Viewpoints
Ahhh Rhône Crussol...with its gently sloping hillsides, ridges and valleys. In Ardèche, off the beaten track, yet easily accessible, the views will take your breath away. This stunning area boasts diverse landscapes. Reach for the heights and get away from it all with a magnificent and natural backdrop and the secrets it conceals.
Alboussière, ridge and rural village
Explore the trails on foot or by mountain bike and take a breath of fresh air. We recommend setting off from Rosières hamlet, which affords exceptional vistas over Alboussière village. On this trail that overlooks the Rhône valley and the Ardèche countryside, you will also see Crozat Château – noted for its slate turrets. The local area is steeped in history. To make your hike easier, check out our hiking platform or the Rando des Crêtes booklet.
Boffres
At the top of the village, you will find the ruins of the medieval castle, of which only one part of the circular dungeon in pink granite remains, as well as a charming Roman church. An orientation table guides visitors on the hilltop. The views over the Rhône valley, the surrounding hills and part of the Alpine Massif are breathtaking. Boffres makes for an exceptionally beautiful hike.
Champis
Immerse yourself in tranquil countryside. Enjoy lunch surrounded by a curtain of greenery. Take a walk and discover inspiring and revitalising nature trails, just 20 minutes from the murmur of the Rhône valley. When in Champis, don’t miss a chance to discover the surrounding villages of Alboussière, Boffres, Saint-Romain-de-Lerps and Saint-Sylvestre. Nature, in all of its splendour.
Charmes-sur-Rhône
The medieval streets lead you from the village square to the top of the village. You’ll enjoy a charming stroll and views over the Rhône and the ViaRhôna cycle route. Take time out to enjoy a gourmet escapade in one of our partner restaurants: le Carré d'Alethius (one Michelin Star) or l'Ardoise Bleue.
Châteaubourg, the Route des Royes
The Royes, is in some ways a local vineyard version of the legendary South of France, Route de La Corniche. It winds and zigzags through breathtaking scenery. The steep, tiered terraces form dizzying botanical waves that challenge winegrowers each year. 8 hectares of vines grow here on slopes that run alongside an incredibly picturesque asphalt track. One of Saint-Joseph’s shrines!
The three chapels of Cornas
Don’t miss a chance to discover a different facet of Cornas vineyard. Does a journey through time and sumptuous scenery surrounding the granite arena of this prestigious vineyard sound tempting?
In the north of the town, Mûre chapel, noted for its famous black virgin, marks the start of a must-do walk among the vines. Follow the AOC Cornas path via Pied La Vigne to Chaillot. The path climbs and snakes its way through the vines, offering superb views over the village nestled at the foot of the vines. At Thézier chapel, the entire AOC Cornas estate comes into view. If you continue the walk up to Saint-Pierre chapel, you will find yourself at the highest point of this ancestral wine-growing estate and see the Rhône River winding its way through the landscape as far as the eye can see, and further still, the Alpine foothills.
Saint-Georges-les-Bains vistas
In this charming perched village, located to the south of Rhône Crussol, you’ll discover several viewpoints. From the village, take the former spa road and discover the ruins of Saint-Marcel de Crussol in the valley that comes into view. The Vercors Range, including the emblematic 3 Becs Mountain, are also visible from the forest that belongs to the village. To get there, follow the signs for Planèze, then the hiking trail markings. Once there, you will see a windfarm (visits are occasionally provided), as well as many Mediterranean plant species and vertiginous vistas.
Saint-Péray, at the summit of Crussol Château
A majestic, 11th century building, Crussol Château stands proudly on its rocky outcrop, overlooking the Rhône Valley and the Ardèche hills right up to the Vercors Mountains. Stroll through the ruins of this impressive medieval citadel, take some unforgettable photos and succumb to the grandeur. This medieval and natural site has something for everyone. Don’t miss a chance to visit this unique landmark.
Saint-Romain-de-Lerps, Le Pic panoramic viewpoint
Culminating at 649 m, this 360° panoramic viewpoint is a former strategic, military and religious site. The observatory provides views over 13 departments located between the Rhône Valley and Provence’s foothills. On a clear day, you can even see the snow-covered peaks of Mont Blanc.
At Le Pic, you can also visit a 10th century Roman chapel. The chapel has been made easily accessible. A thematic trail with information signs enables visitors to better grasp the significance of this wonderful heritage.
Soyons Massif
At the peak of the Crussol-Soyons massif, noted for its protected biodiversity and a Sensitive Natural Area and Natura 2000 site, you will discover the leaning tower and its views over the Rhône Valley. Listed in the French historical monuments register, the tower dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It was part of the original medieval fortifications and leans due to the village’s destruction by Royal troops in 1629.
In springtime, rare and protected orchids bloom (picking them is forbidden), providing a beautiful natural spectacle around the tower and across the massif.
Toulaud
Small, steep climbs, steps, stone façades, mullioned windows...the authenticity is very much tangible and the surrounding countryside is incredibly beautiful. The old town is perched on a hillside. In summer, the infinite rapeseed, wheat and sunflower fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a riot of colour.
