The best traffic-free bike rides around Gilhoc-Sur-Ormèze

It is classified as a historical monument and houses a museum designated as a Museum of France. Primarily built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Château de Tournon stands on the remains of a first building from the 10th century. (...) The site still presents exceptional works of art today, such as a triptych by Giovanni Capassini, but also collections on river navigation or the history of the town and the castle. Reconstructions of rooms, as well as sculptures, paintings, drawings or engravings, highlight the tour.

The following sentence is attributed to the French writer Victor Hugo (1802-1885): „One day, cannons will be exhibited in museums, like old torture instruments are now, and people will marvel that such things were ever in use.“ If only this vision of his had already become a reality! Then there would be no need for the many 'Monument aux Morts' with which villages and towns, across the country, commemorate their inhabitants who lost their lives in war.

A rare testimony of Gothic architecture in Ardèche, the Saint-Julien church is one of the best-preserved in the region. Listed as a historical monument, it recalls the ancient character of Tournon's heritage. https://www.tournon-sur-rhone.fr/ma-ville/decouvrir-tournon-sur-rhone/patrimoine/eglise-saint-julien/

The Château de Tournon is one of the most beautiful castles in the Ardèche. Its massive character and elevated position give it an imposing appearance. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, its architecture bears witness to the evolution of society, between the medieval period and the dawn of the Renaissance. http://www.chateaumusee-tournon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=549&Itemid=443

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/

The bridge called the King's Bridge was erected at the beginning of the 13th century. Indeed, in 1291, Philip the Fair officially declared the foundation of Boucieu and thus created a co-lordship with the lord Geronton de Valmordane. Boucieu le Roi was endowed with a charter of franchise (tax exemption for its inhabitants) and a bailiwick (court of justice). The charter of franchise would attract numerous merchants and notables. Access routes were therefore paramount, hence the construction of this 3-arch bridge. It would later be widened in 1773. https://www.ardeche-hermitage.com/fr/catalogue/detail/pont-du-roi-129249/

Go back up the Gorges du Doux aboard the Mastrou and stop at Boucieu le Roi, the village nicknamed “village of a thousand secrets”. Overlooking a wide meander of the Doux, this former capital of Haut-Vivarais owes its name to Philippe le Bel. The Maison du Bailli is one of the witnesses to this rich past: classified as a historic monument since 1927, this very beautiful house, with its corbelled turret, was the seat of the royal court of justice. The village was also deeply marked by Pierre Vigne, a missionary priest from Vivarais, whose tomb is in the church. Awarded the “village of character” label, Boucieu le Roi is one of the most beautiful villages in the Nord-Ardèche. https://www.trainardeche.fr/destination-boucieu/

Called the Mastrou or Train de l'Ardèche, the Vivarais railway is a 33-kilometer-long narrow-gauge tourist railway line connecting Lamastre to Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, near Tournon-sur-Rhône. A steam train, with a locomotive classified as a Historic Monument, invites young and old to discover the green Doux valley, a preserved area with panoramas inaccessible by road. A part of the Mastrou line can also be traveled by railbike starting from Boucieu-le-Roi. Twelve kilometers of downhill railbiking in the Doux gorges, with a return trip by historic railcar, to do as a couple, with family or with friends! https://www.trainardeche.fr/ https://www.velorailardeche.com/