Discover Bourg-Saint-Andéol

Bourg-Saint-Andéol lies on the right bank of the Rhône. There are several distinct themes to choose from when planning your trip: guided tours and historic buildings, events at La Cascade, walks in the Laoul Forest, a circular hike with a specified distance, and a cycling loop by the river. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, it helps to first decide which of these interests will shape your visit.

Culture and historic buildings

The Palais des Évêques offers individual and group guided tours. As schedules may change, it’s a good idea to check the current times before your visit. La Cascade offers a different focus: France’s Ministry of Culture has recognised it as a National Centre for Circus Arts. Reservations are required for performances, events and creative residencies at La Cascade because seating is limited. Check the reservation terms in advance if La Cascade is part of the reason for your trip.

The tomb of Saint Andéol is in the Church of Saint-Andéol, which also has an organ listed as a historic monument. The Chapelle Saint-Polycarpe is a Romanesque church from the 12th century, built above a trefoil-shaped crypt. It is used for concerts and exhibitions and can be visited by request. Arrange your visit in advance. This lets you choose between the different historic buildings and their cultural significance when planning, without confusing a visit by request with a freely accessible visit.

The Vallon de Tourne and its features

The Vallon de Tourne is a protected landscape area with two Vaucluse springs, known as the “Gouls”. The valley also contains a 19th-century washhouse and a bas-relief dedicated to the god Mithras. Natural and cultural history sit side by side here: the springs shape the landscape, while the washhouse and relief reflect different historical aspects of the place.

This offers a different travel focus from the guided tours or events in town. If you’re interested in the valley, you can explore the springs, washhouse and relief dedicated to Mithras as distinct features of the same landscape area.

Walks, circular hike and cycling loop

Walks in the Laoul Forest are offered year-round. One route with a specified distance is the Sentier des capitelles: this 9.2-kilometre circular hike starts behind the tourist office on Place du Champ de Mars in Bourg-Saint-Andéol. Along the way, the trail offers beautiful views of Mont Ventoux and the Rhône plain; vegetation and weather can affect visibility. Trail conditions and route details may change, so it’s a good idea to check local information before setting off.

When planning, it helps to distinguish between the year-round walks in the Laoul Forest and the Sentier des capitelles, which has a specified distance and circular route. The “Rhône et Patrimoine” cycling loop follows the ViaRhôna along the Rhône. Check the current signage when cycling, as route details may change. Pierrelatte TER station is connected to Bourg-Saint-Andéol by a signposted route; connections and signposting may also change.

Wine and cellar tours

Cave Domaine Coulange offers tastings of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages St Andéol wines. Cellar tours are available by request; arrange one before your visit. The wine offering adds another focus to your travel plans, alongside historic buildings, landscapes and trails.

Discover more destinations: Borne, Rochecolombe, Marcols-les-Eaux, Payzac, Mars, Ribes, Nozières, Cheminas.

For the broader travel guide: Ardèche.