Arlebosc can be explored through several specific themes: the Mastrou at the Viaduc du Banchet, historic buildings and routes along the Doux. The Doux River runs through the area. The Mastrou crosses the Viaduc du Banchet, as do the VĂ©lorails. Both activities are seasonal. Mastrou services follow the timetable, while reservations also matter for the VĂ©lorails. Check the timetable and reservation conditions before planning your stay around them.
Village history and sacred art
The Château de Chazotte was built in the early 17th century on the site of a manor house dating from the 14th century, and follows the design principles of Renaissance architecture. In 1981, its façades, roofs, entrance gate and door were added to the supplementary inventory of France’s historic monuments. Another feudal castle stands in the centre of the village; its construction is believed to date to the 14th century.
The village church was built in 1845 in the neo-Romanesque style, with a round arch and a square bell tower. The Museum of Sacred Art is housed in the private chapel of the de Chazotte family, which opens onto the church choir. Exhibits include liturgical vestments and other religious objects. According to visitor information, admission to the church and museum is free; the church is listed as open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round. Check opening hours locally before planning your visit.
Choose hiking and cycling routes by difficulty
The Circuit des châteaux is an 11.7-kilometre hiking route with 420 metres of ascent; the stated duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes. The route starts in the market square and initially follows yellow-and-white markings. It links the banks of the Doux, fruit-growing areas and the Bois Madame forest. This gives you both a time estimate and specific route details for planning.
Le Banchet also starts and ends in the market square. This difficult mountain-bike loop is 24.1 kilometres long, with 923 metres of ascent. It passes through chestnut groves and crosses the Doux at a ford, providing a refreshing stop. Check the water level before using the ford. If you want to compare two cycling loops by their demands, you can also consider Arlebosc par le Doux: this moderately difficult loop starts at the town hall square, is 24.0 kilometres long and has 608 metres of ascent. Its paved surface leads from the banks of the Doux to the Col du Perrier; there is a viewpoint before the descent into the Doux valley. The loops are almost the same length, but differ in their stated elevation gain and difficulty.
History trails and other ideas for things to see
Les archives cachées d'Arlebosc is a history-themed activity with 21 cards across three routes: one walking route and two routes by car or electric bike. The game box is available from the tourist offices in Tournon-sur-Rhône, Tain-l'Hermitage, Saint-Félicien and Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse. Missing cards can be requested from the post office or Arlebosc town hall; check where they are available before travelling. Another option in the historic centre is Le trésor perdu de l'école buissonnière, a free treasure hunt available through the Baludik app.
The interpretation trail at the Château de Chazotte is open year-round; information is available from Arlebosc town hall. Check local visitor arrangements before setting off. If you would like to plan your stay around a festival, La Reboule takes place on the last Sunday in August, although the date may change in exceptional years.
Discover more destinations: Pourchères, Lanarce, Coucouron, Saint-Martial, Gilhac-Et-Bruzac, Saint-Vincent-De-Barrès, Meyras, Saint-Christol.
Go to the main travel guide: Ardèche.
