Circuit N°5 -110 kms
From Ardèche river to
valley of the Rhône
ALBA-LA-ROMAINE
:
200 m. Listed as one of " France's loveliest village
" and " village full of character". Capital of the
“Helvie” primitive name of the Ardèche. Flourishing
Roman city then bishopric untill the 5th c.
Gallo-Roman vestiges. Remains of a theatre.
Sarcophagi. Forum. Ruins of the Roche rampart. Very
picturesque medieval alleys. The castle built on a
volcanic neck is a stately building of the early
17th c dominating the village.16th c church.
Arts and craft - exhibitions - numerous Roman
excavations - Milestone
VALVIGNERES
:
180 m. Named "Vallis Vinaria" because of the
numerous vineyards representing 90% of its resources.
Towers and ramparts. 12th c romanesque church. 15th
c Bonas' house with its mullioned windows, where the
peace treaty was signed between the catholics and
the protestants in 1589.
SAINT-THOME
:
67 m. Feudal castle (private property) - the church
(east side) – 11th c St Sebastien Chapel St Thomé,
rated amongst France’s historic sites, tortuous
alleyways, vaults.
VIVIERS-SUR-RHONE
:
. 71 m. Third protected historic zone in Rhone-Alpes.
Viviers has, for 15 centuries; been the bishops'
residency. Capital of the Vivarais. Viviers can be
visited like an open air museum because each
historic period is engraved in its stones.
Roman period : Roman bridge
Middle Ages : Building of ramparts – 12th c
cathedral alleyways, Carolingian donjon.
The Renaissance : Noël Albert's house -
Embellishment of numerous houses. 18th c century:
Seminary - Episcopal palace - Mansions.
We suggest that you come and discover the hidden
secrets of Viviers, city of Art and History.
LE TEIL :
75 m. Gateway to southern Ardèche. Redeveloped town
centre - Relaxed atmosphere, nice place to stay.
Places to visit : Melas romanesque church- listed as
a Historic monument: one of France’s mosst ancient
churches (9th c) with its baptistery dating even
further back. Don't miss the old streets "Rue
Kléber" with its mansions and ancient houses.
Extensive view of the whole Rhône valley.
CRUAS :
82 m. Village located between the Rhône and the
Mountain, it has been lived in since the Gallo Roman
period and was built on the major road between North
and South. The 12th c Abbey church is one of the
most beautiful jewels of roman religious art of the
Rhône valley. Centre d'art et d'Histoire André
Auclair.
AUBIGNAS :
245 m. 11th c romanesque church - The old medieval
village is encircled by ramparts still exceptionally
well-preserved. Collection of medieval parchments,
one of which dating back to 1306.
VALVIGNERES
: 180 m. Appelée “Vallis Vinaria”,
en raison de nombreux vignobles qui représentent
plus de 90% des ressources. Tours et remparts. Eglise
romane du XIIème S. Maison de Bonas du XVème
S. (fenêtres à meneaux) où fut
signé le traité de paix en 1589 entre
catholiques et protestants.
