Peyraud offers a distinctive contrast to consider when planning a trip: at the Château, medieval vaulted rooms meet a 57-metre-long sequence of reception rooms dating from the 18th century. There is also a chapel in the Romanesque style, a historic Rhône crossing and routes with different landscape highlights. Seasonal markets and an annual parish festival also provide reasons to visit. If you’re looking for hotels in Peyraud, the area’s architectural history, event dates or routes through vineyards and along the river may help you decide.
Château Rooms, Chapel and Legend
The Château de Peyraud preserves two medieval vaulted rooms, including the former keep. There is also a 57-metre-long sequence of reception rooms dating from the 18th century. The château thus brings together two distinct periods: the medieval room type represented by the former keep and a long sequence of reception rooms built much later.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Pitié de Verlieux is a 16th-century chapel in the Romanesque style. It is open all week during the day. As seasonal conditions may change, check the visiting arrangements before your visit.
A local legend is associated with the Fontaine de Bonnefont: according to tradition, the spring is said to have emerged beneath the hooves of Saint Martin’s horse. Two hoofprints seem to have been preserved in the rock. The story thus links the fountain’s origins with marks that, according to the legend, can still be seen in the rock.
Bridge History and Routes along the Rhône
The Pont ferroviaire de Peyraud, also known as the viaduc de Saint-Rambert, was built in 1868 between Peyraud and Sablons to cross the Rhône. A pedestrian passage was added later and inaugurated in April 1935. The bridge and the passage added later thus mark two separate stages in its history.
The La chapelle de Verlieux walk passes through vineyards and a wooded valley on its way to the Chapelle de Verlieux. It offers views of the Rhône, the Drôme and the Pilat. The Voie douce les berges du Rhône has a different focus: it runs alongside a natural, still-wild green corridor of the Rhône, bordered by vineyards and the slopes of the Ardèche. At the Bac à traille landing structure, the route has a stopping point with a picnic table, play equipment for children and fishing platforms.
The two routes differ mainly in the landscapes and destinations described: the walk focuses on the wooded valley and the chapel, while the Voie douce follows the Rhône corridor and includes the stopping point at the Bac à traille. You can choose according to the scenery that interests you most during your stay.
Seasonal Markets and a Parish Festival
At the beginning of August, a village market featuring regional products and crafts is held in the park of the Château de Peyraud. The programme also includes a guided tour of the château. A Christmas market featuring numerous exhibitors of crafts and regional products is held in Peyraud in late November or early December. A parish festival with a service and a shared meal is celebrated at the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Pitié de Verlieux every year on the first Sunday in September.
The events mentioned take place at different times of year; the parish festival is specifically scheduled annually. If you’re planning your trip around one of these dates, check the date and programme in advance: market details may change, as may the specific arrangements for the parish festival.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-Le-Centenier, Chassiers, Burzet, Saint-Apollinaire-De-Rias, Saint-Prix, Dompnac, Saint-Privat, Pranles
For the regional travel overview: Ardèche.
