In Châteauneuf-Du-Rhône, architectural history and the Rhône come together on a ViaRhôna stage: Le portail de Donzère was built as a fortified southern gate, the vire-vire is a small concrete fishing boat, and stage 15 reaches the town. These themes give the choice of destination a clear focus on cultural history and cycling routes.
Architectural history and fortifications
The Hôtel d'Arlempdes is protected as a Monument historique. Some parts are classified, while other areas of the façades and roofs are listed; the protection measures were issued on 8 September 1988. Another notable building is the Maison d'Arlempde, also known as the Maison des Seigneurs: it was formed by 1539 from three adjoining houses and given a Renaissance façade. It too is classified as a Monument historique. Le portail de Donzère was built at the beginning of the 13th century as the fortified southern gate of the town. The town walls date back to fortifications that enclosed the hills of Montpensier and Sainte-Catherine. Its protected status, Renaissance design and fortification history thus offer different ways to explore the history of the town.
The history of the Rhône: a concrete fishing boat
The Bateau de pêche vire-vire is currently displayed at a picnic area in Châteauneuf-Du-Rhône. Check before your visit in case its location has changed. The small concrete fishing boat was used on the Rhône in the first half of the 20th century. It was made by Cimenteries Lafarge in Cruas, in the Ardèche department; unlike most other boats, it was not made of wood. The river, its period of use and the unusual building material make the vire-vire a special testament to Rhône fishing.
Cycling the ViaRhôna
Stage 15 of the ViaRhôna reaches Châteauneuf-Du-Rhône, follows the Lônes and continues over the bridge towards Viviers. This stage is listed as 31 kilometres on a cycle path and 39 kilometres on a smooth surface. As infrastructure details may change, check the route information again before setting out.
Farm-gate sales and festivals
AOP Picodon is sold directly from the farm at GAEC Chèvrerie les 3 Mûriers. The tourist sales information, updated on 23 October 2025, lists opening days as Monday to Saturday except Wednesday. Confirm before travelling whether sales are available on your preferred day. The Fête médiévale des Bateliers et Saint-Nicolas is also part of the town’s cultural calendar: a report dated 1 December 2023 describes it as a biennial event that had been held for 20 years at the time. The programme for the traditional Fête votive, scheduled for 20 to 23 September 2024, included a performance, a concert, a pétanque competition, fairground attractions and fireworks. These specific programme details relate to those dates.
Discover more destinations: Treschenu-Creyers, Plaisians, Beaumont-Monteux, Chabeuil, La Baume-De-Transit, Charpey, Crest, Tulette.
To the overview of the region: Drôme.
