Labastide-de-Virac is a listed village – a “Village de caractère” – south of the Ardèche. Its charm comes from the many lovingly restored limestone and sandstone houses. The Ardèche can be reached on foot straight from the village. The marked GR4 hiking trail invites you on long walks to the Ardèche gorge, with breathtaking views.
On longer hikes you can discover the wild, romantic gorge. Besides the canyon, it is the vineyards, the lavender and sunflower fields, the olive groves and, of course, the French way of life that make this area so enchanting.
The picturesquely situated medieval Château des Roure of Labastide is a listed monument and can be visited. It was built in the 15th century and, during the Wars of Religion, sheltered the Count of Rohan, a Huguenot leader. [Info]
The cuisine of the Ardèche is a successful blend of the flavours of Provence, Lyon cooking and influences from the Auvergne. Prices in the restaurants and inns are a pleasant surprise, with simple set menus from as little as 20 euros. The culinary specialities of fine Provençal cooking can be enjoyed in the two restaurants in the village: La Petite Auberge and Au Vieux Porche. Both are open from Easter to mid-September.
You can buy your breakfast baguette and other small items directly at the village farm shop . The “Alimentation” sign below the village square points the way to the shop. It is a good five-minute walk from the holiday home. For a crispier baguette, go to the tobacconist in Vagnas (5 km). For larger shopping trips the best option is the “Intermarché” supermarket in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc (7 km), the Lidl just outside the town towards Ruoms, or the very well-stocked “Super U” supermarket at the entrance to Ruoms, about 14 km away. There is a smaller supermarket, “Shoppi”, in Barjac, 12 km away. This charming Renaissance village also has 3 bakers, 3 butchers, a large tourist office, tobacconists and stationery shops and two typical corner shops, as well as a bank and two cash machines.
More information about sights in the nearer and wider surroundings of our holiday home »