Ongles, Le Rocher and the ruins of Vière in Haute-Provence

Below the Lure mountain, Ongles brings together several places to explore: Le Rocher hamlet, the present village and the hilltop ruins of Vière. This photo report introduces these distinct parts of a quiet corner of Haute-Provence.

Le Rocher d’Ongles hamlet

Le Rocher d’Ongles offers an exceptional view in the light of Provence, a treasure for painters and photographers. A small hamlet of closely grouped houses on an isolated rock, with the top of the Montagne de Lure in the background, it glows in the light of the setting sun, in a landscape typical of Haute-Provence.

The present village and the hill of Vière

About two kilometres from Le Rocher lies the present village of Ongles, gathered around its 17th-century château. Above it, the hill of Vière preserves the remains of the medieval settlement and the Romanesque church of Saint-Barthélemy. Conservation work has taken place here: follow marked paths and respect any works areas.

From the 17th century onwards, residents gradually left the hilltop village, where fields were distant and water supplies difficult. Settlement spread across the plain and the hamlets. Vière was abandoned during the 19th century.

Planning your visit

Le Rocher and the present village are separate stops. The Maison d’histoire et de mémoire, in the château, recounts the arrival of Harki families in 1962; check opening arrangements with the tourist office. Wear walking shoes for Vière, where the terrain differs from the village streets.

Accommodation

Near Le Rocher stands the chapel of Notre-Dame, whose origins are Romanesque.

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Coming to Ongles

GPS coordinates 44°01'38'' N - 5°44'01'' E

Situation :627 meters above sea level, 350 inhabitants, 4 miles from Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues 7,5 miles from Mane, 8 miles from Banon, 8,5 miles from Forcalquier, 11 miles from Sigonce, 14 miles from Simiane-la-Rotonde, 21 miles from Manosque, 22 miles from Sisteron, 27 miles fromApt