- Village
- Saint-Montan
- about 8 km from Bourg-Saint-Andéol
Saint-Montan
A medieval village raised from its ruins by volunteers since the 1970s, at the foot of its feudal castle.
What to see, what to know
Between Bourg-Saint-Andéol and Viviers, Saint-Montan huddles at the foot of its feudal castle, among limestone hills covered in garrigue scrubland. The village takes its name from the hermit Montanus, who is said to have lived here in the 5th century.
In the 1880s, the inhabitants left the old village for more convenient houses lower down, and the ruins took over. From 1971, the association Les Amis de Saint-Montan cleared it and then restored it: thousands of volunteers have taken their turn here.
Today you can wander through narrow lanes, between old stone houses and craft workshops, up to the remains of the fortress. The medieval village is explored on foot.
Before or after your visit, stop off in Bourg-Saint-Andéol
All shops- Where to eatRestaurants, bakeries, pastry shops, butchers and grocers in the town.Restaurants and food shops
- Where to stayHotel or guest rooms: shop owners in the town can put you up.The places that offer rooms
- What to take homeOlive oil from the mill, wines bought at the estate, products from local producers and sweet treats.The local produce
Also worth seeing, close by
All the places to explore
Heritage · Larnas · about 10 km awaySaint-Pierre Church, Larnas
A small 12th-century Romanesque church, in a village surrounded by vineyards and lavender, listed as a historic monument.
Heritage · Viviers · about 13 km awayViviers, episcopal city
The former capital of the Vivarais, clustered around its cathedral of Saint-Vincent: narrow lanes, old houses and a Romanesque tower on a rocky outcrop.
HeritageBishops' Palace
Once the residence of the bishops of Viviers, this listed palace overlooks the Rhône and still has its 17th-century painted decoration.