Serre-Ponçon is not only a lake suitable for swimming and water sports. It is also one of the most interesting historical heritage scattered among the towns and villages surrounding the reservoir. So why not take advantage of your stay at Camping du Lac for a little cultural outing around Serre-Ponçon?
DISCOVER THE HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF THE SURROUNDINGS
Savines - Hautes -Alpes (05)The emblem of Serre-Ponçon: the chapel of Saint-Michel (Prunières)
It's hard to imagine such a curiosity: a small monument literally floating in the middle of the Serre-Ponçon lake! And yet, on its tiny islet, the Saint-Michel chapel is the only vestige of a past engulfed by the waters during the creation of the Serre-Ponçon lake.
Founded in the XNUMXth century on a hill in the Durance valley, then rebuilt at the end of the XNUMXth century, it cannot be visited, but it is sometimes accessible on foot when the lake level is at its lowest to receive the melting of the snows, that is to say in the spring.
Day and night (the chapel is equipped with lighting), it never ceases to captivate visitors! The ideal background for a successful souvenir selfie!
Contemplation in the forest at Boscodon Abbey (Crots)
In the heart of the Boscodon forest, on the heights of the village of Crots, is a lovely abbey. Founded in the middle of the XIIe century, the Notre-Dame de Boscodon abbey is a magnificent example of Romanesque monastic architecture.
Alternately cenobitic, Benedictine then Dominican, its buildings have been the subject of numerous restoration campaigns which have made it possible to preserve and enhance this exceptional heritage and historical ensemble. The visit of the church and the chapel is free, only the access to the cloister, the chapter and the exhibitions is paying. Boscodon Abbey is also the starting point for many hikes.
See also in Crots : the castle of Picomtal and its French garden!
Wandering to discover the history of Serre-Ponçon
From Vauban's fortifications in the well-named village of Saint-Vincent-les-Forts to the charming alleys and squares of Chorges, several towns are worth a detour for a cultural stroll and discover the region's past. In some of them, it is even possible to take advantage of a guided tour organized by the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire de Serre-Ponçon Ubaye Durance. This is particularly the case for the medieval town of Chorges which still has remarkable remains such as the Souchons gate. You will probably be surprised by the cultural and artisanal wealth present all around the lake of Serre-Ponçon.
An Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center (CIAP) has also been opened in Savines-le-Lac. Accessible free of charge, it retraces the unique history of this town during the 1960th century. Because Savines-le-Lac had to be moved and rebuilt during the creation of the Serre-Ponçon water reservoir in the early XNUMXs. This is why modern architecture is omnipresent there, like the Saint-Florent church, and the town has obtained the Heritage of the XNUMXth century label!
From Serre-Ponçon to Embrun: the Nice of the Alps
Main city bordering the lake of Serre-Ponçon, Embrun preserves important monuments which testify to its rich history. From the most monumental, the Notre-Dame-du-Réal cathedral mixing Romanesque, Gothic and Lombard styles, to the corbelled houses, the city is full of interesting buildings which make it the ideal setting for a cultural walk or even a shopping session. with its many shops. And if Embrun is nicknamed the Nice of the Alps, it is not only because of its colorful facades, but also because of its particularly sunny and dry climate.
The Serre-Ponçon dam, an architectural and technological feat!
If it is part of an exceptional natural setting, the lake of Serre-Ponçon is nonetheless artificial! It owes its creation, at the turn of the 1950s/1960s, to the need to provide the region with a hydroelectric dam whose dimensions are impressive: 124 meters high over a length of 630 meters! The history of its construction, which lasted more than 4 years, is traced at the Muséoscope du Lac in Rousset.
But you can also find there the aspect of yesteryear of the Durance valley before the creation of the reservoir and thus set off to discover the villages that have now disappeared under water. This visit can be supplemented by that of La Maison de l'Eau et des Energies in Espinasses, which more specifically addresses the technical and industrial aspects of hydroelectric production.
Need to know more about the most interesting cultural and historical outings around Camping du Lac? Do not hesitate to ask the members of our team who will advise you and guide you through the many possible visits!