The village of Villedieu was in the Middle Ages, a Commandery of the Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem and a Templar stronghold attached to the Commandery of Roaix. Nestling on the edge of the Drôme, this village welcomes you to a rolling landscape of vineyards, olive groves and pine forests.
As soon as you arrive, your eyes will be captivated by the imposing ramparts, standing more than 10 metres high and enveloping the ancient heart of the village.
As you walk along these walls, your steps will naturally lead you to the Place de la Libération and its fountain, which make the very centre of Villedieu a great place to meet and share.
During your walk, let yourself be charmed by the 12th-century belfry, which stands proudly, and by one of the three gates that pierced through the ramparts proudly displays one of the last authentic papal crests still in place in the department, as well as a 16th-century clock.
As you pass through these gates, you enter the old village, where the narrow streets invite you to stroll. Here stands the Romanesque church of Saint-Michel dating from the 12th century. Its 18-metre-high bell tower rises majestically on the site of the medieval castle’s former keep.
As you continue your stroll, discover the Renaissance townhouses with mullioned windows. And don’t forget to look up for the “vierge du sourire” on a nearby house, a Renaissance-style statue of the Virgin adorned with a scallop shell, testament to the talent of ceramic artist Alice Colonieu.
Villedieu belfry in spring
