Oppidum of Caesar's Camp
We are here in the presence of one of the major archaeological sites of the Roman Gaul of the South. Overlooking the Rhone corridor, the site is located on a rocky outcrop, the ascent of which will offer you a beautiful panorama of the surroundings. A strategic choice if ever there was one, this oppidum was occupied by a Gallo-Roman colony whose numerous villae
remains underline the importance of the place. The site is open to the public and explanatory panels line the camp. Complete this visit by visiting the permanent exhibition rooms of the town hall of Laudun-l'Ardoise where the discoveries made during the excavations are highlighted.In front of the post office, turn left and go down the rue Albert André, then turn left towards Orsan. Continue straight on, cross the crossroads, and take the first right at the "cease and desist" sign, and then go down rue Jean Bouin. At the end of this street, go under the bridge that spans the small stream of the Tave in the direction of the campsite.
- Laudun-L'Ardoise, a village steeped in wine culture. Situated on the slopes of a hill, the village extends its vineyards as far as the eye can see. Its unique terroir brings freshness and finesse to the AOC Laudun, Côtes du Rhône Villages. Meet the winegrowers, visit the many cellars and discover the subtleties of each estate in the village.
Continue on the path that allows you to leave the village, turn right at the end, then left to join the greenway. After a few kilometers, leave this green way and take on the right the RD121 in direction of St-Laurent des Arbres. After a few kilometers on this RD, take the first left on the way of the Planque, then the first right to borrow the way of St-Maurice which will lead you to the center of the village of St-Laurent-des-Arbres.Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, its forest, its vineyards, its listed heritage
Located on the famous GR42 leading to Santiago de Compostela, the village is nestled on the edge of a beautiful forest of Aleppo pines from which the cicadas love to sing. A land with varied soils that also knows how to welcome between sand and red soil with pebbles, rows of vines drawn to the line. The vineyard of the AOC Lirac, which stretches over four communes including Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, is the most Mediterranean of the Rhone Valley's crus. It is also one of the few crus to be available in three colours. Finally, Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres is notable for the presence of a rare fortified church from the 11th and 14th centuries. Typical of Provençal Roman art, it is classified as a Historic Monument. The pleasant streets of the village will lead you to the Donjon, known as the Jacques Deuze Tower. Culminating at 25 meters high, it is the "semaphore" of this fortified complex. Do not miss the incredible 360° panorama from the top of this tower. Not far from there, you will be attracted by the Tower of Ribas which emerges from the shade of two secular cedars. Be curious, the tower houses a remarkable model reproducing the appearance of the city in the Middle Ages, then enclave of the Popes of Avignon.
The tour continues on the RD101 for several kilometres in the direction of Pouzilhac, to reach Saint-Victor-la-Coste. At the first intersection, turn left towards the village.Saint-Victor-la-Coste, a prestigious heritage
Enjoying a unique position in the Tave valley, Saint-Victor-la-Coste can boast a rich heritage. A village with a typically Mediterranean appearance, its heritage, most of which is Romanesque, highlights the history of the area: the church of Saint-Victor, the twin washhouses, the Fountain of Knowledge and the old village are just a few of the must-sees. On its rocky outcrop, you can't miss Le Castellas, a fortified castle dating back to 1125, in ruins, which is now being beautifully restored. In addition to this citadel, the town has the site of Saint-Martin in its heart: the remains of a Romanesque chapel which in its time must have been splendid. All that remains of this magnificence is the square tower of the bell tower and a semi-circular apse. A little away from the village stands the Hermitage of Mayran: a Romanesque chapel in the form of a Latin cross, it is the simplicity of its lines and their harmony as well as its elegant bell tower that make this monument so interesting in the landscape of Saint-Victor-la-Coste.
The route resumes on the RD240 which goes down near the school. Turn right after the nursery on the Route du Claux then the 3rd left, Chemin de Cannes. Continue straight ahead to leave the village by crossing the RD145 (watch out for the stop sign). Then continue on the same road in the countryside. After a few kilometers, cross the RD240 to join a dirt track that you will take until the end. Then turn right twice and join the greenway which will bring you back to Laudun. Attention, on this green way, think of marking the stop at each crossing of RD. An increased vigilance at the level of the crossing with the RD240 is asked to you.
