Ardèche Hermitage

Towns & Villages

Local markets, medieval streets and twin towns on the Rhône — the living heritage of Ardèche Hermitage.

This guide helps you explore the beautiful Ardèche Hermitage. Distances from La Grange de la Chouette, our renovated farmhouse near Saint-Félicien, designed for groups.

À votre porte

Saint-Félicien

Your everyday village. Everything you need within 15 minutes of the house.

The Doux Valley

Lamastre & Boucieu

Two villages connected by the Doux gorges, steam train and rail-bike.

Lamastre
Marché mardiMarché samediGastronomie
30 min

Lamastre

Accessible en voiture ou via le train à vapeur. Marchés terroir le mardi et le samedi matin, restaurants locaux, et pique-nique au bord de l’eau à Retourtour.

Not to be missed: the spectacle of the locomotive turning on its turntable at Lamastre station.

Steam train · Swimming · Mastrou terminus

Boucieu-le-Roi
VélorailMédiéval
15–20 min

Boucieu-le-Roi

Village de Caractère, nestled in a meander of the Doux. Starting point of the famous Rail-bike — booking required, full weeks in advance in high season.

Explore the Bailli House and cobbled streets, former seat of a royal court of justice.

Village de Caractère · Doux Gorges · Crafts

On the Rhône

Tournon & Tain

Two towns face to face, connected by the Seguin footbridge. Castle and market on one side, cellars and chocolate on the other.

Tournon-sur-Rhône
Marché samediChâteau
25–30 min

Tournon-sur-Rhône

Historic town facing the Hermitage vineyards. The Castle-Museum overlooks the Rhône, with hanging gardens and breathtaking views.

Market on Saturday mornings on the quays. Cross the footbridge to reach Tain on foot.

Terraces · Quais animés · Centre piéton

Tain-l’Hermitage
ÉpicurismeVignobles
30 min

Tain-l’Hermitage

At the foot of its world-famous hill, Tain is the beating heart of Rhône country. Chapoutier, Jaboulet, Cave de Tain — tasting directly at the source.

The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona: book online. For the best view, climb to the chapel overlooking the vines.

Cellars · Valrhona Chocolate · Panoramic chapel

The Markets

Every morning a village comes alive. Arrive before 10am to park easily.

MardiLamastre — grand marché terroir30 min
MercrediTain-l’Hermitage30 min
VendrediSaint-Félicien — fromage & charcuterie15 min
SamediTournon-sur-Rhône — Rhône quays • Lamastre25–30 min
DimancheSaint-Félicien — marché dominical15 min

💡 On market days, book restaurants in advance; shops often close between 12:30pm and 3pm.

À rapporter

Specialties that travel well in your suitcase.

🧀

Saint-Félicien & Picodon

Iconic cheeses, available at all markets.

🌰

Châtaignes & marrons

Chestnut cream, jam, flour — the king of Ardèche products.

🍷

Crozes-Hermitage

A few bottles bought directly from the cellar.

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Saucisson d’Ardèche

Artisan charcuterie from local markets.

🍯

Miel de châtaignier

Foncé et parfumé — un classique ardéchois.

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Chocolat Valrhona

Directly from the Cité du Chocolat shop in Tain.

Quand visiter

Les villages vivent toute l’année. The Markets et les vignes donnent le rythme.

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Spring

Calm atmosphere and flowered village squares.

☀️

Été

Marchés animés, festivals et événements en soirée.

🍂

Autumn

Vendanges, châtaignes et rythme plus doux.

❄️

Winter

Peaceful villages and authentic local life.

Continuer l’exploration

Go Further

The villages are just the beginning. Here are other ways to enjoy the region.

Your Basecamp

La Grange de la Chouette

All these places are less than half an hour away. Come back, settle in, enjoy the group — the house is made for it.

Learn More

Office de tourisme

The Ardèche Hermitage Tourist Office is a goldmine for discovering markets, events and outing ideas.

ardeche-hermitage.com