Empurany: Historical Sites and Nature

Empurany can be explored through a variety of themes. The medieval tower brings together exhibition areas on the history of the commune and sacred art; the Church of Saint-Michel, a cemetery cross, and La Pierre des morts each offer their own historical perspective. A hike with views over the Doux Valley, the Petite cascade d’Empurany on the Route d’Arlebosc, Lac l’Oasis, and an open-air boules area reveal other facets of the area. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between cultural sites, landscape features, and recreational activities.

Tower and Church Art

The medieval tower of Empurany was fully renovated in 2025 and houses several exhibition areas on the history of the commune and sacred art. A visit brings these two subjects together in one place. Free guided tours are planned for the summer; visits are possible by prior reservation only. As reservation arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

The Church of Saint-Michel dates back to the 11th century. Another facet of church art is represented by the 14 stained-glass windows in a church in Empurany. Most are signed by the stained-glass artist Charles Borie of Le Puy-en-Velay. The signatures provide a specific artistic attribution for the windows and add another dimension to the presentation of sacred art.

The old cemetery cross is located in the southern cemetery of a church in Empurany. It probably dates from 1880 to 1890 and is decorated with grapes, wheat, and a ciborium. The ornaments refer to the sacrifice of Christ and the Eucharist. Thus, alongside the probable date, the motifs reveal a religious meaning associated with the cross.

Historic Memorial Sites

La Pierre des morts is open and free to visit every day throughout the year. The stone bears the initials “AM” and the year 1656. It may be a gravestone that once lay on a tomb chamber; it may also have been dedicated to the memory of a prominent figure in the Diocese of Vienne. Its possible use as a gravestone and possible dedication remain interpretations, while the initials and year are concrete features of the stone. The site therefore combines practical visitor information with a history whose explanation is expressed cautiously.

Landscape and Recreation

The Petite cascade d’Empurany is on the Route d’Arlebosc. The “Saint-Just” hike offers a different impression of the landscape, with remarkable views over the Doux Valley. These are two distinct ways of experiencing nature: a waterfall on a specific road and views along a hike. When planning your time in the area, you can consider these landscape features separately from the churches and historic memorial sites.

Boats and watercraft of all kinds are prohibited on Lac l’Oasis. If you include the lake in your plans, take this restriction into account and check the current notices beforehand, as the rules may change.

For shared leisure time, Empurany has an open-air boules area for playing with family and friends. It is mentioned alongside the multipurpose hall, playground, and motorhome parking area. Unlike the tower, church, and historic memorial sites, the focus here is on outdoor games. The range of topics covered thus extends from sacred art and local history to nature and shared recreation.

Discover more destinations: Saint-André-En-Vivarais, Plats, Vogüé, Saint-Joseph-Des-Bancs, Sanilhac, Le Plagnal, Le Roux, Tauriers.

View the wider travel guide: Ardèche.