Montguers: Village History, Lavender and Hiking Views

The green commune of Montguers is surrounded by mountains, and the Ouvèze flows through it. Montguers consists of the hamlets of Bas-Montguers and Haut-Montguers, separated by the church. The river and the layout of the village offer two distinct points of reference for planning your trip: the landscape on one hand and the village’s layout on the other.

Getting There and Route

Montguers can be reached via the D65 departmental road. On the Lavender Route, the village is at kilometre 94.4 on the D65 towards St Auban-sur-l’Ouvèze. The route passes through the village before climbing to the Col de Peyruergue. This places Montguers in context both in terms of its road connection and the continuation of this route.

Village Character and History

Traditionally restored stone houses give Montguers its typically Provençal appearance. A stone fountain stands in the centre of Bas-Montguers. The Église Saint-Arnoux is also one of the village’s sights. The houses, fountain and church each add a distinct feature to the village’s character, from traditional architecture to notable local landmarks.

According to local tradition, an old village was built above Montguers and abandoned in the 16th century. Ruins remain at the site of the former upper village, including the recognisable ruins of a church. For those interested in the history of settlement, two perspectives come together here: the local tradition about the village’s abandonment and the remains preserved at its former site.

Lavender and Plant Dyes

Lavender is the main cultivated plant in Montguers. L’Herbier à Couleur, located in an old mill in Montguers, offers a hands-on introduction to plant dyes. Visitors can work with plant-based dyes in the workshop and try traditional, eco-friendly craft techniques. Workshops for all visitors cover dye plants, indigo and plant-based inks, and include a historical introduction and practical activities. From July to September, visits to the dye garden are also available. If you plan to visit the garden, take this seasonal window into account when planning your trip.

Hiking Views and Landscape

The “La Croix de Roussieux et La Clavelière” hike offers views of the Eygues and Ouvèze valleys, the peaks of the Vercors, the Alpine range, Mont Ventoux and Mount Chamouse. The viewpoints therefore encompass valleys, peaks and individual mountains, as well as the Alpine range. Hikers can enjoy a specific landscape theme with several distinct sights to take in.

Find a Hotel for Your Trip

If you’re looking for a hotel in Montguers, you can first decide whether your trip will focus on the village’s Provençal character and history, plant dyeing and a seasonal garden visit, or the named hike and its varied viewpoints.

Discover more destinations: Portes-En-Valdaine, Chamaloc, Eurre, Saint-Martin-En-Vercors, Piégros-La-Clastre, Dieulefit, Pont-De-L'isère, Mévouillon.

Return to the main travel overview: Drôme.