Tournon-sur-Rhône

Sentinel of the Rhône Valley

Standing guard high above the Rhône, across from Tain-l'Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhône is a beautiful and grandiose village with its castle and its monuments, its terraced vineyards and spectacular panoramas.

If you come by way of the Marc Sequin footbridge that crosses the Rhône you will be treated to a view of Tournon in all its grandeur.

Its imposing castle, built on a granite rock, dominates the village. At its feet, a maze of cobblestone streets holds in store for you historic buildings and monuments. Everything invites you for an enjoyable stay.

The Seguin bridge

The Seguin bridge and the château

The Seguin bridge

One of the most beautiful castles in Ardèche, the Tournon Castle plays itself out in three acts.

The old Saint-Just castle was built in the 10th century and can still be seen on the right of the main courtyard. In the 14th century, the northwest wing was built.

The 16th century saw a flurry of construction with new living quarters added, including the big Renaissance building that today holds, behinds it big studded door, the museum of the history of Tournon-sur-Rhône.

There you can explore the different rooms with period furnishing and admire the important artwork collection of which a part is devoted to the arts and traditions of Ardèche.

The Beauregard Tower as well as the two terraces and the chapel were also built between 1560 and 1600.

The Chateau of Tournon sur Rhone

Tournon sur Rhône Castle

Château Renaissance - Tournon sur Rhône

The château from the bridge

The château of Tournon-sur-Rhône

Tournon sur Rhône - The Chateau

Starting in 1300, the lords of Tournon had the Collegiate Church of Saint Julien built. In Gothic style, you will see some beautiful frescoes inside. Curiously, some old houses had been built right into the church's walls.

Tournon also has the oldest high school in France, the Lycée Gabriel Faure, founded in 1536.

The Tourist Office can be found in the imposing Hôtel du Marquis de la Tourette.

Behind it lies the Farconnet Quay. This square by the river in the shade of the sycamores is the favourite place for the local boules players. From there, you can go up to the Pierregourde Tower and the Hospital Tower, which were part of the fortifications built in the 16th century during the wars of religion. Or head to the Rue de Droux, in the past the chic quarter of Tournon with its very stylish mansions.

After your tour, why not take a break in the Garden of Eden, a wooded and verdant haven of peace within the city walls, next to the old convent.

The more sporty might want to continue their excursion along one of the cycling paths, such as the ViaRhôna.

Or on the scenic route that snakes between the vineyards on the terraced hills.

Always a prosperous town, Tournon built its fortune on its wines, already much loved by the emperor Charlemagne, and still today. It was the Jesuits of Tournon who gave the name Saint Joseph to the appellation that stretches from Saint-Péray in the south to Condrieu in the north.

For foodies, Tournon was the birthplace of the very flavoursome Picodon goat's cheeses. Across the river, in Tain l'Hermitage, you can visit the Cité du Chocolat and historic Valrhôna chocolate factory.