The route around the DĂ©fens des Colettes leads to former gypsum quarries near travertine waterfalls. On the return journey, it passes oratories lining the pilgrimage route to the Chapelle Saint-Pierre. This trail thus brings together different kinds of historical traces: the former gypsum quarries as evidence of past use, and the oratories along the pilgrimage route. It offers a different thematic approach from the loop that leads to the Chapelle Saint-Pierre.
Vauplane and winter activities
The Soleilhas-Vauplane ski area is described as family-friendly. It is particularly suited to beginners, as well as cross-country skiers, ski tourers and snowshoe hikers. Its winter profile therefore differs from the hiking routes and cultural and historical destinations. Check the operating dates before travelling if you are planning a winter stay.
Another local highlight is the La Saoume farm, where over-fatted donkey- and goat-milk soaps are made using the cold-process method. It is also possible to meet the donkeys by appointment. Check availability in advance if you are planning a visit. This lets you distinguish an interest in local production from a planned encounter with the animals.
Discover more destinations: Valensole, Châteauneuf-Val-Saint-Donat, Mallefougasse-Augès, Aiglun, Pra Loup, Pierrevert, Valbelle, Montfuron.
For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
