The best gravel rides around Saint-Donat-Sur-L'Herbasse

The FRANCE VOYAGE website reports on the origin of the current place name with Saint DONATUS: "With the advent of Christianity, Saint-Donat bore the name Jovincieu or Jovenzieux. In 732, during the invasion of the Saracens, Corbus, the bishop of Grenoble, fled to Jovenzieux and brought with him the relics of Saint Donatus, who died in the 6th century, on his way to Sisteron – hence the name Saint-Donat." However, the collegiate church located in the town has a different patron saint than the place name; here, the choice was made for the two prince of the apostles, SAINTS PIERRE et PAUL, whose common feast day is celebrated on June 29th in the calendar.

The first footbridge built by Marc Seguin between Tournon and Tain in 1825 was revolutionary for its time. It was the world's first iron cable suspension bridge, a true technical feat for the era. This footbridge helped facilitate trade and strengthen ties between the two towns. However, the original footbridge underwent several transformations over time. It was first raised to allow the passage of steamships, then a second footbridge was built by Marc Seguin in 1847, still based on the iron cable suspension principle. The two footbridges coexisted for a time, the first being used for pedestrian traffic and the second for road traffic. As road traffic intensified over time, it became necessary to build a new bridge to facilitate circulation. This is how the Gustave Toursier bridge was built in 1958. Located about 350 meters downstream from the Marc Seguin footbridge, this suspension bridge over 240 meters long comprises three spans. It is designed to support road traffic, thus facilitating exchanges between the two municipalities. The current footbridge, inaugurated in 1972, is therefore the fourth of its name. It was designed to resemble the 1847 footbridge, while meeting current safety standards and needs. https://www.ardeche-hermitage.com/fr/zoom-sur/la-passerelle-marc-seguin-celebre-son-bicentenaire/

Rebuilt between 1811 and 1838 on the ruins of the Notre-Dame church of a priory of the order of Cluny, the current church witnessed a historical event: the marriage of the future King of France CHARLES V with Jeanne de Bourbon was celebrated there in 1350. Its 19-meter spire dates from the end of the 19th century. https://svhermitage.catholique.fr/notre-paroisse/

You will discover the washhouse, below the perched village of Veaunes, by following the « La Veaune » walking circuit! The construction of the washhouse dates back to 1896, it is located on the edge of the stream that bears its name: La Veaune. For its centenary in 1996, the washhouse was renovated and given a new roof structure, thanks to the work of the association “Jeunesse et reconstruction”. Nowadays, the restored washhouse is a testament to the history of the washerwomen of yesteryear. https://www.mercurol-veaunes.fr/decouvrir-mercurol-veaunes/le-patrimoine-de-mercurol-veaunes/

Belvédère de Veaunes: you will admire a superb panorama up to the Vercors mountains.

Delicious, but expensive. Opposite is a small, lovely bakery with local baked goods. Yummy!!!!

Hello everyone, Please note that the footbridge crossing the Rhône between Tournon and Tain is closed until November 28th due to ongoing construction. You must use the motorway bridge 500m away… it's much less pleasant.

The Marc Seguin Suspension Bridge in Tournon-sur-Rhône is a 19th-century engineering masterpiece and one of the oldest suspension bridges in Europe. A stroll over the Rhône offers impressive views of the river and the surrounding vineyards. Tournon's old town boasts charming alleyways, historic buildings, and a Renaissance palace. Wine lovers can sample local wines from the Cornas and Saint-Joseph regions. The combination of engineering, nature, and history makes this place an unforgettable experience. By the way, cycling is prohibited and police patrol the area!