Saint-Firmin is located at the entrance to the Valgaudemar Valley on the right bank of the Séveraisse and is a member commune of Écrins National Park. There are numerous hiking trails around the village and its hamlets. Anyone planning a stay in Saint-Firmin may wish to rent a holiday apartment for this purpose.
Geographical Location
The town lies on the Route Napoléon, which Napoleon Bonaparte took from Golfe Juan to Grenoble in February and March 1815. At the foot of Saint-Firmin, the RD285A branches off from the RN85.
Nature and Trails
Saint-Firmin is the starting point for numerous hikes in the upper Valgaudemar Valley. The Sentier découverte du Château fort is a 3.4 km, very easy circular trail starting in Saint-Firmin. Along the way, this trail offers numerous panoramic views over the Dévoluy and the lower Champsaur; information panels also introduce the tree species found there.
From the heights of Saint-Firmin, the Tour du Brasque offers panoramic views over the entrance to the valley and the Dévoluy. Fishing takes place in the Séveraisse. Hautes Herbes offers ethnobotanical walks during which participants learn to identify mountain plants.
History and Culture
There are numerous bread ovens in the hamlets of the commune of Saint-Firmin. A Christian tomb dating from the 6th or 7th century was discovered beneath the flooring of the Église de Saint-Firmin. The church’s current choir and nave date from 1862.
The Château fort de Saint-Firmin was built in 1377 and protected the inhabitants during the Hundred Years’ War. The Filature du Valgaudemar was founded in 1830 and offers tours presenting the work of the spinner.
Local Produce
The Maison de pays du Valgaudemar offers direct sales of products from more than 90 local producers and craftspeople. During Hautes Herbes workshops, wild-collected plants are prepared into a shared aperitif.
Other places to consider in the region: Tallard, Prunières, Ventavon, Névache, Saint-Véran, Eyguians, Puy-Saint-Pierre, Vars.
