Chandolas combines a historic village setting with the work of Art brut artist Alphonse Gurlhie and routes that vary in activity and length. Stone buildings, a chapel and a bridge point to different chapters in the village’s history; a marked circuit trail features Gurlhie’s art. This makes it easy to focus your stay on local history, art, walking, cycling or horse riding.

Stone buildings and historic structures

In Chandolas’s old village centre and the hamlets of Maisonneuve and Les Martins, you’ll find stone buildings with a consistent style, enclosed gardens, courtyards, wells, cisterns, arcades and vaulted passageways. The village setting reveals not only different building types but also a variety of courtyards, gardens and passageways. The walls of Chandolas have shaped the Gras landscape.

Behind the former post office stands the Chapel of Saint Blaise, a surviving remnant of an 11th-century church. In Maisonneuve, the Church of Saint-Laurent d’Avenas dates from 1850. The Pont de Maisonneuve was inaugurated in 1766, replacing a ferry on the road from Alès to Le Puy. The religious buildings thus span a historical period from an 11th-century remnant to a church dating from 1850; the bridge adds a glimpse of the area’s former transport links.

Alphonse Gurlhie and Art brut

Born in Chandolas, Alphonse Gurlhie links the local art history to a specific walking route: the marked “Itinéraire autour d'Alphonse Gurlhie” focuses on his Art brut works. It is 4.7 km long and starts in Chandolas. The Jardin d’Art brut – Alphonse Gurlhie offers a second highlight. It features four animal statues and is located in the hamlet of Maisonneuve, in front of the multipurpose hall and the Pépit'art gardening and craft centre.

Walking and cycling routes

To compare route lengths, you can set a marked walking circuit alongside a cycling route: the “Itinéraire autour d'Alphonse Gurlhie” is 4.7 km long; the “Dolmens: Belvédère de Bourbouillet” cycling loop is 15.6 km long, moderately difficult and starts at the entrance to Chandolas. At the Bourbouillet viewpoint, three dolmens stand on the edge of a gorge; the viewpoint overlooks the Fontgraze stream. This cycling option combines an archaeological destination with a scenic view. Check the latest route details before setting out.

Another option is the “Parcours des 7 Clochers”. The cycling route passes through Chandolas and across a plain of vineyards and limestone landscapes. Unlike the viewpoint with its gorge and dolmens, this route focuses on the plain’s scenery. The two cycling routes therefore differ not just in name, but also in the landscape features mentioned in their descriptions.

Horse riding and equestrian activities

The Centre équestre des Combes offers trail rides, excursions, beginner and advanced lessons, and pony discovery rides. On horseback, you can reach the banks of the Chassezac in two hours. Activities and route details may change, so confirm the specific outing in advance.

Discover more destinations: Vanosc, Lafarre, Champis, Nonières, Saint-Privat, Marcols-les-Eaux, Saint Agreve, Pailharès

For the main travel overview: Ardèche.