Venterol is a commune of the Drome, in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, 40 km south-east of Montelimar, bordering Nyons and Vinsobres on the borders of Vaucluse.
Ranging from 300 to 1,165 m altitude, the territory of the locality belongs to the Regional Natural Park of Baronnies Provençales, which also covers part of the Hautes-Alpes.
Occupied since prehistoric times and during Gallo-Roman antiquity, the village developed on a hill in the Middle Ages after the establishment of two stately castles a few kilometers away. Venterol then occupies a strategic place at the edge of Dauphine, the County of Provence and lands under the papacy.
Refuge of many Protestants during the Wars of Religion, the village regains some stability thereafter.
At one time the cultivation of the madder (a plant for dyeing) and the breeding of the silkworm flourished, but in the twentieth century, Venterol focuses on the production of olive oil, fruit and viticulture (appellation Cotes du Rhone).
The charm of the perched village, its heritage and its environment make the town (about 700 inhabitants) a stage of interest near major tourist sites.
Whether at the level of the fortified village and perched with picturesque charm, its streets lined with walkways or hamlets, the town is rich in many historic sites.
The discovery of this heritage includes, in the village itself, the parish church Notre-Dame, with massive architecture, which adjoined the castle, demolished in the nineteenth century. Note the splendid wrought iron campanile of the seventeenth century, which has become the symbol of Venterol. Enlarged in the 19th century, the building houses a Carrara marble altar and an interesting painting depicting the Rosary in its right chapel.
See also, the temple rebuilt in the nineteenth century after a first place dedicated to Protestant worship dating from the sixteenth century was razed after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. Isolated from the town, the new temple with bare architecture has been restored and for some time, it is dedicated to hosting art exhibitions. Information on +33 4 75 27 91 11.
We will not forget the washhouse dating from 1876, renovated in 2006, which spans the canal that feeds the course of Sauve.
On the road leading to Vinsobres, the Sainte-Perpétue chapel, modest in style and remodeled on the basis of the 17th century, bears witness to a widespread worship of this saint of the 3rd century, venerated in the Mediterranean regions. At Venterol, a procession took place at the beginning of March until recently. The interest of the chapel now lies in the biblical paintings and frescoes that the Catalan artist Cristobal Orti made in the 1960s.
On the hamlet of Novézan, two buildings are worthy of interest. The castle Ratier first, whose legend relates that it already existed in the form of a Roman castrum from which we saw Hannibal pass... Abandoned in the fifteenth century, the castle belonged to the twelfth of the lords of Montauban before moving to the order of the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem. There remains the remains of a high tower and some elements of fortifications. The site is free to access.
Nearby, the Saint-Michel church in the heart of a once distinct parish (gathered at Venterol in 1939 only) has been reworked several times on medieval bases. Its furniture is remarkable: altar, banner, statue of St. Michael and a painting of the seventeenth century evoking "The Annunciation", a copy of a fifteenth century Florentine work. For a visit, contact the town hall at +33 4 75 27 91 11.
A local heritage discovery trail was designed, 8 km long, marked in yellow. A booklet is available in town hall.
Another route, the path of the Maquis de la Lance, which follows the footsteps of the many resisters who, in 1943 and 1944, joined the "Army of Shadows" in the region. The route is signposted and marked with signs.
In addition to these walks dedicated to history and heritage, many hikes are possible on the town, including its wooded or mid-mountain parts, vineyards or areas dedicated to the cultivation of olive trees. Tasting breaks are obviously possible. Maps and information on +33 4 75 82 19 26.
It can also be charming to ride Venterol in a carriage! Contact the +33 4 26 66 24 33.
Finally, at the cultural level, several art galleries and sculpture workshops are open to the public in the village: Ombre et Lumière (contact +33 6 84 13 29 60) and the Atelier du Douire (information on +33 4 75 26 22 08).
In February or March, traditional carnival with parade.
The first Sunday of May, hiking "The Tour des Crêtes".
The weekend following August 15, communal festival with fun, gourmet and musical entertainment.
The third Saturday of November, the premiere wine festival.
