Tallard
15 km South of Gap via the N85 or the D900B roads.
Discover the village of Tallard in the Durance plain
Population : 1,345 inh. - Altitude : 604 m.
Tallard is a large village on the Durance plain, and is an absolute must, especially because of its medieval château, an imposing structure perched on its rocky spur and still in very good condition, overlooking the Durance and the village.
In the 14th century it was a "Seigneury of the princes d'Orange”, and over the centuries it has gone through several hands, from the knights of Saint-John of Jerusalem to the Hostuns, and then the Clermont-Tonnerres.
The château was ransacked in 1692 by the Duke of Savoy, and its partial restoration only began in 1957 when it was purchased by the local municipality.
The marble slabs, stained glass windows, coats of arms, statues, French style ceiling decorations, mullion windows, fireplaces, etc. are all remnants of a glorious past to admire when you visit the chapel, built in the flamboyant gothic style, the guardroom and the seigneurial home.
Gourmets will of course know that Tallard is one of the highlights on the Fruit and Wine Trail.la Route des Fruits et des Vins.Thanks to strong sunshine and the considerable differences in daytime and night-time temperatures, apples, pears and peaches of excellent quality are cultivated here in abundance.
Enjoy them by all means, preferably accompanied by a glass of the local wine !
What to see
Tallard château, 14th-16th century, historical monument: guided tours, exhibitions,
noctural light shows and medieval paegants(contact the Mairie at Tallard : +33 4 92 54 10 14).
The Château Grounds and its ancient trees, listed in 1958.
The Céüse massif and its piemont plain.
Leisure activities
Waymarked footpath (to Saint-Abdon mountain).
Equestrian centre: Shetland ponies, excursions, treks lasting several days.
In the area around Tallard:
The Céüse massif, at the foot of the village of Sigoyer, and its rocky cliff renowned worldwide in the climbing fraternity (Climbing routes and learning boulders, Via ferrata).
Pic de Céüse (2,016 m).
Hiking, Mountain-biking and pony-trekking departing from Sigoyer, Pelleautier, La Freissinouse, to Barcillonnette, Jarjayes.
Cross-country skiing itineraries and two ski lifts at Col des Guérins.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Restaurants.
In the surrounding area :
Hotel-restaurant (regional cuisine) at Esparron.
Inn at Fouillouse (local and gourmet cuisine).
Restaurant at Jarjayes (Local cuisine).
Hotel-restaurant and restaurants at La Freissinouse.
Inn at Pelleautier..
Inn at Vitrolles.
One "discovery farm" at Col de Jarjayes.
Campsite.