Bellegarde: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Bellegarde lies on the right bank of the Asse and on the first slopes of a southeast-facing hillside. The Ribiés Ravine runs through the centre. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Bellegarde can consider this village as a specific destination.

Nature

Around Bellegarde, the Sentiers des Oliviers trail leads through olive groves to a butterfly garden and an information board overlooking the Asse Valley. A family hike from Bras-d’Asse follows the Asse to the hamlet of Bellegarde and continues via Les Orésonnis.

Culture and History

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Liesse lies between the river and the road to the hamlet of Bellegarde d’Estoublon. Before the bridge over the Asse was built in the 17th century, it stood on the main route to Estoublon, Bras d’Asse, Castellane and the Verdon region.

The Chapelle Saint-Joseph is the only chapel in Bellegarde mentioned in the 19th-century pastoral visitations. In 1860, 1866, 1872 and 1891, it was described as a rural chapel in good condition. In 1899, Mass was held there only on the saint’s feast day. On current maps, the Chapelle Saint-Joseph appears to be in good condition.

Local Produce

In Estoublon, Le Vieux Moulin offers tours of an old oil mill and tastings of olive oil from Haute-Provence. Olive oil, essential oils and dried flowers are also presented there.

Les Ruchers de la Bastide Blanche in Estoublon offers tastings of aromatic honeys as well as tours and activities. These include observing, listening to and smelling a live beehive.

Trails and Routes

A four-day mountain bike loop from Castellane follows the road towards Bellegarde to Mézel. Depending on the water level, the Asse can be crossed at a ford on this loop to reach Estoublon.

La Maison Pas Pareille is set in an unspoilt environment and is an unusual artist’s house accommodation.

Other local destinations: Beaujeu, Mane, Saint-Paul-Sur-Ubaye, Valernes, Noyers-sur-Jabron, Le Fugeret, La Javie, Ongles

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.