Roussas is a commune of the Drome, in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, 20 km south of Montelimar.
The territory of the locality belongs to the natural region of Drôme Provençale, a few kilometers east of the course of the Rhone which is the limit with the department of Ardèche.
The village was built on a rocky peak around a medieval castle was the setting for an episode of the wars of religion: the fortress was thus taken by the Huguenots but they were dislodged in 1579 by an uprising of peasants who judged these too expensive conflicts. This jacquerie was, moreover, repressed by the royal armies in the months that followed.
Outside the village perched nearly 400 m and its heritage buildings, the locality is rich in its vineyards and lavender fields that descend to the Rhone Valley, all forming a landscape shaped postcard.
Roussas where there are some 370 inhabitants is a pleasant step during a stay in this part of the Rhone Valley between Monts d'Ardèche and Luberon.
It is logically by the perched village that one must begin a visit to Roussas. A route has been marked by the municipality, lined with educational signs and, more singular still, by signs describing the many varieties of flowers, herbs and especially roses composing a pleasant circuit "botanical".
We discover the castle, ancient castrum built in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, which has a quadrangular tower of origin and another, remodeled in the eighteenth, the whole being surrounded by a wall. The property is private and can not be visited. The castrale chapel is on the other hand outside. Dedicated to St. Germain, it served as a parish church until 1868. Romanesque style, built in the eleventh century, it is protected as historical monuments since 1926.
By taking the picturesque calades, these cobbled streets of medieval appearance, one goes then towards the Sanctuary Saint-Joseph, built in the XIXe century on an old place of pilgrimage. Restored, it houses a rare example of a pneumatic organ, that is to say, operating only with air. The sanctuary that once adjoined a seminary is open to visitors in summer.
Finally, the new parish church was built in 1868. First dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, it was then placed under the patronage of Saint-Germain, as the chapel. The two side chapels of the Virgin and St. Joseph were added in 1873. The church was restored between 1980 and 1993. Sober, the building houses several statues, ornate capitals and we note that it has of a wall-tower, while the bell-towers are rather the norm in this region.
Still in this village which dominates the rest of the town, two wash-houses add to the picturesque and the nobility of the old houses.
In terms of "nature" activities and leisure activities, a visit to the "Miellerie pédagogique" allows you to learn more about the world and beekeeping techniques in a fun way. A good time guaranteed for children and their parents. A tasting of honey concludes the session. Information on +33 4 75 98 57 99.
More "physical", the Vert'Tige Aventure center offers shady courses for tree climbing for young and old. Open from April to the end of November, every day during school holidays and weekends during the school year. Information on +33 7 82 33 25 15.
The village, the historical sites as the surrounding countryside (fields of lavender, vineyards) are suitable for hiking. Marked circuits are proposed, which for some include incursions to neighboring villages or the banks of the Rhone. Maps and information on +33 4 75 46 56 75.
Another way to travel the territory: quad rides. This is what Quad'Else offers, which leases vehicles and specifies which paths are allowed. Open from April to December. Information on +33 6 23 04 11 29.
The third Sunday of May, empty-dressing.
The first Sunday of June, garage sale.
The last Friday of June, "Summer Festival" with jazz concert then ball.
The last weekend of September, votive festival with fun and musical entertainment.
From December 1st to February 1st, miniature crib with musical entertainment at St. Joseph's Chapel.
Finally, a night market is proposed Wednesday evening from early June to mid-August: the opportunity to discover the richness of the region's terroir in a fragrant and colorful Provencal atmosphere.
