The building resembles a roadside ruin, but this is one of the oldest churches in the region, dating back to the 5th century! Today only the chancel remains.

Site history

The building has decorated stones from the Gallo-Roman era and early Christian tombs have been found around the church. So the church can be assigned to the 5th century. However, it was built on top of an even older, non-Christian temple. Originally there was a church tower next to the church, as is often seen in Piedmont. Such a church tower testifies that there was a permanent settlement around it.

The church was abandoned from the 6th century during the turmoil of the migration of peoples. Between 1000 and 1452 it was a parish church, from then there is a church in the village center of Saint-Crépin.

The special feature, which enabled an approximate dating, is the double spiral. It is a symbol of life and time.

Access by public transport

The nearest stop is on the main road under Saint-Crépin. Take the number 69 or 541 bus on the Zou! (only french) network. Trains no longer stop in Saint-Crépin.

From the bus stop we look for a field path that runs parallel to the road. Here we head north (Briançon), after a few minutes the path branches off the main road, bypassing a small hill. The small church is placed on it. You can climb from different sides, but the main access is from the north.

The map on this page shows this route.

Access by car

In the Durance valley, look for Saint-Crépin, the town is about halfway between Briançon to the north and Embrun to the south.

Approaching from the north, we pass under the village of Pra Reboul. After 500 meters there is a bridge and a long straight section, at the end of which we see the village of Saint-Crépin. We drive past the junction to a garden center (horticulture) and at the next exit onto a gravel road we are at our destination. You can recognize the place by the large trees on the right side of the road. The church is right behind it.

Coming from the south, you pass the roundabout below the village of Saint-Crépin. 300 meters further on, pass the Église Vieille and a cross on the right. Shortly after that, you have to turn left, turning almost 180 degrees. With the heavy traffic on the N94 this is a bit of a problem.

There is a car park north of the chapel.