Colombier-le-Vieux is one of three access points to the Daronne Gorges. On the route through the gorges, the Belvédère de Saint-Sorny offers views of their winding meanders; the gorges are then crossed via a suspension bridge. The Doux and Daronne rivers also flow through Colombier-le-Vieux.
Anyone wishing to discover the Daronne Gorges and the historic townscape of Colombier-le-Vieux can include renting a holiday apartment in Colombier-le-Vieux in their travel plans.
Nature and Landscape
When approaching via the Départementale 534, the Pont des Etroits offers views of the Doux Gorges. The Daronne Gorges were designated an “Espace Naturel Sensible” in 2015. At the Barrage de Clauzel, an exceptional natural setting combines with remarkable industrial and historical heritage from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The mountains Serre de Montourat, Serre des Fourches, Serre des Trois Croix and Serre du Chirat Blanc are located in the vicinity of Colombier-le-Vieux.
Townscape and History
The “Vieux Colombier” district can be explored on foot. Along the way, visitors can discover stone-built terraced houses, former shops and the historic streets Rue de la Forge, Place Saint Julien, Montée du Petit Casino and Chemin de la Molière.
The marked path to Chapelle Lecrest / Les Claustres leads there from the cemetery near the Calvaire. The Romanesque chapel of Saint-Sorny is located in a protected natural landscape in a meander of the Daronne.
The privately owned Maison Forte du Ruissas can be admired. It is a representative example of aristocratic and rural architecture in the Vivarais, was built between 1560 and 1566, and was remodelled in the 17th century.
Getting Around
The tourist railway Train des Gorges connects Saint-Jean-de-Muzols with Colombier-le-Vieux along a route approximately 8 km long; a round trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Culture
The historic site Ancien Prieuré de Veyrines and the ruins of Château de Rochebloine are located in the vicinity of Colombier-le-Vieux.
Further afield in the region is the Abbatiale Saint-Ruf monument. The Artothèque de Valence museum, which is closed, is also located further afield in the region.
For further browsing: St. Barthelemy Le Plain, Laboule, Quintenas, Borne, Saint-Pierre-Sur-Doux, Peaugres, Saint-Mélany, Baratier.
