Randonnée du château de Crussol

A hike in the region Rhône-Alpes

This walk proposes you a nice trip in the time, with the discovery of the castle of Crussol and the Roman quarries on the right bank of the Rhone river. You can also observe wild Orchids.

Information

General points

• Geographic situation. District : Saint-Péray (department Ardèche)
                                     Road map with
• Starting point : Car park of Crussol Castle (2 Km southward from Saint-Péray, road D553 going to Le Puy).
• The length of the stroll is estimated at 4,5 Km and the walk duration is about 1 h 40 mn.
• The stroll is marked out all along
• Stroll form : dual (one part as a loop, the other one linear)
• Stroll relief : hilly (alt. mini = 205 m ; alt. maxi = 390 m)
• Maintenance : frequent (brushwood clearing at least annual)
• Exposure : varied (both covered and uncovered areas)

Special conditions

Warning: do not walk too close to the edge of the cliff.

Events and information

Call for your attention. You are in a zone classified Sensitive Natural Environment in the calcareous Massifs of Crussol and Soyons. The collection of any flower is strictly forbidden. Please respect this regulation.

Noteworthy places

Château de Crussol. Erected on a rocky spur upon the Rhone valley, the castle of Crussol was built during the XIIth century by Lords of Bastet. The site includes a village (called Vilette) and the seigniorial lodging house which is surrounded with a 335 meters long wall. It became a property of the Lords of Crussol and Uzes in the XIVth century. It was not destroyed during the Religious wars, but many times it was plundered and burned. In the XVIth century, Charles IX made Antoine de Crussol Duke and Peer of France. Thereafter, the castle was neglected and it was ordered to be destroyed by Louis XIII.

Carrières romaines. Roman quarries with some vestiges of buildings.

Flore du Massif de Crussol et Soyons. As far as flora is concerned, it should be noted the extension of Orchid lawns that include several protected species as Ophrys drumana and Anacamptis coriophora. Almost all the French species of Orchids are small plants with a limited vegetative growth and without stolon. So, any damage against these plants entails a damage in their development. Flowers are very beautiful, but just photograph them.

Maps

Carto Exploreur 07 Nord, IGN 3036 O.

Bibliography

L'Ardèche à pied. (2005 - Coll. Les Départements de France à pied. Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre) : 128 p. Réf. ISBN : 2751400647