Attractions and Places To See around Chamaret - Top 20

Magnificent 12th century church whose dark and massive interior is reminiscent of certain places of worship in Aubrac.

The church was erected following the establishment of a Benedictine priory in the 11th century. Enlarged and remodeled numerous times, it nevertheless retains a certain unity. The nave, transept, and apse date from the 12th century and are in the Romanesque style. The side aisles were added at the end of the 12th century. Later, in the 15th century, an additional bay of the nave was built. As for the side chapels, pierced with Gothic windows and supported by powerful buttresses, they were added in the 15th and 19th centuries. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1862, built of noble materials (ashlar), the building has the dual distinction of being roofed by stone slabs and having two bell towers: one is octagonal and notably pierced with ogival bays, the other is a bell tower-arcade type with three bell bays. The three bays of the exterior side portal are richly decorated with arches and capitals adorned with flowers, petals, and sculpted figurines. They present a balanced composition of small columns and semicircular arches. Architecturally, note the sculpted modillions of the cornices overlooking the chevet and transept, as well as the elaborate decoration of the "south" portal, where Gothic elements coexist with Romanesque ornamentation (bas-reliefs depicting figures and interlacing). The west portal is decorated with elegant columns from the 13th and 14th centuries. Inside, admirable coffers painted with rosettes adorn the ceiling, and a magnificent 16th-century organ case sits on an entire wall. This organ case, equipped with an Italianate case dating from 1506, was restored in the 18th century and in 1966, following its listing by the Fine Arts Museum. It has also been undergoing a new restoration since November 2007, which was completed in July 2009, the date of its new commissioning. Accompanied by background music, lighting in several stages, and a constantly renewed decor, the Valréas nativity scene, one of the most renowned in Provence, occupies the Notre Dame-de-Nazareth church from Christmas to Candlemas. Covering 57 m², beautiful and very old figurines (some of which are centuries old) make their way towards the Infant Jesus. The church and its Place Pie serve as the backdrop each year for the feast of the Night of Little Saint John on June 23.

Listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," La Garde-Adhémar offers a unique panorama of the Rhône Valley. La Garde-Adhémar proudly overlooks the Rhône Valley from its limestone spur and has preserved its medieval past with its ramparts, cobbled streets, castle ruins, and old houses. The village, with its dazzling white stones, captivates with its typically Provençal atmosphere. Its cobbled streets, stone houses bathed in the golden light of the South, and its remarkably preserved medieval heritage make it a truly postcard-perfect setting and invite discovery. Between history, nature, and magnificent panoramas, this hilltop village invites you to a timeless getaway.

The Renovation Project Saint Michel Church is an emblematic building of the Garde Adhémar. The restoration project involves the roof, which will be completely maintained (cleaning, replacement of slabs) to prevent water infiltration that currently damages the vaults and works of art. The restoration project also includes the complete replacement of the louvers to protect the dome and bells from rain and runoff. The urgent restoration of the various southern and western doors dating from the 1850 restoration is also underway. Exteriorly, a study is also underway to create a small gutter to channel rainwater, which would protect the nave, apses, and sacristy from water infiltration. The project will also include landscaping around the church using natural materials, repairing the joints in the church walls, and finally, installing interior lighting to enhance the pillars, vaults, domes, and numerous works of art. December 2024: Launch of the fundraising campaign Summer 2025: Expected start of construction The site and its history About twenty kilometers south of Montélimar, the white stones of La Garde-Adhémar dazzle in the Drôme Provençale sunshine. From the top of its limestone spur, the village, labeled one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, has preserved its medieval structure: ramparts, castle remains, and old residences, offering breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley and the Vivarais Mountains. The Saint Michel Church is a fine example of Provençal Romanesque art from the second half of the 12th century. Located in the heart of the village on a rocky spur and surrounded by walls, it stands like a sentinel overlooking the Rhône Valley. Listed as a Historic Monument in 1862, the church impresses visitors with its slender proportions, the balance of its forms, and the subtle interplay of its horizontal and vertical lines. The distinctive features of the Church of Saint Michael include a western counter-apse of Carolingian origin, a remarkable Romanesque axial window, a three-headed capital, and the barrel-vaulted nave, impressive for its grand interior elevation. Finally, an eight-sided dome dominates the sobriety of the dressed stone walls. Below, the botanical garden, classified as a remarkable site, is an integral part of the site. The mobilization The inhabitants of Lagardère are very attached to their church; this heritage site embodies a social and historical bond. They remember the imprint of the successive priests who have enlivened parish life over time. It is also a very strong draw for tourists and visitors. The town's cultural and heritage associations will support the project by scheduling sacred music concerts, exhibitions (including a Provençal nativity scene), guided tours of the town's heritage using QR codes, and the celebration of a midnight mass for Christmas.

A Provençal Romanesque-style church, characterized by two opposing apses, one east and one west. The Church of St. Michael, listed as a Historic Monument, is a jewel of Romanesque art from the second half of the 12th century. Thanks to the support of Prosper Merimée, inspector of Historic Monuments, the church was restored in 1849-50. The second floor and the bell tower pyramid were erected at the same time. It is remarkable for the interior perfection of its stonework and the balance of its volumes. The elevation of the nave lends elegance and lightness to the whole, with its decoration remaining very sober. A notable feature: it is distinguished by the presence of a double apse opposite the entrance. The north chapel houses a polychrome wooden Romanesque Virgin Mary, "Our Lady of Good Help."

Here – in the "Val des Nymphes" – a Christian church meets figures from pagan mythology. Nymphs were considered nature spirits or goddesses in the religious understanding of the time, but by no means as significant as, for example, Mars, Neptune, or even Zeus. They were a popular motif in the visual arts, offering the opportunity to depict naked or scantily clad female figures. The church found here, with the title "Notre Dame" (in German "Our Dear Lady"), which is widely used in France, is also dedicated to a special woman who, although not a goddess herself, according to Christian understanding participated in the divine plan of salvation through her unconditional "yes" to the angel's message: Mary, the Mother of God.

As you venture into the enchanting Valley of the Nymphs, near La Garde-Adhémar, you will discover a hidden oasis of natural beauty. This picturesque valley, nestled among rolling hills and lush vegetation, is a haven for nature lovers.

Nice quiet place, a way to cool down when it's hot...