- Cécile WANG
- - Nov. 29, 2024
Looking for a good plan to go on a weekend away from the city, in nature, while being accessible without a car from major urban areas ? Good news: our little part of the Ardèche is very close to the main roads ! Take the train to Valence, you just have to cross the Rhône and hop ! Here you are in Rhône Crussol! For this, nothing could be simpler : the bus lines Citéa - Valence-Romans Mobilités - bring you for a small price: 1.40€ the ticket, unbeatable... and ecological !
Day 1 : direction Saint-Péray !
Take bus no. C4 towards Saint-Péray !
It takes you to the heart of the village, passing through the town of Guilherand-Granges.
Get off at the "Jeanne d'Arc" stop if you want to start with 2 emblematic places of Rhône Crussol: the Château de Crussol, and the Maison des Vins & du Tourisme !
To stock up on ideas during your stay, first push open the door of the Maison des Vins & du Tourisme ! The advisors will inform you about tourist activities, but also on local products, including wines from our 3 AOC: Saint-Péray, Cornas and Saint-Joseph.
> 10 good reasons to come to the Maison des Vins & du Tourisme !
We will also show you where to go on foot to the magnificent Crussol castle, which dominates the town of Saint-Péray and all the surrounding valley. You will not fail to have seen it when you came here !
The Crussol castle majestically dominates the Rhône valley: a historic site of 3 hectares inside its ramparts that will delight lovers of medieval history. Centuries of history guarded behind its once impregnable fortress. But also a unique site due to its natural heritage and the richness of its biodiversity. The Château de Crussol is a classified Natura 2000 site and a Sensitive Natural Area!
Good to know: the Château de Crussol is freely accessible all year round !
Back in the village, you can go to one of the many cellars for a nice tasting! Many wineries receive, with or without appointment, to help you discover the wines of the region. Simple tasting or cellar visit or even vineyards, nothing better than to meet directly the winemakers !
Good to know: you can also discover it in Cornas, accessible by bus with the bus of line 13.
Several other activities are possible in and around Saint-Péray !
Wellness practitioners, event organizers (theater, concerts, etc.), or local crafts...
It is also possible to rent bikes at the Cyclable shop located just a stone’s throw from the Maison des Vins & du Tourisme, and to cycle on the Voie Bleue and the ViaRhôna !
You’ll be spoilt for choice !
Day 2 : direction Boffres, on the plateau ardéchois !
To get you a little further away from the main roads and breathe in some fresh air, head towards the Ardeche plateau of Haut Vivarais !
Take the line 46 towards Vernoux, and stop in the pretty medieval village of Boffres !
You will easily find something to occupy your day !
After discovering the village, the ruins of its castle, its pretty church and its cute little streets, discover a network of hikes alternating valleys, forest trails and breathtaking views from the highest point of Rhône Crussol, the Serre du Muans !
After the effort, the comfort!
In the heart of the village, you can warm up at the l'Auberge de Boffres ! A friendly place... and appetizing! You will find local and seasonal cuisine in a warm setting. If the weather is nice, you can even enjoy their terrace with a breathtaking view of the countryside !
Once you’re comforted, you’ll be in great shape to go back walking... or cycling ! A bike loop is right around here !
Unfortunately, it’s already time to leave !
All you have to do is take the bus back to Valence ! You will pass by the villages of Alboussière, Saint-Péray and Guilherand-Granges...
Next time, why not visit the beautiful cities of Soyons, Charmes-sur-Rhône or Saint-Georges-les-Bains ? All are accessible via line E12 which goes up to Cheylard !
So... when are you coming back ?
