In Saint-Apollinaire-De-Rias, you can weigh architectural history, sound art and landscape exploration as different focuses for your stay. The Romanesque village church dates back to the 11th century; the permanent “Orgues éoliennes” installation uses sound, and two named routes offer different landscapes. First decide whether culture, an interactive artwork or a route should shape your trip.
Village church and historical connections
The village church is built in the Romanesque style, and its origins date back to the 11th century. It was formerly dependent on Cruas Abbey. Its style, historical origins and former affiliation offer different insights into the church’s history. A specific feature adds another perspective on the building: the old baptismal font is made of white stone, clad in wood and set into a chapel in the tower to the left of the entrance. The material and precise location make the font a clearly identifiable detail of the church building. Thus, alongside its architectural context, attention is also drawn to a single object and its position.
Repairs to the Temple aux Baraques were completed in 1886. This date marks the completion of repairs; the 11th-century origins, by contrast, refer to the village church. The two buildings therefore have different historical reference points, rather than forming a single building history.
Sound art and landscape routes
The permanent “Orgues éoliennes” installation offers a different focus from the church’s architecture. It consists of clay tubes that the wind can set ringing. Visitors can also make the tubes sound by blowing into them. There are therefore two ways to produce sound: it can be made by the wind or triggered by visitors themselves. While the village church invites interest in its architecture, history and features, the installation focuses on making sounds. When choosing cultural discoveries, you can therefore distinguish between an interest in architecture and an art installation that offers the possibility of taking part.
Both routes start at the same place: the Infos-Rando sign next to the church in Saint-Apollinaire-De-Rias. The “Saint-Apollinaire-de-Rias – Vers les sources de la Dunière” route offers the chance to discover three appealing valleys shaped by the rivers La Dunière, Le Verdayer and Le Sérouan. The “Saint-Apollinaire-de-Rias – Vers le Col de Montreynaud” route also starts at the Infos-Rando sign. It offers the chance to discover a wooded, hilly landscape and enjoy several beautiful panoramic views. The choice is therefore between river valleys on the one hand and wooded hills with panoramic views on the other. The church is both a historical landmark and a point of reference for the start of both routes.
Your stay and finding a hotel
When looking for a hotel, match your destination to the kind of trip you want: decide whether your stay should focus mainly on cultural attractions or landscape routes. This way, planning begins with the character of your trip and the specific discoveries to be made in Saint-Apollinaire-De-Rias.
Discover more destinations: Sarras, Sainte-Eulalie, Salavas, Plats, Chirols, Saint-Maurice-En-Chalencon, Pailharès, Saint-Didier-Sous-Aubenas
For the wider travel overview: Ardèche.
