Montfort

Discover the hilltop village of Montfort in the Alpes de Haute Provence

Vertiginously perched above the Durance plain, like an impregnable fortress behind its ramparts, Montfort catches the eye and arouses interest from afar. Once you've climbed to the parking lot at the top of the village, you'll be well placed to admire the remains of a fort - from which the village undoubtedly takes its name.

Old stones and Romanesque church

Up here, a pause is in order, to enjoy the majestic panorama over the village below - old stones, Roman tiles and the Romanesque bell tower of Sainte Madeleine church - and over the vast plain, cultivated fields, cypress trees and sparkling river: it's a safe bet that you'll fall in love with Montfort straight away!

A superb medieval village

And you won't be disappointed when you take the stairs down into the village: cool alleyways lined with low dry-stone houses, a perched church with a beautiful Romanesque bell tower, terraces and flower gardens... The village, built around a series of dizzying staircases, exudes an incredibly intimate, medieval atmosphere, and boasts a marvellous architectural heritage. It's also a marvel of Provencal nature: fig, olive, cypress, lavender, laurel, succulents and climbing vines.

Saint Donat chapel

Tucked away in a lonely valley between Peyruis and Montfort (on the D101 road), the 11th-century Romanesque chapel of Saint Donat is a historic monument not to be missed. It is said to be the oldest church in Provence! The chapel's structure is impressive: a transept rare in Haute-Provence, three vaulted apsidioles and a majestic nave culminating at over 12 meters. Its pure architecture reveals the beauty of early Provencal Romanesque art. Every year in September, a traditional pilgrimage gathers local residents around the Saint Donat chapel.

Beautiful hikes on the Montagne de Lure

The GR653, Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, takes you from Montfort to the crests of the Montagne de Lure. A signposted 12-kilometer route with 800 meters of ascent awaits walkers. Hikers will particularly appreciate the path linking the village to the beautiful viewpoints of the Montagne de Lure ridges. This 6-hour loop offers exceptional views of the Durance valley and the Pre-Alps. You can also take a walk on Mont de la Louvière or Côteaux de Ponfige.

Our map of Monfort (postal code 04600, Provence, France)

To find your way around Monfort, you can use our village map on this page. We've included all the points of interest in the village of Montfort (town hall, church, etc.) and in the surrounding area (Chapelle Saint Donat, Montagne de Lure), as well as our recommendations for accommodation in the commune.