Just a few kilometers from the Gîtes du Château de la Robine, the Descoure valley, in the commune of Barles, offers a unique experience where nature, geology, and contemporary art converge.
Here, there are no traditional museums or exhibition halls: the artworks are discovered on foot, at the pace of the landscape.
When art engages in dialogue with the mountain
For several years, the Digne region has been home to the Mountain Art Collection, a joint project of the Musée Gassendi and CAIRN. The principle is simple: to invite artists to create directly within the landscape, revealing the region in a new light.
Among them, herman de vries holds a special place.
A Dutch artist with a passion for nature and a former botanist, he has developed an approach where the artwork does not seek to transform the place but rather to reveal it. For him, nature is already a creation in itself.
The works of Herman de Vries: opening our eyes
In the Descoure valley and more broadly around Barles, herman de vries’s installations invite us to slow down.
The artist plays with the elements already present: rock, topography, time, and materials. His approach is less about adding something than about drawing attention to what is already there.
His works function as vantage points: they allow us to see the mountain and its geological history in a new light.
One of the artist’s best-known creations in the area is “The Windows,” an installation that symbolically opens up views onto different geological layers and reminds us that these landscapes tell the story of millions of years.
A stroll amidst silence, art and nature
Discovering the works of herman de vries is also choosing a different way to experience Haute-Provence.
The Descoure valley offers a wild, mineral, and soothing atmosphere. Walking becomes an invitation to observe details, listen to the silence, and take your time.
Whether you’re a contemporary art enthusiast, a hiking aficionado, or simply curious to discover the region in a new light, this outing offers a unique experience far from the usual tourist routes.
From the Gîtes du Château de la Robine
Staying at the Gîtes du Château de la Robine in Galabre offers easy access to explore the Descoure valley and the cultural and natural treasures of Barles.
An ideal getaway for alternating moments of relaxation, discovering local heritage, and immersing yourself in the heart of the Haute-Provence landscapes.
More information : https://www.tourisme-alpes-haute-provence.com/visites-et-musees/6883164_barles-les-fenetres-dherman-de-vries
