Bénivay-Ollon between valley views and cultural heritage

Bénivay-Ollon is a small village on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain passes. Opposite lies the Eyguemarse Valley, where several streams and rivers flow. The village therefore brings together two different landscape perspectives: the view from the hill and the valley with its waterways. There are also chapels, historic remains and local produce. When planning your trip, you can therefore shape your stay around landscapes, history and artisanal products.

Landscapes and circular walks

The “Les hauts de Saint-Jean” route passes through the Eyguemarse Valley and offers panoramic views from the Saint-Jean d’Ollon Chapel. “Les quatre cols” focuses on historic mountain passes: they were once well-traveled routes connecting the villages of the Baronnies. The route offers views of the Eygue-Marse Valley, the northern Baronnies, the hamlets of Beauvoisin and Mont Ventoux. Both the landscape and the passes’ former role as connecting routes are defining themes of this walk.

The “Les hauts de Saint-Jean-d’Ollon” circular walk begins and ends in Bénivay-Ollon. Its starting and finishing point in the village gives you a clear reference for planning your outing. The other routes offer different highlights: some lead through a valley, while others focus on historic mountain passes and the views described from them.

Chapels and local history

The Saint-Jean d’Ollon Chapel is Romanesque and was first mentioned in the 12th century as “de Aulono.” It stands on a rocky ridge above the Eyguemarse Valley, with panoramic views stretching as far as Mont Ventoux. Walking around the chapel on its eastern side will take you to a small hermitage. Its architectural history, location on the ridge and access to the hermitage give the site several distinct points of interest.

On the same rocky ridge as the chapel, you can still see remains of a medieval castrum from the former village of Ollon. The remains of a castle may also be part of the site. The chapel and the castrum remains are therefore linked by their shared location, while the possible connection to a castle remains uncertain.

Notre-Dame de Tiretempli also connects a specific location with its historical context. The chapel is a remnant of a former priory, mentioned from the 12th century onward. It lies on the right bank of the Ayguemarse between Bénivay and Ollon. Together, the two chapels reflect different aspects of local history: Saint-Jean is Romanesque and associated with the former village of Ollon, while Tiretempli recalls the former priory.

Olive mill, distillery and tastings

The “Visite et dégustation: moulin et distillerie familiale” tour and tasting in Bénivay-Ollon includes an immersive visit to the business and a tasting of local artisanal products. At the olive mill, visitors can watch olive oil being produced and taste organic oils and olives. Both the production process and the tasting are part of the experience described.

The family distillery makes elixirs of the Baronnies, as well as aperitifs, liqueurs and fruit brandies in a traditional still. Its artisanal know-how has been passed down from generation to generation since 1902. If you are choosing based on your interests, the distinction is clear: the olive mill focuses on olive oil and organic olives, while the distillery focuses on spirits and a craft tradition passed down through generations.

Seasonal and other activities

The Ban du Tilleul takes place every year in the first half of June. During this traditional ceremony, the Chevaliers du Tilleul open the harvest sacks, marking the ripeness of the flowers. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the exact date in advance.

Swimming in the Ayguemarse may also be part of your trip plans. Check local water conditions before swimming. This lets you take the specific activity and its relevant conditions into account without limiting your stay to a single focus.

Discover more destinations: Eymeux, Omblèze, Bourg-Lès-Valence, Saint-Pantaléon-Les-Vignes, Rochechinard, Boulc, Chamaloc, Savasse.

For the broader travel overview: Drôme.