Sainte-Luce

The Sainte Luce site is located on a flat part of the Monlaud mountain, at an altitude of 920 m, about 1 km west of the Col d'Oure, and is the site of a pre- and protohistoric settlement explored before 1910 by Messrs Catelan and Muller, in 1964-67 by M. Gras, and more recently by the Centre d'Archéologie Préhistorique de Valence. This is one of the richest archaeological sites in the Baronnies, where numerous objects (everyday utensils, tools, etc.) have been found, testifying to constant occupation from the Neolithic period (-6500 a) to antiquity (Iron Age, -750 to -52). Most of these objects are now on display at the Musée d'Archéologie et d'Histoire in Nyons.
Human occupation continued into the Middle Ages, with a rural priory probably being established here from the 8th century onwards. The ancient church of Sainte Luce, now in ruins, had a plan similar to that of the Notre-Dame de Beauvert church in Sainte-Jalle, albeit on a smaller scale. Its Latin cross base, some 20 m long, is still clearly visible on the site. The edifice comprised a three-bay nave and a projecting transept opening onto three semi-circular apses; the north transept is prolonged by a quadrangular mass, on which a bell tower may have stood. Remains of pilasters leaning against the nave's side walls indicate that the entire edifice was originally vaulted.
The occulus at Sainte Luce is a 1 m-diameter hole cut into the rocky outcrop to the north of the plateau. The sun can be seen through this hole around noon (solar time) on the winter solstice, at a spot near the Grange Neuve farm in the commune of Bésignan. This occulus may bear witness to a very ancient solar cult. Another such oculus can be seen near Rosans (Hautes-Alpes).

How to get there:
From the Col d'Ey (above Buis-les-Baronnies): take the yellow-marked path leading east from the paragliding site towards the Col d'Oure. The trail runs along the rock face overlooking the Ennuyé valley. After about 2.5km, look for a trailhead on the right, marked by yellow gravel. This trail leads directly to the site. But be careful! The slope is sometimes steep, and the rock is slippery in wet weather.
From the hamlet of Autane (commune of Vercoiran): follow the yellow-marked path west through the village to the Col d'Oure. After the pass, take the left-hand path towards Col d'Ey. Walk about 1km to find the trailhead.

Themes

• Historic patrimony
• Religious heritage
• Ruins and remains
• Archeological site
• Chapel
• Religious site