Beauvallon combines local history with trails that offer different ways to explore the village. The permanent local history trail runs from Place du Marché through the old village to the lake and features eleven panels. Another circular trail, “Papy Emile se souvient,” draws attention to buildings, places and residents. There is also the Véore’s green valley and a weekly market with around 20 food stalls year-round. This means you can explore village history, landscape and the market as different aspects of a stay.
Two Circular Trails, Two Perspectives
The permanent Beauvallon local history trail features eleven panels along its route. It starts at Place du Marché, passes through the old village and ends at the lake. Its starting point, route and destination are all clearly defined: the trail leads from the market square through the old village to the water. If you are looking for a walk with a clearly described route and a focus on local history, this trail offers a practical option.
The “Papy Emile se souvient” circular trail takes a different approach. Its panels help you discover and remember Beauvallon’s buildings, places and residents. When choosing a route, you can therefore consider what interests you more: the set sequence of the local history trail leading to the lake, or the panels that focus on Beauvallon’s buildings, places and residents. Each trail offers its own perspective on the village, and their themes are not identical.
Historical Milestones in the Village
Beauvallon developed around a fortified castle belonging to the Counts of Valentinois. Château de La Vache was largely destroyed by Protestants from 1560 onwards during the Wars of Religion. Beauvallon’s church was built around 1615. These milestones represent different aspects of local history: the village’s development around a castle, the destruction of a château and the construction of the church.
A monument near the lake was erected in 1990. It commemorates the centenary of the renaming of Lavache to Beauvallon, which took place by decree on 12 November 1890. The two years mark different events: 1890 is the year of the renaming decree, while 1990 marks the centenary and the erection of the monument. Along with the historic trails, the monument offers another reason to include the change of the village’s name in your exploration.
The Véore, the Valley and the Étang
The Véore flows through Beauvallon’s lush, green valley before joining the Rhône at Étoile. Alongside the places and buildings featured on the walking routes, the river connects the landscape to the area beyond the village. Another place associated with water is the Étang de Beauvallon: a 2021 map from the fishing association gives its area as 0.6 hectares and permits a maximum of two fishing rods. These details refer to 2021; fishing rules may change. If you plan to fish, please check the regulations in force beforehand.
Weekly Market and Local Produce
The weekly market has around 20 food stalls year-round. There are also stalls selling plants, clothing, shoes and crafts. The selection may vary depending on the date. The market thus offers a different way to experience Beauvallon from the history trails: while the panels focus on buildings, places and residents, the market features a range of product categories. If you are planning a specific purchase, allow for possible changes to the selection and check what will be available on your chosen market day.
Discover more destinations: Albon, Marsaz, Saint-Rambert-D'albon, Bénivay-Ollon, Saint-Vallier, Le Poët-Laval, Anneyron, Portes-Lès-Valence
For the main travel guide: Drôme.
