Manthes: Churches, Priory and Veuze

Manthes brings together Romanesque church architecture, the history of its priories and landscapes along the Veuze, as well as a waymarked circular walking route. When looking for a hotel in Manthes, these highlights can help you plan your stay: would you mainly like to explore architectural and monastic history, or set aside time for the route between the plain and the forest? Visiting conditions and timings vary depending on the destination.

Romanesque church and protected architecture

The Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul is a Romanesque church dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Its three-part Benedictine choir follows the model of Cluny and consists of three apses. In the central apse, a 14th-century stained-glass window illuminates the church interior; it depicts the Apostles Peter and Paul. The choir thus brings together the Benedictine architectural form and a window added at a later date.

The church is open to the public year-round from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. As opening hours may change, check them locally before your visit. The bell tower and the entire choir of the Église de Manthes have been classified as Monuments historiques since 1932.

History of the priories

The Prieuré de Mantol was dependent on Cluny in the 11th century and housed three to six monks. The Prieuré Saint-Pierre de Manthes was first mentioned in the 11th century. Its church and a convent building, rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, have survived. The Prieuré de Manthes features painted coffered ceilings and trompe-l’œil paintings dating from the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

To visit the Prieuré de Manthes, contact the Association des Amis du Prieuré. Check the current contact details before your visit. This way, you can take this visiting requirement into account when planning.

Washhouse and Parc des sources

The Lavoir de Manthes was built in the 19th century. It is located on the lakeshore and fed by water from the Veuze. The Parc des sources lies at the sources of the Veuze and is considered a natural attraction. It offers visitors natural shade; you can also discover the washhouse and the old mill there. The Lavoir is notable for its construction date, lakeside location and water supply, while the Parc des sources is known for its spring landscape and opportunities for discovery.

Circular walking route between plain and forest

L’étang magique is a waymarked circular walking route that starts and ends in Manthes. The route is 7.16 km long, graded moderate and listed as taking two hours and 30 minutes. Check the current route information before setting out. The stated duration helps you plan the walk as a block of time; the difficulty rating is a separate guide.

The walk passes between plain and forest and is considered suitable for families. In spring, you can see pear orchards in bloom; in summer, enjoy the coolness of the undergrowth and the sources of the Veuze. The landscape described therefore varies by season. The family-friendly route also features playful and informative signs.

For planning your day, you can compare the timings for the church and the circular route: the church has a daily opening window, while L’étang magique is listed as taking two hours and 30 minutes. Unlike these, visiting the Prieuré requires contacting the Association des Amis du Prieuré in advance.

Discover more destinations: Beaumont-Monteux, Grignan, La Bâtie-Rolland, Condorcet, Les Granges-Gontardes, Saint-Julien-En-Quint, Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, Salles-Sous-Bois.

For the regional travel overview: Drôme.