Silhac is a commune of the Ardèche in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 35 km west of Valence by road.
The territory of the locality, of an area of 22 km², belongs to the natural region and former province of Vivarais which under the Ancien regime depended on the Counts of Provence.
Between Rhone valley and Massif Central, its relief oscillates between 270 and 880 m of altitude.
Made up of a village and numerous hamlets, the commune of Silhac still had 1500 inhabitants at the beginning of the 20th century before being struck by the rural exodus, and there are now only about 380 inhabitants.
Possessing still some agricultural establishments (market gardening, breeding) and artisanal, Silhac puts forward its historical inheritance and its preserved environment which delights the amateurs of green tourism.
In terms of heritage, the village has several buildings of interest. This is particularly the case of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, rebuilt in the eighteenth century after the Romanesque church of origin founded by the canons of Romans was ransacked in the sixteenth century during the wars of Religion then at all early eighteenth during the revolt of the Camisards. We notice its semicircular arches and its facade surmounted by a bell-wall topped with a statue of the Virgin. Note that the windows of the nineteenth century have been restored and at the front, the oculus that overcomes the door represents Charles de Foucauld. It was made following a wish of the abbot of the village, resistant, returned safe and sound deportation at the end of the Second World War.
Converted a time mostly to the Reformation, Silhac also has a Protestant temple. It was rebuilt at a place called La Faurie in 1862 and renovated in 1945.
To see still, on the locality, the castle of Hautvillars (XVIe), protected as historical monuments, and the castle of Collans, on the hamlet of the same name. This old fortified house dates back to its oldest parts of the 12th century. The current building is of the seventeenth century, framed by two round towers. On the ground floor, the old guard room of the 12th century has been preserved. You can admire this noble building (private property) from the outside or visit it during the Heritage Days, in September.
A stage or a stay at Silhac are also an opportunity to enjoy an environment and authentic landscapes (chestnut) and picturesque that are perfect for hiking. Many marked trails cross the town and its surroundings. Maps and information on +33 4 75 64 04 66.
Along one of these routes, a stopover can be considered at the Cedars Garden, a farm specializing in the production of vegetables and fruits from sustainable agriculture. Visit by appointment on +33 6 85 79 01 91.
For who prefers to cross the countryside on horseback, contact the equestrian center of Pray d'Aunay in +33 6 75 49 74 03.
On the cultural side, the Aimergens association offers workshops, dance shows and other creative hobbies. Information on +33 4 75 58 09 17.
It can finally be useful to join the House of the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d'Ardèche - whose territory Silhac is part - which organizes regular hikes, workshops and events on the themes of heritage and the environment. Contact at +33 4 75 36 38 60.
Along the Eyrieux valley, you can hike (hiking or biking) on the old railway track "La Dolce Via" which runs from La Voulte-sur-Rhône to Cheylard. You can also go canoeing, aquarock and rosalie.
In the Gorges du Doux, the Vélorail and the train from Ardeche between Lamastre and Tournon-sur-Rhone.
Festival Jazz in Vivarais early August in the town of Vernoux-en-Vivarais.
