Saint-Martin-sur-Lavezon is a commune in the Ardèche department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 15 km northwest of Montélimar.
Its territory of 23 km² ranges from 119 to 702 m in altitude, crossed by the course of the Lavézon which descends from the basaltic plateau of Coiron to flow into the Rhône, to the east.
Composed of several villages and hamlets mostly clinging to the side of a rugged relief, even on rocky peaks, the town was officially born in 1989 from the merger of Saint-Martin-le-Supérieur and Saint- Martin-the Inferior.
In addition to its relief in the shape of a circus between the plateau and the Rhône valley, the locality has preserved a rural and even wild landscape, covered with forests (45% of its area), shrubby or herbaceous natural environments (25%) and grasslands suitable for pastoralism.
If there are now only 440 inhabitants, Saint-Martin-sur-Lavezon with its heritage, its picturesque landscapes and its "nature" leisure offer, will delight lovers of green tourism, between Privas, the Monts d'Ardèche and the great sites of the Rhone Valley.
Several heritage sites of interest reflect a part of local history and can mark out a discovery trail of the town, from one hamlet to another. The Saint-Martin church, in Saint-Martin-le-Supérieur (north-west of the area) is a good starting point. Of Romanesque origin, it was remodeled in the 14th century before being partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion which were very "intense" in the region in the 16th and 17th centuries. Abandoned for a time, the church was nevertheless rebuilt in the course of the 17th century on the initiative of the parishioners. Note, however, that the nave with a semi-circular arch from the 11th century has been preserved, even if it was enlarged in the 18th century (this corresponds to the current lower part made up of side chapels). The solid walls have been little altered and the original gutter walls have been "opened up". We still note the oculus which is the only decoration of the facade and the porch, added later. As for the bell tower, it is in the form of a slender wall which contrasts with a background made up of mountains.
On Saint-Martin-l'Inférieur, to the south-east, the church is also of Romanesque origin, as evidenced by the elements of the facade and the side walls. The flying buttresses, on the other hand, are later and we notice two small columns at the level of the portal, one of which, of ancient appearance, was undoubtedly reused... At the beginning of the 18th century, the side chapel of the noble family of Pampelonne was swept away by a flood…
Precisely, the castle of Pampelonne, established on the mountain of Berguise, to the north of this hamlet, is mentioned from the High Middle Ages. In the 11th century, it belonged to Jean de Pampelonne then, in 1299, Aymar de Poitiers entrusted it to Astorg de Geis. Finally, in the 16th century, the estate passed by marriage to the Guyon family, lords of Barry. The current building dates from the 17th century, consisting of an imposing dwelling framed by towers which were demolished during the Revolution. The set was restored in the 19th century but has retained a fairly defensive aspect. However, it is also for the care of its interior decorations that the castle was entered in the Inventory. The private property is not open to the public but houses gites. Its noble silhouette can also punctuate a walk in a green setting.
The opportunity in a general way to appreciate the traditional habitat in basalt stone, in the hamlets as on the isolated farms...
On the cultural side, a village hall and a hall of associations welcome throughout of the year shows or association events. Information at the town hall on +33 4 75 52 98 48.
Then place the very rich potential offered by the town for hikers, whether they are walkers or mountain bikers. On this basaltic land of the southern Vivarais, the landscapes, the few cultures and the picturesque hamlets are charming and the bucolic nature of the forests competes with the volcanic character of the rock... Many marked loops are available, some routes being connected to famous paths and on a larger scale: those that cross the Monts d'Ardèche to the north and west, or the famous ViaRhôna, a few kilometers to the east, which connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean...
Maps and information for hikers on +33 4 75 49 10 46.
Along the way, stops are interesting to better understand some aspects of local craftsmanship: let's mention the Rieutord biscuit factory (join +33 6 89 07 49 00) or the Jumens soap factory which develops its products based on mare's milk and essential oils (contact +33 6 86 81 65 33).
The last weekend of August, "Festichanges" is a festival dedicated to environmental themes and the solidarity economy with conferences, workshops, exhibitors' market, theater, concerts.
In autumn, soup evening.
In November and December, Christmas-themed children's workshops.
