Rocher d'Ongles and Ongles in Haute Provence

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.

About a mile from the Rocher d’Ongles lies the village of Ongles, built around a 17th century castle, at the foot of the hill of Vière where the original medieval village stood. The ancient village is now completely ruined. The hill is crowned at the top by the remnants of the church of Saint-Barthélemy, dating from the 12th century. A fairly easy path leads to the site among the oaks and olive trees growing over the ruined houses.

From the 17th century the inhabitants left the old village, too far from the fields and where the water supply was difficult, they dispersed into the plain, forming the current hamlets. Vière was finally abandoned completely at the end of the 19th century.

Accommodation

• Bed and breakfast near Ongles and the Montagne de Lure on the website of B&B of Provence

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