Lapeyre hiking circuit « Un chemin, une école »

This path which is suitable for all invites you to stroll along the two banks of the river Sorgues and explore the unexpected heritage offered by the village of Lapeyre, in the heart of a rural open valley.Park your car on the parking lot alongside the road D 7 and head eastward on the road D92. Walk past the plant, leave to your left the water supply canal of the plant and carry straight on. Notice the old washing place to your left. Walk across the bridge over the Sorgues, leave the path that goes to the right and continue straight ahead. After the cross and before the brook, take to the right the ascending path towards the graveyard.Reach the graveyard where you will be able to look at the ancient Saint-Caprais church, the grave of Lord Byron’s daughter, Medorah Leigh. The scenic viewpoint over the bend of the valley and the village of Saint-Sauveur with its ancient church is worth admiring. Retrace your steps back to the road D 92 and the village. Before the bridge, turn left at the signboard indicating    « Lapeyre ».Walk along the left bank of the river. Notice the gardens situated bellow to the right and also the rock shelter in tufa limestone that nestles a Virgin Mary (« Lourdes »). Observe the specific wetland vegetation and in winter, the ice stalactites. Follow the alley lined with box trees which is called a buissière. Take the footbridge that spans over the Bourgatte ravine (temporary brook). Leave the path that leads to St-Affrique to the left.Walk across the Pont Vieux over the river Sorgues. Take the road to the right (right bank of the river) towards the village. Notice the oak trees on the right side of the road, and walk into the village.Take the street on your right. Immediately after, turn right in the rue du Roussel and make your way down towards the Saint-Sauveur square on the river edge. Watch the remains of the ancient Saint-Sauveur church which was directly built on a rock basement (la peyre in the Occitan language), hence the name of the village. Proceed your way on the square, along the river bank. Walk up towards the village by the street on the left and carry on your stroll. Walk through a small archway, and admire the perspective over the bell tower of the current church. Notice the ancient presbytery, then walk across the square and take the vaulted passage. Leave the Roussel street to the left.Head straight on towards the church. Once in front of the religious building, walk past to the right and look at the frontage opposite the church. This facade is the ancient castle with its mullioned windows. Walk past the church and take to the left to reach the car park.