Jarjayes: Village Culture and Views over the Durance Valley

Jarjayes, above the Durance Valley, offers village heritage and trails through the countryside south of Gap. If you are looking for accommodation, you can plan your stay around exploring the village and taking excursions. For a trip during the colder months, check current access and the conditions on your chosen trails in advance.

Key Facts

• The restored façade of the former church of Trois Châteaux overlooks the surrounding valleys.
• From Gap, the route leads over the Col de la Sentinelle.
• The Circuit des Bournas starts and ends in Jarjayes.
• The old church ruins on the Tréchâtel rock are closed to the public inside.
• Hiking trails of varying difficulty start from Jarjayes.

Village above the Durance Valley

The commune is bounded by the Luye and Avance rivers and lies above the Durance Valley. The route from Gap leads over the Col de la Sentinelle. The pass is especially popular with cyclists from the start of the warmer season. Check current road updates for your travel dates; in September 2026, the commune announced works on the Route du Col.

Church Ruins and Views

The former church of Trois Châteaux, with its carefully restored façade, is a landmark overlooking Jarjayes. The ruins of the Church of Saint-Thomas-Saint-Restitut stand above the village on the Tréchâtel rock. The tourist office describes a short climb from the village to the remains, which offer panoramic views and an orientation table. However, the gate at the entrance keeps the church interior closed; please respect this restriction.

Choose Trails to Suit the Season

The hiking options range from easy walking trails to more challenging routes. The Circuit des Bournas is a circular route that starts and ends in Jarjayes. Check the specific route and conditions before choosing a hike. For a winter stay, when choosing accommodation, take account of the actual access to your planned activities, and do not assume that a general hiking trail is maintained as a winter trail.

More destinations: Serres, Les Vigneaux, Risoul, La Freissinouse, Vars, Aspremont, Saint-Eusèbe-En-Champsaur, Ceillac.

Back to the main travel guide: Hautes-Alpes.