Discover Champis: megaliths, honey and history
Accommodation in Champis
Champis is known as a peaceful place surrounded by nature, about 20 minutes from the Rhône Valley. If you would like to include nature and heritage in your travel plans, the area offers several points of interest: seasonal insights into beekeeping, the Sentier des mégalithes, and historic buildings and ruins. Depending on your interests, you could consider a seasonal visit to the Miellerie, explore the megalith trail, or discover the history of local architecture through surviving and former buildings.
Seasonal insights into beekeeping
The Miellerie Ă tire d'aile offers seasonal guided tours on Thursdays at 5 p.m., from July through August 15. Admission is free; the program includes honey extraction, observing an educational beehive, and tasting honey and fresh pollen. Advance booking is required. As seasonal arrangements may change, it is advisable to confirm the date before your visit.
Introductions to beekeeping are available by prior reservation. They include working at the hives, observing bees, a visit to the honey workshop, and tastings of honey and fresh pollen. The main difference from the seasonal guided tour is the format: the tour takes place on Thursdays at 5 p.m., while the introduction requires a reservation. As arrangements may change, confirm your visit in advance.
The Sentier des mégalithes
The Sentier des mégalithes starts and ends at Place de la mairie in La Bâtie de Crussol, Champis. To get there, take the D533 towards Alboussière, then the D269 towards Champis-La Bâtie de Crussol. Along the trail, a brown sign points to La Pierre Branlante; from there, follow the path 100 metres to the right to see the megalith.
Layers of architectural history
The local landmarks vary in function and state of preservation. La Bâtie de Crussol is a former fortified town, and its former defensive walls are still visible. The fortified Roubiac farm dates from the 15th century and is preserved. The Grange du Seigneur dates from 1453 and was built to store grain and other dues owed to the Lord of Crussol. Today, it houses a craft brewery. If you would like to visit the brewery, check access directly with them beforehand.
The churches also reveal different traces of the past. Garnier Church was built in 1872; only ruins remain at the site of the former Saint-Pierre Church. Garnier also has an open-air theatre. The former temple in the hamlet of La Bâtie de Crussol was built in 1819. On June 6, the date of its inauguration, it was converted from religious to cultural use; by June 2025, its cultural use was established.
Discover more destinations: Chirols, Rochemaure, Cheminas, Gras, Payzac, Chandolas, Chazeaux, Saint-Laurent-Du-Pape
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
