Discover Labastide-De-Virac

Labastide-de-Virac offers several clearly distinct starting points for planning a trip: the architectural history of Château des Roure, paved calades in the village, a memorial site and hiking trails with different destinations. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider whether cultural history or hiking should take centre stage. The château, village setting and trails offer different themes to include in your plans.

Château des Roure: Architectural History and Views

Château des Roure dates from the late Middle Ages, the 14th to 15th centuries, and has been classified as a historic monument since 1978. The centuries place its architectural history in context; 1978 marks the date of its classification. This makes it possible to distinguish the building’s period of origin from its later protected status.

The approximately one-hour guided tour is offered in four languages. Check the latest visiting arrangements before your trip. The château also showcases the entire life cycle of silkworms, from egg to butterfly. This adds a separate theme to the architectural history: silk production as a continuous developmental process.

The ramparts of Château des Roure offer panoramic views of the Cévennes—from Mont Lozère to Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc—as well as the Bas-Vivarais.

Village, Memorial Site and Landscape

Labastide-de-Virac’s village setting includes paved lanes known as calades. The municipality lies on the right bank of the Ardèche and covers 2,400 hectares, much of which is wooded with white oaks and holm oaks. Part of the natural rock arch of Pont d’Arc also lies within the municipality. The calades describe the village itself; the river location, woodland and rock arch, by contrast, relate to the municipality as a whole.

The memorial in the hamlet of Les Crottes commemorates the 15 residents who were shot on 3 March 1944. Alongside the architectural history of the château, it is a separate historical point of interest in Labastide-de-Virac.

Hiking: Circular Route or Trail to the River

The marked circular hike at Rocher de Saleyron starts in the village of Labastide-de-Virac and offers panoramic views over the Gorges de l’Ardèche. Before setting out, check the latest information on the route and waymarking, as trail conditions and markings can change. Another marked hiking trail leads from the hamlet of Mas du Serret to the river in the Gorges de l’Ardèche.

The difference is clear when choosing between them: the trail at Rocher is a circular route with panoramic views that starts in the village; the trail from Mas du Serret is a marked route leading to the river. You can distinguish the information by starting point and destination, and plan the hiking part of your trip accordingly.

Seasonal Visit Planning

From April, Grotte Aven Forestière is accessible without a guide or reservation. As opening is seasonal, check the latest visiting arrangements before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Christol, Empurany, Saint-Maurice-D'ardèche, Pradons, Étables, Saint-André-de-Cruzières, Alba-La-Romaine, Cros-De-Géorand.

For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.