Taulignan: Medieval Village and Religious Buildings

Taulignan combines a historic village with distinctive religious buildings and a seasonal truffle market. The medieval village developed between the 10th and 15th centuries; eleven towers that reinforce its fortifications are still visible. When looking for a hotel in Taulignan, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the village’s appearance, its architectural history or the market. Choosing when to travel is especially important if you also want to visit the truffle market.

Medieval Village and Sightseeing

At the northern gate, Porte d’Anguille, two flanking towers are joined by a gallery with machicolations. To learn more about the history, architecture and distinctive features of the streets, you can choose a guided tour from the Association des Onze Tours. Tours take place in summer; groups can book them year-round by arrangement. Plan a guided tour in advance. You can visit the historic village independently at any time. The historic village has numerous Renaissance façades, as well as houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Religious Buildings and Architectural History

The Protestant temple of Taulignan was listed as a Monument historique by decree on 4 October 2010 and is one of around ten circular temples recorded in France. Its raised dome is supported by four pillars; inscriptions from the four Gospels are visible on the four pendentives. Its classification as a circular temple and the architectural features described offer different ways of looking at the building: they describe both its building type and specific elements of its architecture.

The Church of Saint-Vincent preserves part of its Romanesque walls in the south elevation and the façade. It also contains a small funerary chapel belonging to the lords of Taulignan, dating to the 15th century and dedicated to Saint Blaise. Thus, the same church brings together Romanesque architectural elements and a later chapel with its own dedication.

The Chapelle Saint-Marcel was built in the 12th century on the site of an ancient temple of Mercury. It is located at Domaine de l’Esclauseau on the Route de Nyons, is privately owned and is open to the public. Check the visiting arrangements before your visit.

Seasonal Market and Practical Information

The truffle market takes place every Sunday morning from mid-November to mid-March. If you want to visit, plan your trip around this seasonal window and check the specific dates before travelling.

The Musée de la Soie is wheelchair accessible. It has a lift, a ramp to the museum shop and a toilet for people with reduced mobility. Check these practical details again before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Martin-D'août, Le Poët-Célard, Soyans, Mérindol-Les-Oliviers, Bésignan, Glandage, La Roche-Sur-Le-Buis, Chamaloc.

Return to the main travel overview: Drôme.