Discover Beaulieu: dolmens, chapels and hiking trails
Accommodation in Beaulieu
A trip to Beaulieu can focus on different things: prehistoric sites, sacred architecture, hiking or cycling. The village’s 56 dolmens point to human presence from the late Neolithic to the early Bronze Age, around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. Churches and chapels add architectural histories from different centuries to this historical picture. Other specific options to consider when planning your trip include local farm offerings and horse-riding activities.
Dolmens, a church and chapels
The Dolmen du Bois des Roches is fully protected as a historic monument. It was classified on 18 April 1914. The first recorded mentions of the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and the presbytery attached to it date back at least to the 13th century.
The two chapels have different family connections: the Chapelle Saint-RĂ©gis aux Divols was built around 1850 by the family that also gave the hamlet its name. The Chapelle Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs in Bonnemontesse was built around 1800 at the initiative of the Ressayre family. Those looking for a historical focus can therefore choose between a medieval mention and two chapels with specific connections to their families and locations.
Hiking trail and mountain biking stage
Some of Beaulieu’s dolmens are easy to see from marked hiking trails. One specific hiking destination is the circular route “Les dolmens – Les Divols – Beaulieu (No. 63A).” It starts in Les Mourgues in Beaulieu, is suitable for families, and follows a route where the Dolmen des Divols and the Dolmen des Abrits are visible. Check access and trail conditions before setting out.
For a cycling trip, the sixth stage of the Grande Traversée de l’Ardèche VTT runs through Beaulieu from Les Vans to Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. It is 34.6 kilometres long and can be ridden daily throughout the year. The two routes therefore differ in activity and distance: the circular route offers a hiking option with two dolmens visible along the way; the mountain biking stage is a 34.6-kilometre connection between the places mentioned. Before setting off on this stage, check the official route status and conditions.
Pilgrimages and dates
A pilgrimage and a country-style communal meal are traditionally held at the Chapelle Saint-RĂ©gis aux Divols on 16 June. At the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs, a pilgrimage followed by a neighbourhood meal takes place on Good Friday. The events therefore differ both in date and in the form of the shared meal described. If you would like to plan your trip around them, confirm the dates in advance.
Farm offerings and horse riding
La Ferme des Divols makes several goat’s milk cheeses, including Rouleau de Beaulieu, sarrietton, pyramide, bouchon and tomme. Visitors can buy products directly from the farm. During open visits, visitors can pet the goats and meet other farm animals. As sales and visits are subject to current availability, check sales status and access to visits before you arrive.
The Centre équestre et poney-club de Bonnemontesse in Beaulieu offers recreational and competition horse riding with horses and ponies. Riding lessons are available for children aged 6 to 17 and adults aged 18 and over. The equestrian centre also organises trail rides of at least three days in the Monts d’Ardèche and the Cévennes. Activities range from lessons and recreational or competition riding to multi-day rides in these areas. Check availability before booking.
Discover more destinations: Le Lac D'issarlès, Rochepaule, Pailharès, Saint-Lager-Bressac, Vagnas, Labastide-sur-Bésorgues, Lagorce, St. Julien Du Serre
For the regional travel overview: Ardèche.
