Venterol: Cultural Trail, History and Art

For a trip to Venterol, cultural history and a marked cultural walking trail provide clear thematic highlights. There are also historic buildings and art at the Eglise Saint-Michel de Novézan. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider whether the walking route, architectural history or a visit by appointment should be the focus of your trip.

Cultural Walking Trail and the History of the Routes

The “Balade venterolaise” is a marked cultural walking trail, 8 km long, which includes the Chemin du Tomple. This path is a former royal road between Venterol and Vinsobres and has been reopened to the public. The 8 km refers to the Balade venterolaise as a whole; the Chemin du Tomple is part of the marked route. Before setting off, check the local signage and conditions.

Temple de Venterol and Château Ratier

The Temple de Venterol has been restored and redesigned as a cultural space. Today, it is used for exhibitions and gatherings. If you would like to include a visit in your stay, check the programme before travelling. This will help you distinguish this cultural highlight from the historic routes and buildings.

Château Ratier is the surviving square tower of a medieval castle. The castle was abandoned around the middle of the 15th century. The tower stands on a rise overlooking the old road to Nyons. The date refers to the abandonment of the castle, not to the construction of the surviving tower. The site of Château Ratier is freely accessible; check the conditions on site.

Art at the Eglise Saint-Michel de Novézan

The Eglise Saint-Michel de Novézan contains an Annunciation painting copied from a 15th-century Florentine fresco. There is also a depiction of Saint Michael vanquishing the demon, dating from 1644. The two dates refer to different things: the fresco is the model for the Annunciation painting, while 1644 is the date of the depiction of Saint Michael. Visits to the church can be arranged through the mairie. Confirm the appointment again before your arrival.

Visits and Planning Your Visit

The village of Venterol can be visited freely at any time throughout the year, individually or in groups. Guided tours are different: APAVEN regularly offers tours of Venterol and Novézan; groups can arrange a tour on request. If you prefer a guided tour, check the dates before your arrival and request a group tour well in advance.

Washhouse and Wine

The washhouse in Venterol dates from 1876 and was renovated in 2006. It spans a canal fed by the course of the Sauve River. Alongside the churches and Château Ratier, it represents a different type of historic building. Wine is another distinct aspect: Vignoble de Provensol produces an AOC wine from the Côtes du Rhône growing area.

Discover more destinations: Mornans, Reilhanette, Les Tourrettes, Vesc, Le Grand-Serre, Hauterives, La Baume-Cornillane, Eurre.

For the regional travel overview: Drôme.