Dévoluy (or Dévoluy) is a town in the Hautes-Alpes, in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, about thirty kilometers north-west of Gap by road.
The town was officially created on 1 January 2013 following the merger of Agnières-en-Dévoluy, La Cluse, Saint-Disdier and Saint-Etienne-en-Dévoluy.
Its vast territory of 186 km² is bordered by Isère in the north and covers most of the Dévoluy massif, providing a link between the northern Alps and the southern Alps.
The altitude of the locality ranges from 950 to 2755 m, including the summit of the Obiou.
In addition to agriculture (sheep farming), the local economy now relies on the development of tourism, with the merger of winter sports resorts SuperDévoluy and Joue du Loup.
In a preserved environment and with a high quality historical heritage, Dévoluy deserves a stopover or a stay.
In terms of historical heritage, a visit to the new town must include what remains its jewel: the chapel of Gicons, also called "Mother Church", at the former village of Saint-Disdier. Classified as a Historical Monument in 1927, this small church was erected in the 11th or 12th century and the origin of its nickname remains unknown. Romanesque style, we notice its vault with three bays in semicircular arches and a semicircular apse. One of the sides has a chapel surmounted by a steeple. Redesigned several times, the abandoned building was restored. Beautiful frescoes are presented inside.
Also to be seen in La Cluse, a Romanesque style church which presents a deported belfry. The visit is worth for the stained glass window representing the apparition of Our Lady of Salette.
Another point of interest, to see at the end of a demanding hike, the plateau and the peak of Bure, at more than 2700 m of altitude, from which one profits from magnificent panoramic points of view and which was chosen to welcome in 1981 an observatory of the Institute of Millimetric Radio Astronomy which includes six huge circular antennas 15 m in diameter. The very spectacular installations that make it possible to pick up radio waves can not be visited.
Other natural sites and summits are popular hikers, such as the Noyer Pass, which is accessed by a road on an old mule track, the parade dug by the course of Souloise, accessible including a via ferrata reserved for climbing enthusiasts or the sources of Gillardes, the seconds of France in terms of flow. For hikers, maps and information on +33 4 92 58 91 91.
But most sports and leisure activities are now concentrated on the station Dévoluy.
Located between 1470 and 2500 m above sea level, its ski area offers 100 km of ski slopes (5 black, 14 red, 27 blue and 9 green) served by 23 lifts. Spaces dedicated to new snow are developed, and in terms of cross-country skiing, 15 km of trails are reserved. An antenna of the French Ski School offers individual lessons or group lessons of initiation or improvement. Information on +33 (0) 4 92 58 81 40. Price for the ski lifts: from € 28.90 and € 36.10 per day.
In summer, this family-friendly resort offers many opportunities for hiking, mountain bike and trail running (nature race), speleology courses (the area is famous for its cavities) and many cultural activities. Information on +33 4 92 58 91 91.
Every Thursday from mid-July to mid-August, in the "Mother Church" festival Music Dévoluy programs concerts in different styles (jazz, classical, Celtic...).
During the second week of August, the Zen'Attitude festival showcases local crafts and agriculture, as well as wellness-related activities such as yoga and sophrology.
