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Double dial of the Refuge

Val-des-Prés
Double dial of the Refuge - © C.LE CORRE / OTHV
  • Double dial of the Refuge - © Service Tourisme de Val des Prés

The Refuge's double sundial is the only one of its kind in the Clarée Valley! With two dials, facing east and south, it tells the time all day long.

Description

The east facade has the morning sundial, while the south wall has the afternoon sundial. This allows the solar time to be read throughout the day.
These two corner sundials date back to 1740, one of which was repainted in 1932.

The motto is written in Latin: “Ad solem vertitur umbra, forte tua.” This can be translated into English as: “The shadow is turned by the sun; perhaps this is your last hour.”

The decoration is similar to the Regency style, which was in vogue from 1715 to 1723, when the Kingdom of France was ruled by the regent Philippe d'Orléans. The hour table is framed by yellow ochre curves and volutes. In the lower part, there are foliage scrolls and stylized flower buds between each volute.

Spoken languages

  • French

Location

Double dial of the Refuge
23, Route de la Clarée Le Rosier 05100 Val-des-Prés
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