Circuit Val d’Issole Haut Verdon “Camaieu de verts”

From Saint-André-les-Alpes, take the departmental road along the Issole valley and follow the silver thread of its watercourse.
Make a quick stop to discover the “Pont des sept Arcades” aqueduct, a work of art built in 1863 under Napoleon III. This aqueduct spanned the Issole river, bringing water from the Verdon to the villagers’ vegetable gardens. The bridge had a short life: although restored in 1893, its main arch collapsed around 1923, was blown up during the war and ended its fate after around sixty years, ruining the hopes of the market gardeners and slowly deteriorating over time. Only three arches remain intact today.

As you continue on your way, at every bend in the road, the Issole River greets you in its monochrome of greens.

First of all, the dark green of the dense forest dominated by coniferous trees: Scots pine, black pine, hooked pine and larches at altitude, which occupy the steepest and least sunny slopes. This community of immense trees is the result of reforestation campaigns. The presence of beech groves on the ubacs and oak groves provides plant diversity. Boxwood, broom, lavender and downy oak scrubland can be found on the sunniest, stoniest slopes. A stroll through the forest will appeal to all your senses! It smells of life, wood, moss and sap. There are plenty of insects to observe, birds to listen for, mushrooms and raspberries to pick.

Then comes the soft green of the meadows and cultivated fields characteristic of the agro-pastoral system of the mountain valleys. Pastoral activity is omnipresent, and you may be lucky enough to spot a few flocks of sheep grazing peacefully, if they haven’t all left for the mountain pastures.

Finally, above this bucolic backdrop, you can make out the pastel green of the mountain pastures.

This wide agricultural basin is encircled by high mountains such as the Cheval Blanc massif, culminating at 2323 m (+6h hike). The Haut Verdon valley opens onto hamlets and villages that are well worth a stroll.

In Château Garnier, you can discover the St Thomas chapel, built in the 12th century and modified over the years. It contains frescoes from the same period depicting Jesus Christ, supreme judge, seated between the sun and the moon. To visit it, you can ask for the keys to the Chailan honey factory, a local producer, also offering a sting-free tour of the farm, facilities and beehives!
In the village of Thorame-Basse, you’re spoilt for choice: either continue left towards the charming hamlet of La Valette, or stroll along the easy path of the Piégut site with its botanical trail, Way of the Cross, chapel and eponymous medieval tower (departure opposite the church, allow around 2 hours 30), unfortunately partly ruined. It appears as a square tower, approximately 6m on a side, with a rusticated structure. The interior is cross-vaulted. The semi-circular arch of the entrance door rests on a powerful lintel. A lovely panorama to admire.
Ready to set off again?

Just outside Thorame-Basse, the Cordoeil organic brewery opens its doors.
You can visit the brewery all year round by appointment. Tasting visit: €3 per person.
Continue towards Thorame-Haute. Along the way, stop off at Lac des Sagnes.
You’ve probably heard of Thorame-Haute throughout 2018 on TV thanks to its “Pont du Moulin”, which was one of the monuments selected for the heritage lottery and the Bern mission. This work of art, which marks the entrance to the Haut Verdon Val d’Allos valley, is currently closed for renovation work, but can still be seen from the side of the departmental road, with a breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and an overhang over the Verdon.
The bridge is 41 metres long and 2.30 metres wide. Its height varies from 7 to 11 meters above the Verdon riverbed. It comprises two unequal arches in circular segments, with radii of 11 and 2.5 m respectively.

Our loop now continues along the departmental road towards the Chemins de fer de Provence station, known as the “train des Pignes”.
This railway line links the towns of Digne les Bains and Nice, running from the Alpes-de-Haute Provence through the hinterland of Nice to the Côte d’Azur. From the land of fine lavender to the land of chestnut trees, the Train des Pignes has been an important part of the collective memory of Provence for over a century. It’s also a great experience to enjoy during your stay on the steam train between Puget-Théniers- Entrevaux and Annot (May to September).
On the forecourt of Thorame station, the beautiful church of Notre Dame de la Fleur with its stained-glass windows is well worth a visit. Please note that it is not always open, as there is a risk of damage. The story of the church’s construction tells of the appearance of celestial spirits to a Thorame shepherd, who marked the site of a chapel to be built in honor of Mary, eight kilometers from the village.
A rose plucked from the garden of heaven was left with the shepherd as an authentic sign of his vision, earning Mary the title of Our Lady of the Flower. Every year on Pentecost Monday, a procession takes the Virgin from the church of Thorame-haute to her shrine of the flower.

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