Margès: Hills, History and the Herbasse Valley

Margès is situated on a hill overlooking the Herbasse Valley to the west. The village offers several distinct points of interest to help you choose it as a destination: a striking landscape setting, early and later references to its name, the historic Church of Saint-Didier, a church and chapel, and a votive monument. There is also a Chaucidou, a road designed for cycling, with a clearly described route. If you are looking for a hotel in Margès, you can weigh these aspects according to whether you are most interested in the landscape, local history, sights, or cycling.

Margès on the Hill

The description of the location combines a clear geographical point with a direction: Margès is situated on a hill, and the Herbasse Valley lies to the west from the village’s viewpoint. This landscape is a different point of reference from the named churches and votive monument. When deciding whether to visit Margès, you can therefore distinguish between the view into the valley and the village’s individual historical references, rather than treating them as the same reason to travel. Those wishing to understand the surrounding area through its landscape can look to its west-facing position as a specific point of reference; the village’s history offers a separate perspective.

Local History Across Several Periods

Three points in time are relevant to the village’s history. An early reference to « villa turna » appears in 1080; this name is thought to refer to the present-day village of Margès. The village was called Tournay until the 19th century. There is also a historical note that the community of Margès had its own parish and Church of Saint-Didier until the 17th century. The early references to the village’s name and the history of its parish shed light on different aspects of the place: its name and its ecclesiastical organization. If you are interested in history, these details help you place several periods in context, rather than getting to know Margès through just one historical reference.

Churches, Chapel and Vierge du Voeu

As of February 3, 2025, the church and chapel can be visited daily throughout the year with free access. Check current visiting arrangements before your trip. Another named local landmark is the votive monument Vierge du Voeu on Route des eymards in Margès. The visiting information for the church and chapel and the monument’s precise location serve as different guides: the former helps with planning a visit, while the latter locates the votive monument in the village. Together with the historical connection to Saint-Didier, these provide several cultural points of interest for exploring Margès.

The Chaucidou and Cycling

The Chaucidou is a specific feature for cyclists. It has been completed between the Margès intersection and the hydraulic structure over the Randon. On the Chaucidou, cyclists ride on the side lanes, where the speed limit is 70 km/h. The information about cycling applies to the section between the Margès intersection and the crossing over the Randon. This identifies a specific route, the use of the side lanes, and the applicable speed limit to help you plan your trip. If cycling is a factor in your choice of destination, you can consider this specific road feature alongside the landscape and local history. This makes it possible to consider cycling as a distinct aspect of Margès, without confusing it with the village’s historical or ecclesiastical references.

Discover more destinations: Ancône, Romans-Sur-Isère, Saint-Julien-En-Quint, Sainte-Croix, Montbrun Les Bains, Souspierre, Les Tourrettes, La Chapelle-En-Vercors.

For an overview of the wider area: Drôme.