Saint-Romain-de-Lerps is a town in the Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 14 km north-west of Valence.
Its 14 km² territory ranges from 200 to 650 m in altitude. The village has developed at the top of a green ridge belonging to the Balcons du Rhône, overlooking the river and its valley to the east, the Vivarais mountains and plateaus to the west.
Near the town center, the Pic belvedere has also become a must for any traveler, this panoramic viewpoint adjoining an old Romanesque chapel allowing up to 13 departments to be observed!
After a turbulent medieval history which ended after the Wars of Religion with the ruin of the seigneurial castle of Durtail, Saint-Romain-de-Lerps has regained a peaceful character. From now on, the vines (which adjoin the prestigious terroirs of Crozes Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Saint-Péray), arboriculture (cherry trees, apricot trees, chestnut trees) and large wooded plots make up a quality living environment in a rural environment. authentic and calming. Saint-Romain-de-Lerps (900 inhabitants) is waiting for you, especially if you appreciate green tourism!
In terms of heritage, the parish church of the village is Romanesque in style, built in the 19th century and remodeled in the 20th century. It is a hall church: the side aisles are the same height as the nave, with only one level of large arches separating them. The building is beautifully made, and one will notice in particular the quality of the vaults, the pretty bell tower and the stained glass windows…
However, it is the site of the Pic, a few hectometers from the village, which constitutes the jewel of the commune. First renowned for its strategic positioning, a Romanesque chapel was established there from the 10th century. Only the choir remains, which has also been moved. However, this charming testimony of the past further enhances what has become a veritable natural belvedere, not to say an observatory. From this highest point, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Rhône valley, the chain of the Alps (you can sometimes distinguish Mont Blanc) but also the Vivarais or the Pilat massif. When the conditions are right, 13 departments can be counted! Two orientation tables allow you to locate and identify the life-size postcards visible from "the Peak". A children's play area has also been set up.
Then north-east of the municipal territory, in the direction of Châteaubourg, at a place called Desagnes, a detour is necessary to admire the ruins of Château Durtail, abandoned after the Wars of Religion. It was from the year 1000 the seat of a powerful seigneury erected for a time as a barony. Among the owners, over the centuries, were the bishops of Valence and then the lords of Tournon. With a defensive vocation, the castle still had a high octagonal tower in the 1950s. We can now see only the base, not to mention the remains of the enclosures and houses invaded by vegetation which adds to the grandiose… and romantic character of the hotel. together. The castle remains protected as historical monuments.
Guided tours of Saint-Romain-de-Lerps are available: contact +33 4 75 40 46 75.
In the town, various sports facilities are also available to visitors and holidaymakers: tennis courts, football ground, "city stadium" and bowling alley (information on +33 4 75 58 50 93).
For lovers of hiking or mountain biking, a thematic trail centered on heritage and the belvedere, dotted with information panels, has been set up. In addition, a number of paths allow you to discover the environment and the landscapes of the village and the surroundings, including incursions into the vineyards, the woods, possibly following the rivers descending from the summits or which may include a few incursions towards the sea. Rhône or Vivarais valley. Maps and information on +33 4 75 40 46 75.
These authentic and bucolic landscapes can be explored during a horseback ride. Contact the Bressieux stables on +33 4 75 58 52 82.
