Chandolas is a town in the Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 14 km east of Les Vans.
Its territory of 11.6 km² culminates at an altitude of 242 m, enclosed in a loop of the Chassezac, a sub-tributary of the Rhône which constitutes its "southern" limit. Its landscape remains mainly composed of herbaceous, shrubby and stony environments (66% of its area), agricultural areas representing only 18% of the locality.
The originality of the town is to have three entities: the villages of Chandolas and Maisonneuve bordering the river and that of Martins, to the northeast.
Occupied since prehistoric times and then in Antiquity, the locality really appears in the Middle Ages, made up of the two parishes of Saint-Laurent d'Avonas (which will become Maisonneuve) and Chandolas. The whole depended first on the lords of Uzès then came under a hospital commandery. Throughout this period, Chandolas proved to be a border post between Vivarais and the Cévennes…
Affected by invasions (barbarians, Saracens) then the Wars of Religion, the locality developed in the 18th century with the cultivation of mulberry trees (intended for production of silkworms) and fruit trees. In the 20th century, the vine supplemented this activity for a time.
Nowadays, with some 500 inhabitants, Chandolas highlights its natural heritage and its environment conducive to leisure (activities related to the river, hiking). Nearby, other famous sites, enough to spend an active but exotic stay!
The heritage of the locality reflects its history and includes the two parish churches of Saint-Laurent (Maisonneuve) and Saint-Martin (Chandolas). Including medieval remains, they were rebuilt in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style. Dating from the 12th century but demolished by the Protestants, the church of Chandolas originally formed a whole as such with its chapel and its monastic house... From now on, its sculpted decorations (bas-reliefs in particular) and its majestic nave are not lacking in temper.
In addition, one can still observe the old hearts of the two villages which border the river, with their narrow streets and traditional dwellings, the stone architecture already presenting a Mediterranean aspect. On Chandolas, a 12th century campanile has been preserved.
Old silkworm farms are still visible, as well as walled gardens, cisterns and wells that evoke past centuries when water was a precious commodity. Testimonies of the agriculture of yesteryear, we also notice the dry stone walls which delimited the plots, the capitelles or gariottes (shelters of winegrowers or shepherds).
The Maisonneuve bridge which spans the Chassezac dates from 1766, having then replaced a ferry. In addition, the old schools and the town hall reflect the modernization of daily and administrative life in the 19th century.
We will finally end a walk in the form of heritage discovery by the Rand Redon monolith, which attests to the human presence on the territory since prehistoric times. The site which dominates the valley and the Chassezac gorges therefore offers a beautiful view.
On the cultural side, the library schedules meetings and events throughout the year (information on +33 4 75 39 31 05) and the Polinno Pépit'Art center is a multidisciplinary place dedicated to artistic creation, knowledge- shared and access to digital tools. It schedules exhibitions and workshops throughout the year: information on +33 7 49 78 81 82 and +33 6 21 81 67 43. the river (contact +33 4 75 36 63 15 to comply with the regulations) and the banks of the Chassezac as well as the protected natural areas (plateau, hillsides) and cultivated terraces delight lovers of hiking or mountain biking. Information and maps of marked trails in the town and neighboring localities on +33 4 75 64 04 66. to climbing.
This picturesque territory can also be explored on the occasion of a pleasant horseback ride: join the equestrian center of Combes on +33 4 75 39 37 89.
