Saint Thome: Village History and Hiking Trails

Saint Thome is a village in southern France, perched on a hill at the confluence of three rivers. Its architectural history, seasonal local offerings and walks give a stay a variety of focuses.

The village’s architectural history

The Church of Saint-Thomas was founded in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 12th century. The Château of Saint-Thomé was also built in the 12th century. In the 16th century, it was extended with a structure featuring two towers, adjoining the medieval keep. The château is partially protected as a historic monument; it was listed on April 12, 2006.

Le Chastelas is a 12th-century manor house, notable for its beautiful twin window. In the 17th century, it served as a monastery house for the religious order of Viviers. The Chapel of Saint-Sébastien may date back to the 5th century.

At Le Chastelas, the date of construction and its later use should be distinguished: the house dates from the 12th century and served as a monastery house in the 17th century. The château’s listing in 2006 relates to its protected status.

During the warmer months, a guide leads culinary walks and treasure hunts through Saint-Thomé. If these guided activities are important to your travel plans, take their seasonal availability into account.

Hiking and scenery

The Vallée de la Nègue hiking trail starts and ends at Place des Crottes. It is 13.75 km long, with a cumulative elevation gain of 339 m. These details can help you fit the hike into your day’s plans. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

One hike offers panoramic views over the Vallée de la Nègue and the surrounding mountains. Another hike passes through Mediterranean vegetation to the Plateau de Bayne. The hikes therefore have different highlights: the Vallée de la Nègue hiking trail is characterized by its distance and elevation gain, while other hikes showcase the scenery, vegetation and plateau.

To choose, consider which details matter more for your day: a hike’s specific distance and cumulative elevation gain, or the landscape features described for other walks. This lets you compare the hikes’ highlights without combining them into a single route.

More activities and practical information

Tours of cooperative and private wine cellars are offered in Saint-Thomé. Check the availability of each cellar locally. There are also signposted mountain biking routes; check the signs and trail conditions locally before setting out.

Because the old village has narrow lanes, visitors are asked to park at Place du jeu de boules behind the town hall. Bear this in mind when planning your journey; practical arrangements may change.

A free motorhome service station operates at the southern entrance to the village, except in winter. Before travelling, check that its seasonal operating period suits your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Clément, Chalencon, Saint-Victor, Pradons, Dornas, Vals-Les-Bains, Le Lac D'issarlès, Les Vans

For the broader travel guide: Ardèche.