Creisset

Creisset is a ghost village in the commune of Beynes, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, now reduced to stone ruins scattered through forest above the Asse river valley. It draws hikers curious about abandoned Provençal settlements and anyone looking for a demanding trail with genuine historical depth near Digne-les-Bains.

Where is Creisset and how do you get there?

The ruins sit on the left bank of the Asse river, in the Montdenier massif, roughly 13 km southeast of Digne-les-Bains. The trailhead is the village of Beynes (elevation around 793 m), reached via the N85 road from Digne, about 19 km away. From Beynes, the path climbs through woodland, crosses the Asse on a footbridge, and follows yellow trail markers through scrubland up to the ruins of the old village.

What will you actually see there?

Along the way you'll come across the remains of a castle and the old village houses, inhabited as recently as the early 20th century. Two hamlets once stood near the main settlement — Villard Haut and Villard Bas — both now equally in ruins. The return leg passes the ruins of Chandres before dropping back down through forest near the Valbonette climbing crag. The full loop runs about 9.6 km, gains roughly 475 m of elevation, and takes around 3 hours 30 minutes — rated as a hard, red-graded route.

Why was the village abandoned?

Creisset had been losing population for decades before it finally emptied out: by 1901 it had already lost more than half the residents it had at its 1851 peak. The First World War delivered the final blow, and the village stood empty by the time the depopulated commune was formally merged into neighboring Beynes on 8 September 1925. During the Second World War, the Asse valley around Creisset served as operating ground for the Fort-de-France Resistance maquis, adding another layer of history to the ruins you walk past today.

When should you plan your visit?

Given the elevation gain and the overgrown sections of trail, spring and autumn are the best windows — temperatures are milder than the height of Provençal summer, and the scrub is easier to push through. Sturdy hiking boots are worth packing, since the terrain is rocky and uneven for long stretches and part of the route runs through dense woodland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hike to Creisset? The loop from Beynes to the Creisset ruins and back is about 9.6 km, with 475 m of elevation gain, taking roughly 3 hours 30 minutes.

Is the trail difficult? Yes, it's rated hard (red level) and calls for decent fitness and proper footwear given the rocky, uneven ground.

What exactly is left to see at Creisset? Ruins of a former castle and village houses, plus the remnants of two hamlets, Villard Haut and Villard Bas, both abandoned in the early 1900s.

Where does the trail start? At the village of Beynes, reachable via the N85 road from Digne-les-Bains, about 19 km away.