Le Péage-de-Roussillon is a town in the Isere region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 20 km south of Vienna.
Its territory of 7 km² is mainly on the left bank of the Rhone, the river is at this level consists of two arms engaging the island of PLATIERE which partially belongs to the municipality. The town is also surrounded by the departments of the Loire northwest and Ardèche southwest.
Its name comes from tolls implemented on this site that allowed the Middle Ages to enter the county of Roussillon, whose eponymous headquarters, now a small town with a rich heritage, is located east of the Toll-de-Roussillon.
From the fifteenth century, a real village developed around the "toll", ideally positioned on major communication routes: the Rhone river and the road connecting Lyon to the Mediterranean (future N7).
Industries are located in the nineteenth century (silk, pottery) and in the twentieth century, the town welcomes new units (chemistry and construction) while also turning to the vineyards and orchards (fruit production).
With now some 6700 inhabitants, Le Péage-de-Roussillon showcases its heritage and natural resources, revealing a stage of interest near many tourist sites (Parc Régional du Pilat, Rhône Valley, the Vercors).
In terms of heritage, the Church of St. John the Baptist is one of the major sites of the city. Its construction was completed in 1840, when replacing a twelfth-century church became too small. Note that compared to the original plans, the building was finally has a fairly wide choir and a bell tower and its facade is adorned with a pediment. Note that its materials are composed of pebbles and stones of sandstone from quarries in the region or extracted from the bed of the Rhone. The church houses a remarkable organ: it was built in the 1970s from elements taken from other instruments, from some organ factor of the famous Cavaillé Coll (1811-1899).
In another, a visit can be considered in the Maison Saint-Prix, which was owned by actor Raymond Saint-Prix (1887-1981), former member of the French comedy but also a painter and patron. A museum was built there to discover a typical middle-class home of the early twentieth century. Two rooms are also dedicated to the memories of the actor and paintings by artists of the region. The famous Sarah Bernhardt lived in these places. Open on Thursday afternoons or by appointment. Price: 4 euros. Information at +33 6 18 27 56 24.
The park of the house is also open to the public. During the lifetime of the actor, there were sometimes given theatrical performances in a setting of great botanical richness which still reflect the arboretum and garden with various species (hackberry, soap, sweetgum America...). The site also houses birds and amphibians that find refuge (the garden is a natural reserve of the Bird Protection League). Open every day of the year except Monday. Free admission. Information +33 4 74 11 15 55.
In terms of cultural activities, the city has a large cinema, Rex, run by an association, and programming is varied there (arthouse movies but also the general public). Sessions dedicated to the little ones are available Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Information on +33 4 74 86 20 53. As to the municipal library, the program regularly events and exhibitions. Contacting at +33 4 74 86 58 60.
It remains to explore the potential of the Toll-de-Roussillon in terms of natural heritage. Especially with the natural reserve of the island of Platière between two arms of the Rhone. A long trail of 4 km was laid out there. the last sand prairie We discover the valley dotted with flowers and grasses commits high violet, fern-tongue snake and even orchids. Between dry grassland and marshes, but also wooded areas, are observable different natural environments in the alluvial plain with their characteristic fauna (beaver or bee-eaters, a migratory bird multicolored). Finally, note that a herd of cows grazing on the site to maintain the meadows. Picnic areas are located. Free access all year. Information +33 4 74 84 35 01.
This reserve can be a goal of hiking, but fans of the genre also have available the GR422 (also known as Charles IX Road) connecting Lyon Roussillon.
Finally, more specially dedicated to motorbikes, the ViaRhôna along the river is accessible from the town. Maps and information +33 4 74 86 72 07 or +33 4 74 29 31 00.
