In Les Vigneaux, visible traces of the once-important wine-growing industry meet religious heritage and a range of ways to explore the surrounding area. A short circular walk takes in nature and views of the Montbrison limestone massif; the Via Ferrata de la Balme is a very different challenge. You can get to know the place through both its history and the activities on offer.
Wine-Growing History and Religious Heritage
The name Les Vigneaux derives from the municipality’s once-important wine-growing industry. The coat of arms also reflects this history with a vine. Trellises on old houses and wine presses preserve visible traces of the past. Together, the place name, coat of arms and architectural features give a tangible impression of the role wine-growing once played.
The Église Saint-Laurent is listed as a historic monument. Its south wall features frescoes depicting the seven deadly sins and their punishments. The interior can also be visited: ask for the key at the Mairie and confirm the access arrangements before your visit. Inside, you can see depictions of the divine presence, Isaiah, Christ enthroned, the Tetramorph and the Coronation of the Virgin.
Another religious heritage site is the Chapelle Saint-Claude. This historic monument dates from the 15th century and is located in the hamlet of La Bâtie. Together with the Église Saint-Laurent, it gives the cultural side of a stay in Les Vigneaux more than one place to visit.
Bread Ovens and Local Tradition
The two Four Banal also offer different ways to connect with local history. The Four Banal de Serre Parren is fired up once a year for the traditional Feast of Saint Lawrence. If you would like to plan around this occasion, ask locally in advance for the current date of the festival. The Four Banal de Rif Cros was restored in early 2020 and is accessible in the Rif Cros district. As local access details may change, it is advisable to confirm them before visiting.
The Randoland Walk
The route sheet dated 7 July 2022 describes the Randoland walk in Les Vigneaux as a very easy circular route suitable for families. It gives a duration of 1 hour 15 minutes and a distance of 2.0 kilometres. The start and finish are at the Mairie; the route sheet recommends parking at the Mairie. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
The route offers panoramic views of the Montbrison limestone massif. Its named section, “A l'adret, la pinède,” passes through a forest of Scots pines interspersed with downy oaks. Another natural feature is the juniper “Le genévrier thurifère,” which grows on warm, sunny, rocky slopes. The circular walk thus combines specific landscape views with a closer look at plants and their habitats.
More Activities and a Clear Choice
Access to the Via ferrata La Balme is via Route de l’école (RD4) at the exit from Les Vigneaux. The Via Ferrata de la Balme is graded D (difficult) to TD (very difficult). Conditions and personal suitability should be assessed locally. By comparison, the Randoland circular walk is rated very easy, so the two activities differ considerably in their stated level of difficulty.
Activities listed for Les Vigneaux include cross-country skiing, via ferrata, climbing, mountain biking and hiking; dog sledding is also mentioned in winter. The village also offers quick access to major destinations in the Parc national des Écrins. Those considering Les Vigneaux as a place to stay can weigh up local history, a short designated circular walk and more challenging activities, without combining these different options into a set itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Val-Des-Prés, Saint-André-de-Rosans, Saint-Firmin, Saint-Julien-En-Champsaur, La Bâtie-Montsaléon, Guillestre, Aups, La Bâtie-Neuve.
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