Bessas lies at an altitude of 265 metres on a hillside and offers panoramic views stretching several kilometres across the neighbouring departments of Gard and Vaucluse, as far as Mont Ventoux. Historic buildings take centre stage in the village; there are also walking trails with viewpoints, the Marais de Malibaud and a producer of artisan olive oil. This gives you a way to explore Bessas according to your interests in village history, outdoor activities or nature before choosing your accommodation.
Village history around the church and château
The old stone houses of Bessas, renovated in keeping with their style, surround a château dating from the late 16th century, with four towers. The Church of Saint Etienne stands in the heart of the village, right next to the château. Both buildings give the village centre a distinct historical character, evident in their architecture and works of art.
The church contains a polychrome wooden altarpiece dating from the mid-17th century. By prefectural decree dated 10 October 2001, it was added to the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. The altarpiece surrounds an 18th-century painting depicting the vision of Saint Etienne. The windows also have a more recent restoration history: they were restored in 2017, and two new windows were also created. Visitors interested in church art will find both historic furnishings and more recent additions here.
Walking routes with different distances
A marked walking trail around Bessas starts at the château square and leads below the old cemetery to a viewpoint. It follows the former path to Brujas, known as the “chemin du Lac”, crosses the Condoubrie stream and returns via the new cemetery. The named waypoints help you follow the route. Trail conditions and markings may change; check local information before setting out.
The Le Puy Lacher walking route is a moderately difficult 8-kilometre circular trail with 402 metres of elevation gain and a duration of 3 hours. It starts at the information point in the car park below Bessas town hall. White and yellow PR trail markers indicate the route; along the way, there are several viewpoints on Montagne de la Serre. The distance, elevation gain and duration help you plan this walk around your schedule. Check the trail markers and conditions locally.
Wetlands, dry grasslands and olive oil
The Marais de Malibaud is a type 1 continental ZNIEFF (Natural Zone of Ecological Interest for Fauna and Flora), covering an area of 1,288.99 hectares. It extends across, among other places, the communes of Bessas, Saint-Sauveur-de-Cruzières, Saint-Jean-de-Maruéjols-et-Avéjan and Barjac. Its wetlands are home to remarkable flora and fauna, including amphibians and dragonflies. The dry grasslands are particularly rich in orchids and provide a habitat for open-country birds. The natural area therefore encompasses a variety of habitats and the species associated with them.
Another local attraction is Moulin Le Verdalet, where artisan olive oil is produced and sold, and discovery visits are offered. Ask about availability before visiting. Cycling is also part of the area’s identity: Bessas lies on the permanent route of the L’Ardéchoise cycling event. This route is described as permanent and does not, on its own, specify event dates.
Getting to Bessas
From Aubenas, take the D225/D202 via the Col de la Serre; from there, it is another 8 kilometres to the village. Check local traffic restrictions before travelling. This gives you several specific points of interest to plan around: the village’s architectural history, the walking routes described here, and nature and olive oil. You can decide which of these will shape your stay according to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Martial, Lachamp-Raphaël, Mayres, Peaugres, Laviolle, Vallon Pont D'arc, Montréal, Rocher
For the main travel overview: Ardèche.
