Sigonce seduces with its picturesque charm and its exceptional location. In the center of the village, the village and its bell tower, at the southern exit of the village, the church of Saint-Claude, preceded by a vineyard enclosure, is remarkable for its slate roof.
Description
In front of the church, the old mill is clearly identifiable thanks to the miller's head wearing his cap, topped with a grain measure.
It was in 1206 that Sigonce was first mentioned as such.
Its occupation dates back to antiquity, and some archaeological traces even date back to prehistory.
Sigonce's location made it a popular site for Forcalquier, who made it his hunting reserve before giving the village to the priory of Ganagobie. The Saint-Claude church dates from this period.
The village has two other chapels and a castle.
Its history is heavily influenced by the 19th-century mining industry, commissioned by Louis Philippe, then King of France. The lime kilns, which can still be seen today, were modernized. At the same time, a cut stone quarry and a silkworm farm were opened.
Although these activities ended in 1960, they helped shape the village we know today.
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Things to do
visit of the village: Saint-Claude church (late 14th century) and its stone roof, belfry and its bell tower, miller's house, castle (1502), fountain and wash house
dovecotes from the 16th to the 20th century
Château de Bel Air (not open to visitors) 16th and 17th centuries on a medieval base
hiking routes (PR) to Revest-Saint-Martin, Pierrerue
VTC, VTT, VAE circuits tour of the Forcalquier region by bike
producer:
Éliane Desblache, beekeeper - Alexis Pellegrin, goat cheese
Where to eat?
L'Amandier restaurant
the Mine café (must reopen)
Where to sleep? The houses of Chante-oiseau
see the accommodation guide