Saint-Martin-De-Queyrières extends over more than 55 km² along the gorges of the Durance. Churches and chapels stand alongside traces of winegrowing and a former milling industry within the municipality; mountain and outdoor activities are also part of the picture. For trip planning, it is therefore worth choosing a clear focus: would you like to explore pilgrimage and architectural history in depth, or include activities such as climbing, cycling and guided river trips?
Churches and Chapels with Different Histories
The Église Saint-Martin was rebuilt between 1420 and 1469. The Chapelle Saint-Jacques-de-Prelles tells a different story: it was once a parish church and is a pilgrimage chapel on the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela. Its connection to pilgrimage adds a distinct religious dimension to the church’s architectural history.
The Chapelle Saint-Hippolyte-du-Bouchier stands in the hamlet of Bouchier, on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 1,500 metres above the Durance Valley. From there, it offers panoramic views across the Briançonnais. The pilgrimage chapel still has its hermitage and was extended in the 16th century. Its distinctive features include significant wall paintings dating from the late 15th century to the first quarter of the 16th century.
The Chapelle Saint-Antoine can also be explored through specific details: it stands in an open field about 100 metres north of the hamlet of Villard-Meyer, with a communal bread oven nearby. The chapel’s altarpiece bears the date 1664. Together, the three chapels reveal different aspects of religious history—from pilgrimage routes and hermitages to a dated work of art.
Winegrowing and Milling in the Heritage
At the Site des Vignettes, 16 information panels illustrate nine centuries of winegrowing history in the Argentièrois. The same site has houses built into the rock and remains of vineyards cultivated at altitudes between 1,100 and 1,250 metres. The panels and the structural remains therefore shed light on different aspects of this subject. On-site content and visiting conditions may change; check the current conditions before your visit.
The Moulin de Gilbert Planche combined two former uses: it had a grain-milling section and a sawmill section, and could switch between the two depending on the season. It is also considered the first electrified mill in the Briançonnais. The seasonal changeover is a specific detail of how it operated, while its electrification marks its special place in the region’s milling history.
Climbing, Cycling and Outdoor Activities
Roche Baron is a mountain climbing area at almost 1,400 metres and is considered very sunny, but also very windy. It is suitable for first climbing experiences, and there is a car park right next to the climbing wall. Check the parking conditions on site. Those looking for a specific route can also consider the climbing route L'heure de la recree, which passes through Saint-Martin-De-Queyrières. Check conditions and equipment before setting out.
The VTTAE N°01 – Circuit du Poux route leads to Roche Baron, one of the Pays des Écrins’ main climbing areas, and then to two small hamlets in the municipality, built around their alpine chapels. Check opening times, weather and trail conditions before setting off. The route offers a different way to reach these places than a visit focused on the chapels themselves.
For guided activities on the water, Rafiki Rafting welcomes guests in Prelles and offers rafting, hydrospeed and inflatable kayak trips on rivers in the Hautes-Alpes. Operating hours may change; check availability in advance. In summer, the Haute Durance Equitation equestrian centre in the municipality offers riding lessons, hacks and horseback treks for children and adults. For these seasonal activities too, it is advisable to check dates and availability before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Rochebrune, Villar-Saint-Pancrace, Risoul, Tallard, Chorges, La Joue Du Loup, Saint-Julien-En-Beauchêne, Savournon.
For the broader travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.
