La Touche: Château, Chapel and Hiking Trails

When planning a stay in La Touche, you can shape it around cultural history, hikes and a specific market day. The Château de La Touche and the Notre-Dame de Mastaize Chapel represent different historical themes. The “Mastaize” and “Les Citelles et Serre Pointu” routes take you through the forest, along the stream and to viewpoints. The picture is rounded out by the Thursday evening market, where GAEC Ferme du Merlet sells its farm produce.

The Château and Heritage Days

Substantial parts of the foundations of the Château de La Touche, a remnant of its military heritage, have been preserved. There is also the crenellated wall enclosing the courtyard. The château is privately owned and opens its doors every year as part of the European Heritage Days. If you would like to include this visit in your travel plans, check the Heritage Days dates in advance.

The history of the Notre-Dame de Mastaize Chapel

The Notre-Dame de Mastaize Chapel was founded in the 13th century and destroyed in 1581. Louis de Lattier subsequently rebuilt it. He was a naval officer and owner of the estate; he commissioned the reconstruction in fulfilment of a vow to the Virgin Mary. This sequence of founding, destruction and rebuilding gives the chapel its own distinct historical significance. The Romanesque chapel can also be included in a hike: you can stop there on the return leg of the “Mastaize” route.

Hiking around Mastaize

The marked “Mastaize” route is an easy 8.47-kilometre circuit. It starts and ends in La Touche, passing through the forest and around Mount Mastaize. The route involves 120 metres of ascent and is listed as taking 2 hours 45 minutes to walk. In the distance, the route offers views of the Eyzahut mountains, the Trois Becs and Coupseau. The circuit, walking time and elevation gain give you specific points of reference for planning your time. Check the latest route information before your hike.

The Les Citelles et Serre Pointu route

The “Les Citelles et Serre Pointu” route has a different focus on the landscape. It follows the Citelle stream, passes through old hamlets and goes by a former mill and lavender fields. Serre Pointu and viewpoints overlooking the plain are also part of the route. Along the way, you will encounter both historic sites and varied landscapes. There is a car park in the village for the hike; it is on the left, along the small road by the church.

Market and travel planning

GAEC Ferme du Merlet sells its farm produce at the Thursday evening market in La Touche. If the market is important to your travel plans, check the latest information about it in advance. To choose between the hikes, consider their different features: the “Mastaize” route lists walking time and ascent; the “Les Citelles et Serre Pointu” route focuses on the stream, former mill, lavender fields and viewpoints. The chapel adds a specific cultural and historical stop to the first route.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Barthélemy-De-Vals, Saint-Roman, Allex, Mévouillon, Manthes, Chanos-Curson, Livron-Sur-Drôme, Plaisians.

For the broader travel overview: Drôme.