Chabeuil is a commune in the Drôme department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a few kilometers south-east of Valence, which it borders.
Its vast territory of 41 km² announces Provence to the south and establishes the link between the Rhône valley to the west and the Vercors massif to the east.
Although fully anchored in the agglomeration, the locality has retained a rural environment, covered with arable land for 70% of its area. Composed of a village and several hamlets, crossed by several rivers, Chabeuil has everything of a small town in the countryside, and now has nearly 7000 inhabitants.
The village had developed in the Middle Ages, on the banks of the Véore, protected by ramparts and dominated by a feudal castle located at the top of the Gontarde hill. The first lords of the place, without descendants, gave way to the Dauphins of Vienne in the 13th century. Later, in the 17th century, the King of France granted the Grimaldi, princes of Monaco, the lordship of Chabeuil to thank them for services rendered. After the Revolution, in the 19th century, the town experienced an economic boom, both agricultural and industrial (spinning mills, sawmills, oil mills) and commercial (trading of silkworms and wines).
Nowadays, the characterful heritage of the town, the cultural dynamism and the local leisure offer make it a pleasant stopover between Valence and the Vercors... Not to mention a culinary specialty that delights epicureans: la caillette, based on pork pâté and aromatic herbs!
In terms of heritage, the historic heart of the town retains some testimonies of its past. This is the case with the bases of the circular tower, on the hill overlooking the ancient lanes that stretch down to the river. This is the old keep of the feudal castle. An underground gallery has been dug at its feet. Elements of ramparts, remains of the walkway, a tower near the town hall and above all a fortified gate from the 13th century are also to be seen. Even if the battlements of the latter were added in the 19th century. Still, these elements add to the character of the city.
A discovery trail (or a guided tour as offered in summer: contact +33 4 75 59 28 67) then includes the parish church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Built in 1862, it replaced a medieval church and was designed by the Lyonnais architect Clair Tisseur in a Romano-Byzantine style as demonstrated by its plan in the shape of a Greek cross. On the other hand, and this is moreover the originality of the whole, the bell tower-porch of the 13th century has been preserved, now isolated from the rest of the building... Along the narrow streets of the center, a Renaissance style house, the portal with its sculpted decorations from the former 17th century convent are also to be observed. As for the town hall, it dates from 1881 and has an astonishing neo-Gothic style, which is reinforced by the presence of a campanile added in 1903 and which was inspired by a Florentine palace. This town hall reflects the prosperity of the small town in the 19th century...
Finally, in terms of heritage, several private castles are worth mentioning: the Saint-Pierre castle (18th century, property of the deputy Albert Lacroix then for a time transformed into summer camp), Neyrieu castle (18th century, remodeled at the end of the 19th century in a neo-classical style) or even Rozier castle (19th century).
On the cultural side, activities (readings, meetings, etc.) are regularly offered at the media library: contact +33 4 75 59 23 54. As for the Cultural Center, which can accommodate up to 400 spectators, it offers throughout the season from October to June a varied program (theatre, concerts, comedy shows, etc.). In addition, thanks to an association, cinema sessions are regularly shown. Information on +33 4 75 59 01 70.
We will not forget the artistic exhibitions of the Atelier L'Indicible: information on +33 6 23 60 43 86.
For athletes, many facilities are accessible to visitors : city stadium, skate park, BMX ground and football pitches. Not to mention a complex of tennis courts (book with the club on +33 6 48 32 41 62) and the Petit Nice aquatic area: the latter has outdoor pools for swimming, fun equipment and spaces dedicated to idleness. Open from mid-June to end of August. Contact on +33 4 75 59 10 74.
Finally, to the west of the town is Valence airport. Equipped with a 2100 m paved runway and two shorter runways, it no longer has regular lines but offers leisure activities (first flights, tourist flights, pilot training, etc.). Information on +33 4 75 85 26 26.
On the nature side, note the observation posts for the fauna and flora of the Bachassier ponds and the two-hectare park made up of wooded plots, meadows and lawns on the Gontarde hill, a stone's throw from the centre: information at the town hall on +33 4 75 59 01 70.
Also in the town, you can take a pleasant break in the Clos Fleuri garden: you can admire around sixty roses there, wooded areas and a pond that is home to carp. Open all year. Contact on +33 7 70 26 50 22.
For a family audience, the Parc du Petit Cirque (also known as Circa Parc) offers circus-themed activities in a green environment. Information on +33 4 75 59 88 67.
It remains to take advantage of the potential available to hikers at Chabeuil. On foot or by bike, they can crisscross the bucolic spaces of the town but also head towards the reliefs of the Vercors, to the east, or the Rhône valley, to the west. In Valence, they thus join the long ribbon of the ViaRhôna which connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. Maps and information on +33 4 75 59 28 67 or +33 4 75 44 90 40.
It is also possible to explore the surroundings of the town via pleasant horseback riding: contact the Pôle equestrian de l'Etoile on +33 6 01 29 37 96.
