Sigoyer
On the A51 Highway, exit Sisteron North, then take the Gap direction, then Thèze, and then D4 and D654 heading to Sigoyer.
Population : 100 inhabitants, altitude : 832m.
Discover the small village of Sigoyer
From afar, the ruins of Sigoyer's impressive medieval castle are the first things that come into sight, standing on a promontory.
The "château" was once owned by the bishopric of Gap, although originally built as home to a marquis in 1719. The section that has now been restored is private property and is not open to visitors.
However access to the terrace is allowed. It affords a 360° panorama of the surrounding countryside in the Durance valley.
You can if you wish have a (respectful) look around the ruins, which are now just home to a colony of turtle doves ... and dream of yesteryear.
An interactive terminal on the church square will give you a 3D history lesson about the château, from its beginnings as a dungeon-tower erected in the Middle Ages to its destruction during the Revolution.
The terrace where the church is built also gives you a marvellous view, particularly from the small public garden below, where a wooden table surrounded by benches awaits ... and enormous patches of fragrant lavender.
Cypress and fir trees, hens and dogs, Sigoyer hesitates between a countryside and mountain atmosphere.
Old houses, a pretty bell tower and some fine Roman tile roofs, with the exception of its château Sigoyer has little heritage to offer...
Apart from a beautiful location, gentle rolling hills and rocky cliffs, exceptionally pure air, total tranquillity, a commanding view: what more could you ask for, to recharge the batteries ?
What to see
Ruins of a 13th century chateau.
Church of Notre-Damebuilt in 1643 and renovated in the 19th century.
Leisure activities
Hiking: Paths to Thèze, (1 hour 40 minutes) and Les Baudes (3 hours).
Equestrian centre.
Accomodations
Bed and breakfast.
Gite.