Serres combines a medieval village on the Pignolette rock with views across the Buëch Valley. The town is located in the Parc naturel régional des Baronnies provençales and the Buëch Valley. There are several different things to focus on when choosing a destination: historic architecture, a circular walk with valley views, and a leisure area near Serres with swimming and water sports. This can help you decide whether Serres is right for a stay focused on local history, a walking excursion or time by the water.
Landscape and Village Setting
The medieval village stands on the Pignolette rock, overlooking the Buëch Valley. The Table d’orientation de Serres, on the heights beside the Chapelle Bonsecours, offers views of the panorama and surrounding peaks. Both the valley and the views towards the peaks shape the landscape around Serres.
Architecture and History
The Méridienne de Serres is a sundial dating from 1882, on the south façade of the primary school. It is the only known sundial of its kind in the Hautes-Alpes and was listed as a historic monument in 1996. The two dates refer to different things: 1882 dates the sundial, while 1996 is the year it was listed as a historic monument.
Another notable building is the restored Maison du Connétable Lesdiguières, a Renaissance building with a multicoloured plasterwork façade. It can be visited independently, free of charge, every day throughout the year. Check the local visitor information before your visit. The Église paroissiale de Saint-Arey is also worth a closer look for its architectural history: the church is in the Provençal Romanesque style, and its origins are traced to the 7th or 9th century.
The historic village setting also includes vaulted passageways known as “soustets,” a testament to the village’s rich heritage. Visitors interested in historical collections will find exhibits on the history of transport, historic tools and objects from the two world wars at the Musée auto-moto l’Estanco. Private guided tours are available on request in advance.
Hiking and Water Activities
The Sentier des Moines is a 6-kilometre circular walk that starts in Serres and offers views across the entire Buëch Valley. As trail conditions can change, check the latest information before setting off.
The Lacs de la Germanette offer a different activity: a 15-hectare leisure area near Serres. It has a supervised swimming area and a separate water sports area. Pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and canoes are available for hire; offerings may vary by season. This gives you a choice of different activities: a circular walk with views across the valley, or swimming and water sports at the lakes.
Art and Regional Products
Hang’Art has several permanent exhibition and sales spaces for artists, craftspeople and producers. Visitors can sample coffee roasted in the Hautes-Alpes and buy regional products. The range of products available to sample and buy may change. Hang’Art brings together arts and crafts and regional products, while the Musée auto-moto l’Estanco offers a different perspective through technology, tools and history.
Visitor Information
A free map of the medieval village of Serres is available from the Office de Tourisme. If you plan to use the map to plan your visit, it is best to check the local information. The different attractions can help you choose what to focus on: the sundial, Renaissance building and church showcase the cultural heritage; the Sentier des Moines combines a circular walk with valley views; and the Lacs de la Germanette offer swimming and seasonal rental options. This makes it easy to shape your stay around what interests you most in Serres.
Discover more destinations: Furmeyer, Manteyer, Tallard, La Joue Du Loup, L’epine, Mont-Dauphin, Puy-Sanières, Vars
See the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.
