Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne combines protected natural surroundings, rural-mountain architecture and evidence of the area’s history. Those choosing Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne as a travel destination can specifically search for a holiday apartment to rent.
Nature and trails
More than 60 % of the municipality of Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne lies within two Natura 2000 sites of special conservation. Within the municipality, the “Dévoluy – Durbon – Charance – Champsaur” Natura 2000 site covers 3,537 hectares.
The GR® 94 passes through Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne; there are also several paths for walks. The natural climbing site of La Rochette has 10 sport climbing routes with grades ranging from 6b to 7c.
Village and culture
The municipal Promenade découverte leads through the main street and the Andrones. It conveys the village’s rural-mountain architecture and its close connection with the Chartreuse de Durbon.
The Écomusée is located in the former presbytery. The exhibition presents Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne from the 19th century to the eve of the First World War and also includes a 26-minute documentary and models of the Chartreuse de Durbon and a sawmill. Visits are possible by prior appointment with the municipal administration.
The parish church of Sainte-Blaise houses the painting “L’Assomption de la Vierge” by Philippe de Champaigne, which is listed as a historic monument. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Beaumugnes was rebuilt in 1759 and later restored with frescoes and stained-glass windows.
The Chapelle de Vaunières is dedicated to Saint Peter and is located in the hamlet of Vaunières, 6 km from Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne. Its restored stained-glass windows were created by Maurice Noyer. The bell bears the mark “insignae Fabricae Durbonis” of the Durbon Carthusian foundry.
History
The Chartreuse de Durbon was founded in 1116 in the hamlet of Durbon, 6 km northeast of Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne. It is a former charterhouse and one of the first four charterhouses of the Carthusian Order. The metallurgical complex of the Chartreuse de Durbon is considered an important site in the history of metallurgical techniques.
The Beaumugnes festival takes place at Pentecost. The Circuit du Beauchêne makes it possible to visit the village and its hamlets, which are associated with the writer Jean Giono’s holiday stays. La Rochette features the remains of a medieval castle dating from the 12th century; the tower may originally have served as a watchtower.
Local life
The Marché de Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne offers stalls from local producers and craftspeople on the Place de la Mairie. From 30 June to 1 September 2026, it takes place on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. as a summer evening market featuring local products.
Créations du Bochaine is a shop in Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne offering goods made from French natural fibres as well as local products from food and craft producers.
Other places: Neffes, La Saulce, Réotier, Saint-Martin-De-Queyrières, Les Vigneaux, Les Orres, L'argentière-La-Bessée, La Chapelle-En-Valgaudémar
