Explore Charols through its architectural history and the themes of the Roubion and local routes. The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste combines an initial building phase dating back to 957 with clearly articulated architecture. Other features include the historic silkworm industry, a protected river area and two activities described in different ways: a walking route that follows the river on the return leg, and a mountain-bike loop. For your stay, you can weigh up culture, landscape and outdoor activity based on specific features.

Church and architectural history

The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a tangible introduction to Charols’ architectural history. Its first building phase dates back to 957; by decree of 27 July 1994, the church was listed as a Monument historique. The two dates mark different milestones: 957 relates to the building phase, while 1994 relates to the listing. The church has a basilica-style plan, comprising a nave, two aisles and three semicircular apses. Anyone interested in religious architecture will find both a dated building history and a specific description of the church’s form here.

Silkworm farming and historic festivals

The history of the area extends beyond the church. From the late 19th century through the first half of the 20th century, Charols had a thriving silkworm-farming tradition. In the second half of the 19th century, two fairs were also held: on 12 May and 1 October. A patronal festival was celebrated on the Sunday after 29 August, commemorating the beheading of John the Baptist. The time periods distinguish these topics: silkworm farming continued beyond the turn of the century, while the fairs and patronal festival belong to the second half of the 19th century.

The Roubion and the protected area

The Roubion is a river with highly dynamic flow and a largely natural character. The Natura 2000 site “Rivière du Roubion” is designated as a protected river area and covers 619 hectares. The river and the protected area offer different perspectives on nature: one describes the watercourse’s dynamics and character, while the other refers to a designated area. This allows the Roubion to be understood both as a river landscape and in the context of the named protected area.

Walking route and mountain-bike loop

On the return leg, the walking route from Charols follows the Roubion. “Les bords du Roubion” adds an activity described in a different way: this moderate mountain-bike loop is 9.97 kilometres long and starts and finishes in Charols. It is signposted as a yellow VTT route for the blue loop No. 25. For the walking route, the river is the specific feature on the return leg; the mountain-bike loop is defined by its circular route, distance, difficulty, and start and finish location. The distance and difficulty rating answer different planning questions.

A culinary highlight and getting around

The Lavandin restaurant at Château Les Oliviers de Salettes offers two six-course menus in its fine-dining restaurant and has been awarded one Michelin star. Menu details may change, so check the current offering before your visit.

The D9 departmental road is useful for finding your way around the town centre. Charols’ town centre lies on this alternative route to Lyon, which runs through it from north to south.

Discover more destinations: Montjoux, Chamaloc, Grane, Montréal-Les-Sources, Saou, Saint-Agnan, Geyssans, Miribel.

For the regional travel overview: Drôme.