Teyssières: Lavender, Village History and Mountain Scenery

Teyssières combines an old stone village with lavender cultivation and mountain scenery. Village history, local production and outdoor activities offer different highlights for a stay. When planning your trip, you might explore the old village’s stone houses and cobbled lanes, learn about the history of the church, or consider the options around Col de Coucourdet.

Old Village and Architectural History

The old village of Teyssières consists of stone houses and calades, or cobbled lanes. Together, these features give the village a distinctive architectural character. The old village lies on the D130, two kilometres from the Moulin district—a useful point of reference between the two districts.

The Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul dates from the 19th century and was built on the site of an older church. Above its portal is a twin-arched window, one of its distinctive architectural features. The church thus brings together two different periods: the 19th-century building and the predecessor on whose site it was built.

The ruins of Château d’Audefrey also contribute to the commune’s historic character. They stand on a rocky outcrop and can be seen from the road over Col de Valouse. The church and castle ruins offer different perspectives on architectural history: one focuses on the architecture of a church, the other on the striking position of ruins on a rocky outcrop.

Lavender and Local Production

Lavender and aromatic plant cultivation play an important role in Teyssières agriculture. Aromatic plants also grow wild in the mountains. Lavender’s agricultural importance continues in the production of essential oils, most of which are made locally in a traditional distillery.

A family-run distillery in Teyssières uses a traditional steam process and lavandin straw. The lavandin essence produced there is organic and is used mainly in cosmetics. Here, agriculture and processing go hand in hand: the local character includes not only lavender cultivation and aromatic plants, but also a local production method and the essence it yields.

Mountain Scenery and Outdoor Activities

Teyssières lies at an elevation of between 498 and 1,325 metres and is part of the Parc Naturel des Baronnies. Several hamlets are set in a landscape of lavender fields, walnut and chestnut trees, and grey marl soils. The Lez rises on the slopes of Mont Lance, southeast of Rocher Garaux in the commune.

Around Col de Coucourdet, there are opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and climbing. From the pass, you can also walk around the 1,061-metre-high mountain. Another option is the Cougoir circuit, which takes experienced hikers through striking scenery to the rocky spur of Cougoir. This makes it easy to choose between several activities at the pass and a circuit specifically described as suitable for experienced hikers.

The GR de Pays also connects the landscape with the village along a described route: on its descent from Mont Lance, it passes through the old village of Teyssières. The route and the Cougoir circuit are separate descriptions of different destinations: the Cougoir circuit leads to the rocky spur, while the GR de Pays runs through the old village.

More Highlights in the Commune

The commune provides a sports and climbing hall as well as an open-air theatre. These public facilities add further local attractions to the landscape and historic sites. Whether you are more interested in the old village, lavender processing or mountain activities, Teyssières offers a range of themes for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Montjoyer, Barnave, Beaumont-En-Diois, Bourg-De-Péage, Montsegur Sur Lauzon, Taulignan, Die, Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert.

Back to the regional travel guide: Drôme.