Saint-André-en-Vivarais is shaped by several sucs, with an average elevation of 1,100 metres. In this highland landscape, open distant views, forests, historic buildings and designated trails combine to create a varied local setting.
Those wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Saint-André-en-Vivarais can focus their accommodation search specifically on this location.
Nature
The Doux forms the eastern boundary of Saint-André-en-Vivarais, while the Effangeas stream crosses the municipal area north of the main village. The Bois de Montivert, Bois des Effangeas and Bois de Lacou are home to coniferous forests.
The Le Château de Montivert – Route No. 35 passes through fir forests and crosses small streams. Along the way, it offers remarkable views of the Monts du Velay and Mont Mézenc. The Chemin Louis Pize is a hiking trail across a hilly upland plateau with open landscapes and far-reaching views; in places, it passes through a forest.
Culture
The Maison de Béate at Les Ruches was established in 1853 and is considered a rare example in the Ardèche. The parish church of Saint-André was built in construction campaigns in 1859, 1860, 1862 and 1864. It has a Latin-cross floor plan, a nave and rib vaults.
The present-day Château de Beaume, a fortified house, dates from the late 15th or early 16th century. The grounds of the Château de Montivert are open to the public free of charge from 30 March to 3 November; guided tours of the château are available by appointment only.
Trails and Experiences
The Sentier Pédagogique Biodiversité at the Ferme de Brameloup in Saint-André-en-Vivarais is a one-kilometre marked educational trail with self-guided visits and guided tours by reservation. The Ferme de Brameloup offers farm tours, honey tastings and a farm shop.
The Circuit des Châteaux – VTT FFC No. 30 NOIR is a 28-kilometre, sporty circular route starting from Saint-André-en-Vivarais, with 658 metres of ascent and predominantly wooded, wide trails. The route passes the Château de Montivert and the Château des Baumes through the forests of the high plateau.
Stage 2 of the Tour de Pays VTT Ardèche Hautes Vallées passes below the Château de Montivert and then continues along the Chemin de la Béate; in Saint-André-en-Vivarais, it enters the village at the level of the church.
The Fête de l'Abeille et de la Biodiversité features beekeeping talks and stalls, a local market, a flea market and workshops.
More local pages: Chandolas, Le Roux, Davézieux, Saint-Sernin, Sampzon, Laboule, Mariac, Joyeuse
