The Eygues forms the southern boundary of Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues; the village lies above the river on a slope facing entirely south. The Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Maurice wine-growing area also extends across the commune. Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues is also a gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies Provençales. This combination offers different ways to shape a stay: wine, architectural and local history, and the landscape of the Eygues Valley.
Wine and local products
The CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne Villages Saint-Maurice designation was recognized in 1967 as part of the AOC CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne Villages. The Cave des Coteaux de Saint-Maurice offers a direct connection with wine: it was founded in 1939 by 75 winegrowers. Wines can be tasted in its renovated tasting room. If you plan to include a tasting, check the latest visitor information before your trip.
Another story of local products links the Bédouin family with regional produce, particularly almonds. This tradition has been passed down for six generations; the family began trading in local products in Visan in 1833. At the Cave, the focus is on the winegrowers’ cooperative and wine tasting, while the Bédouin family is known for its product tradition, passed down through generations.
The tower and local history
The Tour des Hospitaliers de Saint-Jean de Jérusalem, visible today, is a 12th-century structure. It is incorporated into the Château Sainte-Anne. The château developed from a former hospital that was converted into a residence for the lords of Saint-Maurice.
The Musée municipal Histoire et Patrimoine features Gallo-Roman remains and the history of the commune. The Saint-Maurice Histoire et Patrimoine museum section was inaugurated on October 29, 2011. The two sites complement each other: the tower represents the village’s medieval architectural history, while the museum explores Gallo-Roman finds and the history of the commune.
La Voie Douce and the Eygues Valley
The picnic tables by the Eygues, at the end of Chemin de Villedieu, mark the starting point of La Voie Douce. The route runs from Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues to Sahune and is around 30 kilometres long. Along the way, it passes through vineyards and across slopes, following the course of the Eygues. It offers a varied view of the Eygues Valley’s landscapes.
The route is a way to discover the valley’s distinctive features. At around 30 kilometres long, it is worth treating as an outing in its own right; the tower and museum offer a different focus on local history. If you would like to include the route in your stay, you can plan it as a longer excursion to Sahune.
Planning your stay
Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues is on the D94 between Orange and Nyons. Together with its location on the southern edge of the Eygues and its role as a gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies Provençales, this helps you plan where to go without reducing the village to a single theme.
If you are considering Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues as an overnight destination, first plan around your main interest: wine and local products, architectural and local history, or the longer exploration along La Voie Douce. This will help you distinguish between a stay focused on the village and a plan that includes the route to Sahune.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, Les Pilles, Charols, Roche-Saint-Secret-Béconne, Bouchet, Ferrassières, Valence, La Laupie.
For the wider travel overview: DrĂ´me.
