Montoison is a commune of the Drome, in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, 17 km south of Valencia.
The territory of the locality, vast of 16 km ², belongs to the valley of the Drôme, this affluent "left" of the Rhone, which takes its source in the Southern Alps.
Since the Gallo-Roman era, the site of Montoison is a relay on the road linking Valence to Die and more widely on the route leading from Bordeaux to Jerusalem.
As evoked by its name, Montoison develops in the Middle Ages at the top of a hill, where a first castle was erected in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, by Lord Poitiers, Count of Valentinois. From the top of the towers, it is possible to communicate by optical signals with the castles of the surroundings to signal any invaders.
The fief of Montoison is then sold to the families of Pouzin and Clermont, the castle being modernized in a Renaissance style and made more comfortable in the early sixteenth century.
After the Revolution, the building transformed some time in prison is dismembered and its stones allow to rebuild the village (church, tower).
Nowadays, with some 1900 inhabitants, the town has retained the appearance of a picturesque perched village that dominates the land through which many streams and areas dedicated to culture (olive groves) pass. A pleasant stopover during a stay in this region so rich in tourist attractions.
A discovery of the old village center, of medieval origin, begins with the passage of the so-called Pavé gate. Then we go via alleys and stone stairs to the summit where was once the castle.
Symbolic remains of the former seat of the stronghold only a tower rebuilt in 1850. The castle was indeed dismantled after the Revolution, the building having served only a few years as a prison. The stones were then used as a material to rebuild homes but also a church, completed in 1838. Dedicated to St. Anne, it has a semicircular choir flanked by two chapels, lit by three stained glass, and a nave of a rather austere bill. Note the bell tower "out of work" shaped square tower with a roof with four slopes.
The church was restored in the late nineteenth century and then in 1985 and 2005 (bell tower).
We then like to discover the homes of medieval look but mostly restored and beautifully highlighted. Elements of the ancient ramparts are still visible. The heart of Montoison despite the changes that occurred after the Revolution has nothing to envy to many villages perched in Provence... We also take the opportunity to enjoy a wide panorama that extends from the Prealps (to the east) to the foothills of the Massif Central (to the west) and to the Rhone Valley.
Explanatory panels have been installed along this pleasant course. It is also offered guided tours of the old village all year round by reservation. Information on +33 4 75 84 40 81 or +33 4 75 63 10 88.
In terms of recreation "sports and nature", many hiking trails or mountain bikes are available (trail of the hill of Skirt, marsh circuit Montoison), including the historic center of the hill and its agricultural and green areas bordering the right bank of the river Drôme. Maps and information on +33 4 75 61 66 93.
Visitors also have the option of joining the local walking club outings which may include forays into nearby localities (contact +33 6 42 24 34 76) or meetings of the cycling association (information +33 6 37 02 13 65.
A break is proving very interesting at the Richard oil mill with a visit to the mills and tasting of olive oils of controlled designation produced in this particular place. The property also hosts art exhibitions. Open all year. Contact the +33 4 75 55 42 63.
Back to the sport with the possibility of playing a game of tennis by booking the court at +33 6 69 19 07 06 or discover the original services of the equestrian stables of Berlion (yoga on horseback, training sessions, etc.). Inquire at +33 6 74 03 95 53.
On the cultural level, finally, the media library of the town offers animations throughout the year. Contact the +33 4 75 84 56 60.
End of January, over several days, feast of drovers with gourmet and musical entertainment and parade chariot.
In mid-June, garage sale in the alleys of the old village.
The Sunday following August 15, exhibitions of old vehicles.
A Star : The listed church and the old village are rich in their past. The Rhone are provided to allow you to discover.
A Livron : Visit the hilltop village, walking on paths and Printegarde Hill Brézème. The fishway, the ostrich farm...
A Allex : The tropical aquarium is unusual in the region (tel : +33 4 75 62 62 11). Nature Reserve Ramières to discover the Drôme River (tel : +33 4 75 62 65 60 ).
A Upie : Le Jardin aux Oiseaux offers several internationally renowned visiting hours among the winged creatures. Children have their own playground Tel. : +33 4 75 84 45 90.
A Beaumont- lès -Valence : The trail takes you through the solar system. Four miles of trail along the river Ecoutay are dotted with planets shown to scale to a miliardième.
A Allex : The station Ramières, welcomes you for a fun trip, sensory and interactive.
