Laborel brings together traces of the former village of La Ville Haute and a cycling tour that starts in Laborel and returns to its starting point. There are also mountain panoramas and local produce. Culture, outdoor activities and local products give the place different facets, without requiring a fixed itinerary for the day.
La Ville Haute and Local History
Traces of former homes remain in La Ville Haute, and the old cemetery is still maintained. From there, the view stretches across the Céans Valley. The highest point of La Ville Haute can be reached from the village in about half an hour. Trail conditions may change.
La Ville Haute was a former village on the historic long-distance route from Orpierre to Orange via the Col de Perty. Today, the village also lies along the “Tour des Baronnies” hiking trail. These details give the landscape both a historical and a present-day connection to routes: the long-distance route belongs to the past, while the hiking trail passes by La Ville Haute.
Church and Museum
The Église Notre-Dame du Rosaire stands in the town centre and is recognisable by its distinctive bell gable. It has been mentioned in pastoral visitation reports since 1635; it replaced the ruined Église Saint-Martin in La Ville Haute. Set into its wall is an early Christian holy water font featuring a depiction of a human head. The church is closed; you can get the key from the Mairie. Check locally before your visit to confirm access.
The Musée du Rallye Monte Carlo in Laborel displays signed items, posters and racing suits. If you would like to visit the museum, check the visitor arrangements before you arrive.
Views at Col de Perty and on Chamouse
There is a large car park at Col de Perty. From there, a short, steep footpath leads to the Table d’orientation du Col de Perty, which offers views of Mont Ventoux and the Alps. Weather and snow may affect conditions. The viewpoint therefore combines a specific access route with a wide-ranging view; however, the short path is steep.
The Montagne de Chamouse offers a different mountain experience: from the summit, the panorama extends in all directions across 360 degrees, although conditions at the summit depend on the weather. The “Crêtes de Chamouse (N°1)” route follows a scenic ridge with extensive alpine pastures. Weather and ground conditions may affect access. The Céans rises high on the Montagne de Chamouse and flows through the Orpierrois.
Cycling Tours and Mountain Road
The “A l'assaut de la Drôme à vélo (N°14)” cycling tour starts in Laborel with a climb to the Col Saint Jean. From the pass, the descent leads back to Laborel. The quiet mountain road at Col Saint Jean is considered particularly suitable for cycle tourism; conditions on the route described may change. The itinerary is clearly defined: start in Laborel, climb, reach the pass and descend back.
The route to Col Saint Jean also connects a number of named places and roads: it runs from Lachau and Eygalayes through the Gorges de la Méouge and along the Route des Princes d'Orange to Laborel. For planning a ride, the specific cycling tour and this broader route description are two distinct points of reference.
Lavender, Farm Visit and Local Produce
Laborel is considered a centre for growing blue lavender and lavandin. In Laborel, you can also sample goat’s cheese, honey and jams with unusual flavours; the availability of individual products may vary. The agricultural side of the area is also reflected in the “Visite de La Ferme de Mon Père”, which is available seasonally. Visitors can meet sheep, lambs, goats, kids, donkeys, horses and dogs there, and learn more about how goat’s cheese is made. There is a farm shop on site; its opening hours may change.
Discover more destinations: Montjoyer, Albon, Saint-Paul-Lès-Romans, Grignan, Granges-Les-Beaumont, Malataverne, Sainte-Jalle, Saint-Pantaléon-Les-Vignes.
For the broader travel overview: Drôme.
