Situated in the Ligne Valley, in Ardèche, the welcoming town of Largentière makes an admirable scene, with its houses looking onto the river, Courthouse and Bishops' Castle.
Having known a Golden Age, thanks to the mining of argentiferous lead, now Largentière invites you to explore its heritage, which bears witness to its rich past. The picturesque little medieval streets lined with ancient houses, its Renaissance Town Hall, the 13th-century Gothic church of Our Lady of the Apple Trees (Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers), and the Récollets gate, a relic of the old ramparts, are all architectural features to admire whilst taking a stroll.
Formerly owned by the Bishops of Viviers, the castle was built in the 12th and 15th centuries and was previously used as a courthouse, prison and hospital. Nowadays, during the medieval entertainment in the summer, some of its rooms are open to visitors.
Every year, in July-August, the Castle of Largentière hosts Le Temps des Chevaliers (“In the Time of the Knights”), with live shows, activities and displays of medieval skills.
The foundation of Largentière dates back to the 11th century, the overlords and first owners of the silver mines were the counts of Toulouse, the bishops of Viviers, the lords of Anduze, Poitiers and Balazuc.
In the 12th century, the medieval city experienced great economic and cultural development thanks to Emperor Conrad who granted the right to mint money. In 1208, Largentière passed from the authority of the Counts of Toulouse to that of the bishops of Viviers. In 1730, Bishop François Renaud de Villeneuve sold to the Marquis François de Beauvoir du Roure de Brison the castle and the Barony of Largentière. In the 1830s, the mills prospered it was the big boom in silk.
Stroll through the picturesque alleys of this ancient medieval city, admire the beautiful houses with sandstone stone facades, but also the arcades, mullioned windows and charming doors throughout your visit. The castle dominates the whole city. Former possession of the Bishop of Viviers, it was sold in 1716 to the Comte de Brison who did many works to make it more comfortable. In the center of the castle, the square keep or Bastide de Bonnegarde dates from the 12th century. Spared by the Revolution, it housed the tribunal and prisons, then it became the local hospital. Only a few rooms are open to the public, in the summer period as part of medieval events. The visit is then limited to the two old reception rooms, the one on the first floor houses the exhibition "1000 years of history" which traces the history of the ancient city and gives access to the interior of the keep.
The Church of Notre-Dame des Pommiers (from Latin Pomérium) was started at the end of the 12th century, beginning of the 13th century. The church presents many details and Romanesque reminiscences. It was completed at the end of the 13th century and then extended in the 15th and 19th centuries. Inside, a 13th century sarcophagus and a 15th century pulpit. Special detail: on the top of a cornice is placed the skull of the Count of Saillans, a counter-revolutionary beheaded in 1792.
The well-preserved 16th century Porte des Récollets is a vestige of the old ramparts with the bridge giving access to the old town. Also discover the Montée Mazon, a stone calade built in 1888 with stones from the old ramparts, the 19th century courthouse and the Renaissance town hall. The canal, visible from the Récollets bridge, was used to supply the shops with water.
