A bell tower recalls a Romanesque church in Crépol that no longer stands. Together with its chapels, surviving paintings and hiking trails, it offers different ways to explore the history and landscape of the village.
Churches, Chapels and Their History
The Tour du cimetière is the bell tower of the Romanesque church of Saint-Etienne, which was demolished at the end of the 19th century. The lower part of the tower houses the Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste, founded in 1482 by Noble Jean Bastard de Chaste. The same building therefore brings together two historical points of reference: the tower as part of the demolished church and the chapel with its own founding story.
The Tour du cimetière also preserves painted depictions of the Annunciation, the Trinity and the Tree of Jesse. These motifs add a distinct visual programme to the building's history. The tower thus represents not only a former church building, but also brings together architecture, a chapel and religious paintings.
The Chapelle Saint-Roch offers a different perspective. The Romanesque building has a bell tower and has been mentioned in archival records since 1050. Inside the chapel is a polychrome wooden altarpiece with a painted medallion of Saint Roch. The building's style, its mention in archival records and its furnishings each provide a different way to place the site's history in context.
In summer, the Chapelle Saint-Roch hosts concerts, exhibitions and gatherings; the programme may vary. If you would like to plan your visit around an event, check the current summer programme in advance.
As of January 17, 2022, the Tour-Clocher was open daily from January 1 to December 31; a gate protects the entrance. Check the current situation before visiting.
Choose Hikes by Duration and Scenery
The circular route to the Chapelle Saint-Roch is described as a moderately difficult hike covering 11 km and taking around three hours. The distance and approximate duration provide a specific timeframe for planning, although the stated time is only a guide.
A ridge trail passes through the Forêt de Bourdogne and continues towards the Chapelle Saint-Roch, Miribel and Montrigaud. The focus here is on the trail's scenery and the directions given. On a hike through the hills of Crépol, clear conditions may offer views across the entire Herbasse Valley, the Ardèche, the Chartreuse and even Mont Blanc.
The information helps with choosing in different ways: the circular route is described by its distance and approximate walking time, while the hill hike stands out for its far-reaching views in clear conditions. The ridge trail, meanwhile, follows the Forêt de Bourdogne and the directions given. This makes it possible to choose a focus based on either timeframe or scenery, without treating the routes as identical.
Crépol and the Upper Herbasse Valley
Crépol has been the entrance to the upper Herbasse Valley since around the year 1000. Many buildings are made of pebbles and molasse. Together, these features give a concrete sense of the village's location and the materials that shape its appearance.
For a stay, Crépol offers several points of interest: the history of its churches and chapels, the surviving paintings and hikes described in terms of duration, direction and views. Visitors looking to combine culture and scenery can choose which of these interests to prioritise when planning their trip.
Discover more destinations: Allan, Étoile-Sur-Rhône, Comps, Les Pilles, Barnave, Chantemerle-Lès-Grignan, Saint-Pantaléon-Les-Vignes, Ancône.
For the broader travel overview: Drôme.
