Saint-Jean-De-Muzols: Hadrian’s Stele, Old Church and Grand Bridge

When looking for a hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, two themes can help guide you: historic buildings and monuments, and the landscape of the Gorges du Doux. Hadrian’s Stele, the Old Church and the Grand Bridge provide specific historical points of interest; the Grand Bridge Loop passes a small waterfall and offers views of the gorges. You can therefore plan your stay around what interests you most: local history, architecture or a route through the landscape.

Hadrian’s Stele and the Old Church

Hadrian’s Stele dates from the early 2nd century and bears a dedication by the Rhône boatmen to Emperor Hadrian. It is located in the forecourt of the Romanesque church beside the R.D. 86. The date, dedication and location complement one another, giving the monument a temporal, historical and spatial context.

The Old Church offers a different perspective on the history of the area. It was built around the year 1000 by the monks of Cluny. On September 3, 1952, it was classified as a historic monument. The building is rectangular, with a semicircular apse covered by a domed vault, as well as a series of small arcades. An apse is the semicircular end of a church, while a domed vault has a dome-like shape. The description thus distinguishes the church’s rectangular floor plan from its rounded features.

Grand Bridge and Grand Bridge Loop

The Grand Bridge was completed in 1583 and is a notable crossing at the start of the Gorges du Doux. Known as the Pont sur le Doux dit le Grand Pont, it spans several municipalities, including Saint-Jean-de-Muzols. The Grand Bridge Loop starts at the Grand Bridge in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols: the bridge and the route share a name, but the bridge is also a historic point of interest and the route’s starting point.

The loop passes a small waterfall and offers views of the Gorges du Doux. It can also be explored by mountain bike. To find your way, both the starting point at the Grand Bridge and the scenery along the route are useful. The Train de l’Ardèche also runs through the Gorges du Doux. The loop offers views of the gorges, while the train travels through them—two different perspectives on the same landscape. The area is designated an Espace Naturel Sensible. If you plan to take a ride on the Train de l’Ardèche, check the timetable in advance.

Station and travel planning

The main railway station is in the municipality of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols and is called “T. St Jean de Muzols”. It has a large free car park accessible to motorhomes. The station name and parking information are useful points of reference when planning your trip. Check the parking conditions before you travel.

The historic sites and landscape routes offer different possible focuses for your trip. Those interested in architectural history can find details about the architecture at the Old Church and a dedication dating from the early 2nd century at Hadrian’s Stele. Those who want to explore the Grand Bridge and the Gorges du Doux can use the loop, its starting point and the views described as their guide.

Discover more destinations: Bogy, Ribes, Juvinas, Ajoux, Saint-Laurent-Du-Pape, Rochecolombe, Saint-André-Lachamp, Le Roux.

For the overview of the wider region: Ardèche.