Beaulieu brings together prehistoric sites, church architecture, marked trails and activities involving farms and horses. Its 56 dolmens point to human presence from the Late Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age, around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can plan your visit around your interests: archaeology, hiking, horseback riding or local products.
Dolmens, Church and Chapels
The Dolmen du Bois des Roches is fully protected as a historic monument; it was designated on April 18, 1914. Together with the 56 dolmens that attest to Beaulieu’s long prehistoric presence, it offers a tangible starting point for exploring the area’s archaeology.
The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption also has a long history: the first references to the church and the adjoining presbytery date back at least to the 13th century. The Chapelle Saint-Régis aux Divols was built around 1850 by the family that also gave its name to the hamlet. In Bonnemontesse, the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs was built around 1800 on the initiative of the Ressayre family. Each site therefore has its own distinct history and connection to local families and hamlets.
A pilgrimage and a country-style feast are traditionally held at the Chapelle Saint-Régis aux Divols on June 16. A pilgrimage followed by a neighbourhood meal is traditionally held at the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs on Good Friday. If you’d like to plan your trip around either event, confirm the date in advance.
Hiking, Cycling and Horseback Riding
Some of Beaulieu’s dolmens are easy to see from marked hiking trails. The circular trail “Les dolmens – Les Divols – Beaulieu (No. 63A)” starts in Les Mourgues in Beaulieu. It’s suitable for families; along the way, you can see the Dolmen des Divols and the Dolmen des Abrits. Check trail conditions and access before setting out.
For cyclists, the sixth stage of the Grande Traversée de l’Ardèche VTT runs through Beaulieu on its way from Les Vans to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. The stage is 34.6 kilometres long and can be ridden every day year-round; check conditions before setting off. The two activities differ in format: the circular route is a hiking trail, while the cycling stage is a longer connection between the places mentioned.
The Bonnemontesse equestrian centre offers riding lessons for children aged 6 to 17 and adults aged 18 and over. The Centre équestre et poney-club de Bonnemontesse also offers recreational and competitive riding with horses and ponies. If you’d like to spend several days in the saddle, ask about the trail rides organised by the equestrian centre: they last at least three days and take you through the Monts d’Ardèche and the Cévennes. Confirm availability before booking.
Farm Visits and Goat Cheese
La Ferme des Divols offers self-guided visits where visitors can pet goats and meet other farm animals. The farm produces several goat’s milk cheeses, including Rouleau de Beaulieu, sarrietton, pyramide, bouchon and tomme. The public can buy products directly from the farm. If you’re visiting or planning to shop, check in advance whether the farm shop is open.
When choosing when to travel, it makes a difference whether you mainly want to see the dolmens and historic buildings or plan to attend one of the pilgrimages: the sites reflect Beaulieu’s cultural and historical heritage, while the events mentioned take place on specific days. For active days, you can choose between the family-friendly circular trail, the VTT stage and the horseback riding activities.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Romain-De-Lerps, Lespéron, Lanarce, Colombier-Le-Vieux, Châteaubourg, Burzet, Saint-André-de-Cruzières, Saint Basile
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
