Grospierres is a town in the Ardèche region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a few kilometers west of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and 35 km southwest of Montelimar.
Its territory of 27 square kilometers ranges from 96 to 550 meters, crossed by the course of Chasseraz which flows into the Ardèche north.
already enjoying a Mediterranean climate, the town consists of a town and several hamlets, and its economy is based on long arboriculture (the largest fruit cooperative department was established until the 1980s there) and vines (bio wines). The installation of workshops crafts and tourism, thanks to its heritage and its garden and steep, are now its main assets.
Grospierres, which currently has around 900 inhabitants, reveals a step or a resort first class close to other reputable sites like the Chauvet cave, the Rhone Valley and the Cevennes.
The locality has a rich heritage which can be the subject of instructive and exotic walks.
Chronologically, we will focus on the fifty or so dolmens present in the area (the largest concentration in southern Ardèche). These are megaliths dating from 4000 years before our era and which served as burials. The best known is that of the Combe de Bonne fille.
The old village of Chastelas which overlooks the main town is another treasure: built in the 11th century, it was inhabited by around twenty families until the middle of the 19th century and then abandoned. An association maintains its remains, and that of its old castle. A stroll in this picturesque hamlet can end with a detour to the Notre-Dame des Songes chapel, above the old village, built in the 13th century and which was the object of devotions until the 20th century.
Again from a religious point of view, the church of Saint-Pancrace de Quinsas was built at the beginning of the 20th century to replace a Romanesque building, some vestiges of which are still visible in the sacristy. And in the hamlet of Comps, the Saint-Projet church has very old bases (9th century) and was enlarged in the 19th century. There is an inscription from 1329 in the nave evoking the foundation of a chapel dedicated to Saint Barbara. For a visit, contact +33 4 75 39 51 78.
With regard to civil buildings, the Château de la Selve was originally a fortified house (13th century) then a hunting lodge belonging to the Dukes of Joyeuse, at the head of from a powerful family from Vivarais. Restored, transformed into an agricultural then wine-growing operation, the castle with its main building and its corner towers, on the banks of the Chasseraz, has kept its look. The estate produces organic wine on 38 hectares. Information on +33 4 75 93 02 55.
The Château de Bournet, for its part, has become a hotel and restaurant establishment and a golf course open to the public was inaugurated there in 2012. The 9-hole course has designed by Patrick Jacquier and is compact, fast and technical. An excellent field for beginners as well as for experienced players wishing to train. Visitor rate from 25 euros. Information on +33 4 75 95 09 72.
In the village or the hamlets, a walk can then include a visit and discovery of workshops where specialists in craftsmanship gladly explain their know-how. This is the case of the artisanal screen printing workshop of Vanessa Paris which also programs introductory courses (contact on +33 6 85 93 03 09), of the pottery of Comps (utilitarian and ornamental ceramics) including the workshop-exhibition can be visited from Wednesday to Sunday or by appointment on +33 4 75 36 56 21 or finally from the lithographic studio-gallery of Pierre Jonquières (visit by appointment on +33 4 75 39 00 19).
"Nature" leisure activities are numerous in the locality thanks to an environment which lends itself particularly well!
The Adventure Camp tree climbing park is located in a wooded area bordering the river (with a small beach for cooling off). A laser-game course is also arranged. Information on +33 6 49 56 39 54.
By respecting the safety instructions and following the adapted routes, the Ardèche countryside and the foothills of the Cévennes can be traveled by quad or buggy. Contact the Ardèche Loisirs Mécaniques club on +33 4 75 39 06 59.
More traditional and bucolic, horseback riding is possible. Contact the Rouret equestrian center on +33 4 75 93 98 60.
Generally speaking, hikers or mountain bikers are also very spoiled on Grospierres.
A first circuit accessible to all audiences is essential: it is the one leading to the Vaucluse resurgence of Font Vive. This is where an underground course appears in the open, forming a small body of water surrounded by rocks and greenery. Its color is amazing and this natural phenomenon is one of the natural and historical riches of Grospierres (which owes its name). Be careful, the source is 10 m deep. It is located 2.5 km from the village, following a marked path.
In general, rich in protected areas for their ecological interest, the environment of the town and its close surroundings has made it possible to trace no less than 29 walking routes!
In addition, from Grospierres begins the Via Ardèche greenway built on an old railway line and which is dotted with remarkable panoramas on the river, the plains of the south of Ardèche, but also the Cévennes mountains. Ideal for pedestrians such as two-wheelers who benefit from 25 km secured to Vogüé.
Maps and information on +33 4 28 91 24 10.
