The Notre-Dame-de-la-Consolation chapel, perched on a rocky spur, shapes Pierrelongue’s cultural and historical identity. Its history includes a keep, a monumental rock staircase and sacred art. A signposted cycling route also passes through the village, and Virée Sauvage offers guided activities. The chapel is a place to visit in Pierrelongue; check the latest access conditions before your visit.
Chapel and rock: a history of construction in stages
The history of the rock goes back to 1428, when a keep and an early chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph were built there. Construction of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Consolation chapel began in 1900 and took five years. The work included building the chapel and a monumental staircase that wraps around the rock. With its 75 steps, it is a distinctive architectural feature of the site.
The staircase landings are also part of the religious imagery. They feature statues of Saint Maurice with a cross and sword, Saint Joseph with a set square, a saint bearing Christ’s face in a medallion, and the praying Virgin Mary. A monumental bronze statue of the Virgin and Child was donated in 1907 by the Duchess of Uzès. Alongside the building’s history, specific figures and their attributes are therefore central to the site’s cultural and historical interest.
Sacred art and its imagery
In the 1980s, the chapel’s crypt was converted into a repository for sacred art. The collection documents popular devotion and is of local artistic and iconographic interest. It adds another aspect to the chapel: sacred art, as well as the building itself, is part of Pierrelongue’s cultural heritage.
The altarpiece and the painting “Institution du Rosaire” date from the 18th century and were protected as movable cultural heritage in 1979. The painting depicts the Virgin appearing to Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena. Visitors interested in religious imagery will find a specific subject here, distinct from the saintly figures on the staircase.
Exploring by bike or on foot
The signposted “Le val de l’Aygue Marse” cycling route passes through Pierrelongue. Within the “La Drôme à vélo” network, it is marked in blue as route no. 107. The route name and marker identify the route to include in your plans if you would like to go cycling.
Another option is Virée Sauvage, based in Pierrelongue. The provider offers professionally guided themed hikes, fun discovery activities and environmental education. Activities include hikes or walks on foot and orienteering. Unlike the cycling route, the focus here is on guided formats and activities on foot. This gives you a choice of different ways to explore actively.
Getting there and planning your stay
Pierrelongue can be reached via the D 5 departmental road from Buis-les-Baronnies or Mollans-sur-Ouvèze. Your planned activities can be a useful starting point when choosing a hotel in Pierrelongue: the chapel and sacred art appeal to those interested in cultural history, while the cycling route and guided activities offer a different focus. Tailor your accommodation search to what interests you most during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Martin-En-Vercors, Crest, Jaillans, Lachau, Piégros-La-Clastre, Eymeux, Souspierre, Allan
Go to the main travel overview: Drôme.
