Saint Jacques Chapel in Châteauroux-les-Alpes
Cultural and historical site
10 min
view point
Site history
This chapel was built between the 12th and 13th centuries. It is built in a style that can be found in other religious monuments in the Upper Durance Valley.
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8058)
Path to the Chapel of Saint Jacques in Châteauroux-les-Alpes
The Chapel of Saint James is oriented on an east-west axis, with the chancel facing east, thus schematically representing the location of the city of Jerusalem.
Description
The gable end of the entrance wall and the wall supporting the bell tower, as well as the bell tower itself, are covered with wide flagstones that extend beyond the walls.
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8059)
Chapel of Saint Jacques in Châteauroux-les-Alpes
Contrary to their current appearance, the exterior facades were originally coated with a light ochre whitewash.
The bell tower stands at the same height as the triumphal arch. Formerly, the bell was rung directly from the chancel by a rope that passed through the roof vault.
The chancel is covered by a semi-dome vault. The nave is now covered by a simple timber roof. One might wonder, however, if the original roof structure was not more elaborate.
Opposite the single entrance, a centrally positioned window illuminates the high altar. The double splay of this window is constructed of dressed cargneule stone.
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8062)
Apse of the Saint Jacques Chapel in Châteauroux-les-Alpes
Access by car
We are in the upper Durance Valley, upstream from Embrun and the Lake Serre-Ponçon. Coming from the south, you usually pass through Sisteron and Gap before following the Durance River.
About 5 kilometers northeast of Embrun, leave the N94 at the Châteauroux-les-Alpes exit, but turn left very quickly, following the sign towards the Vague de Rabioux on the Durance. The road gets immediately poor and narrow. It runs alongside the main road for 500 meters, then the way towards the Durance begins on the Chemin sous le Roc.
The small road is initially flat and even climbs slightly. After a few minutes, it makes a sharp right turn, and the real descent begins. Shortly after, there is a left turn, and after about 200 meters, you will find a farm track and a field on the left. You must stop here.
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8061)
Empty nave of the Saint Jacques Chapel in Châteauroux-les-Alpes
Parking site
There is no proper parking lot, you park at the access to the field. The chapel is visible from below.
We simply go up the farm track to the chapel.
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8063)
The Saint Jacques Chapel and the starting point at the road
For a better view of the valley and surrounding mountains, you can continue in line with the chapel for about 30 meters.
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8064)
Apse of the Chapel of Saint Jacques, Mont Guillaume and the Roche Aiguë
Access by public transport
The site is not accessible by public transport.
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8065)
Tête de Clotinaille and Tête de Fouran
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8066)
The Durance Valley below Châteauroux-les-Alpes
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8060)
Plan of the Saint Jacques Chapel in Châteauroux-les-Alpes
No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the author. (id8057)
The Saint Jacques Chapel in Châteauroux-les-Alpes seen from the New Rabioux Campsite