If you are planning a stay in Villeneuve-de-Berg, it is worth first considering the weekly schedule and the focus you want for your visit: the traditional market takes place on Wednesday mornings, while the town’s architectural history, the Chapelle and two trails offer different reasons to visit. You can choose between a focus on cultural history, a themed trail or a longer circular route.

The Wednesday Market

The traditional weekly market takes place every Wednesday morning on the main street in the town centre. It offers produce from local farmers, livestock breeders and market gardeners. If you are including both a market visit and sightseeing in your travel plans, Wednesday morning gives you a specific time to plan around. Alongside the historic buildings, the market offers its own focus on produce from the surrounding farms.

Bastide, Church and Maison du Roy

The Bastide Royale in Villeneuve-de-Berg was founded in 1284 under a pariage agreement between Philippe III le Hardi and the Abbé de Mazan. Its historic fortifications include walls, corner towers and a fortified gate. The founding agreement and the fortifications offer two perspectives on the bastide: its origins and its historic defensive architecture. Église Saint-Louis was consecrated in 1297. It houses a 17th-century altarpiece, which was designated a Monument historique in 1933. This brings a specific work of art and its later heritage designation into focus alongside the town’s early history. The former Maison du Roy is now the town hall. Prisons beneath the courtroom can be visited. As visitor access may change, it is advisable to confirm the visit in advance.

Chapelle Notre-Dame du Devois

Chapelle Notre-Dame du Devois is also known as Notre-Dame des 7 Douleurs. In July and August, it is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. As opening is seasonal, check the hours again before your visit.

Two Trails, Two Distances

Those interested in walking can choose between two different options. La Forêt des Sens is a 2.1-kilometre equipped interpretive trail. It uses the five senses and features six information panels, a xylophone and a landscape panel to explore the area. The “Voie Royale et crêtes de Berg” circular route is 14.5 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. In comparison, La Forêt des Sens is the shorter route, shaped by sensory and informational features; the circular route is considerably longer and comes with an approximate duration. If you plan to walk the circular route, check current trail conditions before setting out. The “moderate” difficulty rating provides an additional planning guide alongside the estimated duration.

Discover more destinations: Saint Agreve, Berzème, Chandolas, St. Etienne De Boulogne, Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère, Genestelle, Labatie D'andaure, Valvignères

For the overarching travel overview: Ardèche.