Discover Allex: History, Culture and Nature

Allex is a medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop in the Drôme. Old stepped lanes, historic buildings and cultural collections offer insights into different aspects of the village’s history. Nature also takes centre stage: in the Ramières Nature Reserve, the focus is on flora, fauna and various ways to explore the area. When choosing a destination, you can therefore consider what matters most to you, such as cultural heritage, exhibitions or nature activities.

Medieval Village and Historic Traces

Allex’s old stepped lanes include covered passageways known as “andrones”. The Motte de la Tour Ronde preserves the remains of a castle associated with the bishops of Valence in 1318. Those interested in historic village landscapes will find both distinctive architectural features and a tangible connection to the past.

The “Allex Pas à Pas” brochure describes eleven walks through Allex’s lanes and paths. Old photographs, anecdotes, maps and explanations add visual and narrative material to the walk descriptions. This combines the experience of finding your way through the lanes and paths with insights into the village’s history.

The Maison St Joseph also has a layered history. It is housed in a château built by the La Tour du Pin family in the 18th century. In 1920, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit acquired the château and developed it into a small seminary for training missionaries. The building’s construction and its later role as a seminary represent different chapters in its history.

The Saint Joseph Shrine in the village of Allex is considered a place of welcome and pilgrimage. A large pilgrimage takes place there every year on the third Sunday in May. If you want to take this recurring date into account when planning your trip, check the event details in advance.

Collections and Visitor Experiences

MUSAA opened in November 2018, making its collections accessible after they had remained largely unknown to the general public and specialists alike. They comprise everyday and sacred objects from the traditions of equatorial Africa, including tools, bowls, seats, weapons, jewellery, masks and statues. The collection thus offers different ways to explore objects from daily and religious life.

Allow about an hour for a visit to MUSAA. Reservations are required outside opening hours, and groups of eight or more are asked to book in advance. Guided tours, a puzzle game and storytelling for children add to the collection experience.

A visit to the Aquarium des Tropiques takes you through six world regions. There are also collections of insects, preserved butterflies and shells. The aquarium displays several hundred species of tropical freshwater fish in 35 tanks holding up to 50,000 litres. Educational workshops and a family puzzle booklet for children round out the offering. The visit therefore combines an introduction to different world regions with other natural history collections.

Nature in the Ramières Nature Reserve

The Ramières Nature Reserve is one of France’s 20 river nature reserves. Guided tours and public nature events held throughout the year focus on exploring the flora and fauna. La Gare des Ramières is the reserve’s visitor centre. Families can learn about the environment, species and habitats of the area there.

Leisure activities in Ramières include mountain biking, road cycling and hiking. There is also a themed trail and a botanical nature trail. These activities offer different ways to explore the area: cycling and hiking alongside trails that focus on a particular theme or on plant life.

Discover more destinations: Châtillon-En-Diois, Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas, Ancône, Margès, Jaillans, Espeluche, Granges-Les-Beaumont, Pennes-Le-Sec.

For the regional travel overview: Drôme.